Flight Training Australia Podcast

Flight Training Australia Podcast

Join me, Trent Robinson, an experienced Head of Operations, flight examiner, and charter pilot with over 30 years of experience, as we delve into the fascinating world of aviation. Based in Darwin, Australia, this podcast is designed for aviators of all levels, from beginners to advanced professionals. While our discussions have an Australian focus, the insights and knowledge shared are applicable to aviators worldwide. Expect a variety of content, including insider tips, discussions on flight training and safety, advice for flight tests, in-depth explorations of aviation theory and regulations and engaging conversations with special guests. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just starting your aviation journey, there's something here for you. Don't miss out on valuable insights and entertaining discussions – subscribe today! Stay connected by reaching out to me via email at info@trentrobinsonaviation.com.au or find me on Instagram and Facebook by searching for Trent Robinson Aviation. Theme music by Audionautix.com

Episodes

August 2, 2026 16 mins

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Pitch Black Open Day Wrap up

Australian Aviation Awards

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Email: info@trentrobinsonaviation.com.au

Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au

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Pilot Logbook
Digital Excel spreadsheet logbook for a one off payment. Podcast listeners get 20% Off!!

Nav & Co

Pilot Nav Bags - Get $10 off using the code FTAPODCAST

Vanda Eyewear

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I often get asked whether self-study is better than attending a classroom course. The answer might surprise you.

After nearly three decades of instructing and examining pilots, I've seen brilliant pilots come from both pathways... and I've also seen some pretty average ones.

The problem usually isn't how you learnt.

It's what happened after you learnt it.

Exercise Pitch Black info video o...

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RAAA Conference wrap up ,Flying in Cairns and Exercise Pitch Black '26, what you can expect and my tips for those visiting to enjoy the exercise.

Exercise Pitch Black website details

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Email: info@trentrobinsonaviation.com.au

Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au

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June 28, 2026 72 mins

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If you’ve ever been to an airshow in Australia lately, chances are you’ve seen this man in action—pushing his Wolf Pitts to its limits, delivering precision aerobatics, displaying pristine warbirds and putting on a show with his team that leaves crowds absolutely speechless.

But behind those displays is a lifetime of work… from the early days of learning to fly...

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June 7, 2026 30 mins

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RAAA Convention

RPL Flight Test Tips and Tricks

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Email: info@trentrobinsonaviation.com.au

Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au

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Pilot Logbook
Digital Excel spreadsheet logbook for a one off payment. Podcast listeners get 20% Off!!

Nav & Co

Pilot Nav Bags - Get $10 off using the code FTAPODCAST

Vanda Eyewear

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Do you have an RPL flight test coming up? Well you're in the right spot. The ground component can be daunting but with some preparation you can sail through with flying colours!!! Next time we will finish it off with the flight component!

RPL Flight Test Report Form

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Email: info@trentrobinsonaviation.com.au

Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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The cost of operating in Australian aviation — whether you’re a student working toward your CPL, a private pilot trying to keep current, or an operator running a training fleet — has risen sharply over the past few years. It’s not one thing. It’s everything, all at once. And for a sector that was already running on tight margins before COVID, the compound...

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Well we did it!! 200 episodes is no mean feat. Thank you to everyone who has helped along the way, joined me on interviews, or just the most important part - you the audience!!! A huge thanks to all my supporters and Patrons, I couldn't do it without you!!

We had to move locations due to the weather so apologies for the noise but I trust you will enjoy the interviews with some great fe...

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  • What’s actually happening in the job market right now
  • The fuel situation — how will it affect GA?
  • And I’ll finish with some highlights from my Airshow trip to NSW

Interview with Phil Unicomb - Click HERE!!

Top End Pilots Group Facebook Page

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Email: info@trentrobinsonaviation.com.au

Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au

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Today on the show I’m delighted to be joined by Aaron Kaplan — a seasoned aviation professional with deep experience in the helicopter sector and industry advocacy. Aaron is currently the Deputy HOO with United Aero Helicopters, where he’s built his career around helicopter flight training and operational excellence.

Check out Aaron's LinkedIn profile here

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Phil’s been flying since 1976. He’s competed in aerobatics since the 80s. He co-founded Action Aerobatics and helped produce around 40 state and national champions.

He formed the Skyaces formation aerobatics team, flown everything from Harvards to jets, served as Chief Pilot and CFI at the Royal Newcastle Aero Club, runs Phil Unicomb Aviation, and in 2025 was awarded the Co...

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Imagine you’ve just lifted off.

You’re passing 200 feet. Everything feels normal.

Then the engine note changes.

Not silence…
not failure…
just a rough, struggling loss of power.

The aircraft is still climbing — but barely.

Do you keep going?

Turn back?

Land ahead?

In the next few seconds, the wrong decision can be fatal.

Today we’re talking about the...

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You might already hold a night VFR rating, be working towards an instrument rating, or be planning to start one soon. And at some point in your training, someone will tell you that once you’re qualified, you’re “allowed” to fly at night.

But today I want to challenge that idea.

Because being allowed to fly at night, and being genuinely ready to fly at night &mdas...

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Every flight instructor has faced the same moment.

You see a student starting to unravel. Directional control is slipping, workload is climbing, and things are heading in the wrong direction. Instinct kicks in — you reach for the controls to “help”.

That moment — the decision to assist rather than decisively take over — sits at the centre of a recent Austra...

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I’ve been asking pilots a simple question: how well did your training actually prepare you for real-world flying?

The answers have been confronting. Not because they’re emotional — but because they’re consistent.

This episode isn’t about naming names. It’s about listening to what students are telling us, identifying the patterns, and asking whether we...

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Today we’re going to break down what CFIT and LOC-I actually mean, why they’re still such a stubborn problem, what the leading causes look like across airlines, helicopters, and general aviation, and how we train to mitigate them — including the tricky bit: risk versus reward in training, and where simulators genuinely move the needle.

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Back in 2023 I spoke with our guests UPRT Australia's Shane Tobin and Jeremy Miller about UPRT training as a whole. Today we are going to talk specifically about stalling and stalling accidents, and the differences from the Day VFR Syllabus and the current Part 61 MOS and instructors understanding.

UPRT Australia Website

Up, Forward, In - Formation book by Jeremy Miller - click ...

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December 7, 2025 29 mins

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I recap my Broome trip, Answer your questions plus an Exercise Pitch Black update for 2026 and your chance to win 1 of 10 free digital logbooks!

GELP vs AELP

Which Pathway is best for you?

Support the show

Email: info@trentrobinsonaviation.com.au

Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au

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Pilot Logbook
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In this episode we’re talking about something a little closer to home: Tropical Cyclone Fina, which has just passed through Darwin Nov 22nd.

Patreon Black Friday sale - 30% off Patreon subscriptions - Code BLACKFRIDAY

Support the show

Email: info@trentrobinsonaviation.com.au

Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au

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Pilot Logbook
Digital...

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Who can certify a logbook?

RPL endorsements

Best tips for CPL hour building

And a few questions about me!

Support the show

Email: info@trentrobinsonaviation.com.au

Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au

Affiliate Links:

Pilot Logbook
Digital Excel spreadsheet logbook for a one off payment. Podcast listeners get 20% Off!!

Nav & Co

Pilot Nav Bags - Get $10 of...

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