About Us

behind the scenes at Learning to Fly

About Learning to Fly

At Learning to Fly, our mission is to provide comprehensive guidance and support for pilots at all stages of their aviation journey.

We connect aspiring pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and seasoned veterans with a network of trusted flight instructors across Australia.

Our objective is simple: to help you achieve your aviation goals safely, confidently, and efficiently, no matter your starting point.

Daryl Smart

Founder

Our Founder - Daryl Smart

Daryl Smart, the man behind Learning to Fly, embodies a wealth of knowledge and expertise in aviation. Daryl’s aviation journey mirrors the path many pilots follow, beginning with rigorous study and culminating in a live-in course where he obtained his Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Over his expansive career, Daryl has achieved senior commercial accreditation, an instrument rating, a twin-engine rating, and an instructor rating.

For three years, Daryl dedicated his efforts to being a pilot instructor before transitioning to fly charters. He then joined Coastwatch Australia, starting as a senior pilot and eventually climbing the ranks to Chief Pilot. His experiences have provided him with a well-rounded perspective of the aviation industry, enabling him to anticipate and understand the needs of pilots at all levels.

Why We Started the Network of Trusted Instructors

Recognising the challenges faced by individuals seeking quality aviation training, Daryl sought to create a solution – a network of trusted instructors. Selecting the right flight instructor or training school is a critical step in a pilot’s journey, one that can significantly influence their trajectory.

At Learning to Fly, we firmly believe that quality instruction is essential for safe and successful flying. That’s why we’ve created our trusted network. Every instructor or flight school in our network is meticulously vetted based on size, types of instructor, community feedback and reviews, and supported aircraft. We aim to ensure that every pilot connected through our platform receives the best instruction tailored to their unique needs.

Find the Right Instructor for You

When it comes to learning how to fly, no two journeys are exactly alike. Some are just beginning their aviation journey and seek an instructor who can instill the fundamentals, while others may be experienced pilots looking to acquire a new rating or license. At Learning to Fly, we consider your unique needs and aspirations and connect you with the right instructor or flight school from our trusted network.