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
200 episodes
Ep 200 - Celebrating 200 episodes at the One Mile Brewery Darwin!!
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 w...
Ep 199 - GA Job Market Update, Fuel Crisis Affects and Airshow Wrap-up!
What’s actually happening in the job market right nowThe fuel situation — how will it affect GA?And I’ll finish with some highlights from my Airshow trip to NSWInterview with Phil Unicomb -
Ep 198 - Interview: Aaron Kaplan - Helicopter Flight Training
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, w...
Ep 197 - Interview: Phil Unicomb - Stall Stick Position
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 Ha...
Ep 196 - Partial Power Loss: The Emergency We Don’t Train For
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...
Ep 195 - Night Flying: Rated, Legal… But Are You Ready?
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....
Ep 194 - Lessons from a $800,000 Flight Training Court Case
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...
Ep 193 - Pilot/Student Feedback on Training Deficiencies
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 episo...
Ep 192 - CFIT vs LOC-I Two Labels, One Outcome: Terrain
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 mitigat...
Ep 191 - Interview: UPRT Australia - Stall Training: What's Changed??
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...
Ep 190 - Mail Bag and Competition Time!
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 AELPWhich Pathway is best for you?
Ep 189 - Tropical Cyclone Fina and Securing Aircraft in Storms
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
Ep 188 - Mailbag - Logbooks, RPL Endorsements, CPL Hour Building
Who can certify a logbook?RPL endorsementsBest tips for CPL hour buildingAnd a few questions about me!
Ep 187 - Engine Failure Training Risk Mitigations
Air North Brasilia accident ATSB ReportE55 Baron accident
Ep 186 - CASA CAR 5 to Part 61 Conversion and Digital Wallets
The CAR 5 licensing system served Australian pilots for decades. But it’s now officially closed. As of 1 September 2025 CASA set this as the end of the simple conversion process. So if you haven’t converted, what now?? Plus I’ll run you ...
Ep 185 - Understanding Scenario Based Training
Too many pilots are being trained to pass a test, not to survive the real world. And that, my friends, is a serious problem.Today we’re talking Scenario-Based Flight Training — what it is, why it matters, and how we can i...
Ep 184 - Corporate Air Federal Court Decision and How it Affects You
In a short but significant ruling, Australia’s High Court has dismissed Corporate Air Charter’s appeal against a Full Federal Court decision confirming that standby duty is considered “work” and must be factored into a pilot’s average we...
Ep 183 - Survival in an Emergency
We discuss and train for inflight emergencies all the time. But have you ever really thought about what you would do in the event of an emergency or crash. landing? Do you have enough food and water? Do you know how to operate an ELT or EPIRB??...
Ep 182 - When to use FCOM's, Checklists and Flows
Today we’re diving into a topic that every pilot, from the brand-new student to the most seasoned airline captain, deals with every single flight: checklists, flows, and memory items. These tools are the backbone of cockpit discipline an...
EP 181 - How to be a Better Pilot
Today we’re talking about something every single one of us can relate to — how to be a better pilot. Whether you’ve just passed your RPL, or you’ve been flying for decades, the truth is: none of us ever really stop learning. And that’s exactly ...
Ep 180 - Top Tips and Tricks for Job Seekers in GA
Today we’re diving into job interviews for general aviation — what operators are really looking for, the top tips to stand out, and the technical questions you’ll need to be ready for and the most common mistakes being made.
Ep 179 - Aviation Summit, Awards night and VJ Day Anniversary at Coomalie Creek Fly-in
Australian Aviation Summit ReviewAviation Aviation Awards for 2025Coomalie Creek VJ Day Anniversary Fly-inCASA Wings awards nominations are now open for 2025...
Ep 178 - Mandatory Radio Calls OCTA and Cadetships: Are They Worth it??
CTAF radio calls – Mandatory vs RecommendedFlight Training Cadetships – are they worth it?Plus a few bits on the side!
Ep 177 - Maintaining VMC in Australian Airspace
In this episode we’re going to talk about something we all learn early in our flight training… but might not always apply as well as we think — and that’s Visual Meteorological Conditions, or VMC.Link to the CASA Airspace structur...
Ep 176 - Understanding Aerodrome Lighting
Whether you’re training at a country airstrip or taxiing out at Sydney International, understanding aerodrome lighting isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. So today, we’re going to break it all down: from the humble pilot-activated lighting at yo...