Matts Flying – Mackay Flight School
- YPYA - Palmyra
If you've ever dreamed of taking to the skies, Recreational Pilots Academy (RPA) in Murray Bridge offers one of South Australia's most comprehensive and affordable flight training programs. Located just an hour from Adelaide, this established flying school has been turning aviation dreams into reality since 1992, with over 1,200 successful graduates who can proudly say "I flew a plane."
One of the biggest misconceptions about learning to fly is that it's prohibitively expensive. At RPA, flight training is surprisingly accessible:
Trial Instructional Flight: Just $150 for 30 minutes - perfect for discovering if flying is right for you
Dual Training: $295 per hour with a qualified instructor
Solo Flying: $200 per hour once you've earned your wings
When compared to driving lessons or other recreational activities, learning to fly offers exceptional value for an experience that will last a lifetime. Most students find that a single trial flight answers all their questions about whether aviation is their calling.
James Hubbard brings over 15 years of flying experience and a mechanical engineering background to RPA. As Chief Flying Instructor, he holds multiple endorsements including Aerobatics, Formation Flying, and Constant Speed aircraft operations. His passion for aviation education has helped develop more than 15 local instructors, some of whom now operate their own successful flight schools.
James's methodical approach to flight training, combined with his extensive technical knowledge, ensures students receive thorough, safe, and professional instruction from day one.
The RPC is your gateway to recreational flying in Australia. RPA's structured program includes:
Comprehensive dual instruction covering all essential flying skills
Progressive solo training to build confidence
6-8 week Ground Theory Course covering Air Legislation, Radio procedures, Human Factors, and Basic Aeronautical Knowledge
Once you've mastered the basics, RPA offers specialized endorsements:
Passenger Carrying Endorsement - Share the joy of flying with friends and family
Cross Country Navigation - Explore Australia from above
Tail Dragger Training - Master conventional gear aircraft
Advanced Pilot Award (APA) - Enhance your aviation skills
Modern recreational aircraft are incredibly safe when operated by properly trained pilots. RPA maintains an excellent safety record through:
Rigorous Training Standards: Every lesson follows proven training protocols
Regular Aircraft Maintenance: All aircraft undergo strict maintenance schedules
Experienced Instruction: James Hubbard's 15+ years of experience ensures safe, professional training
Controlled Airport Environment: Murray Bridge Airfield provides a safe, controlled environment for learning
The academy also conducts Biennial Flight Reviews (BFRs) and offers conversion training from General Aviation to Recreational Aviation, ensuring all pilots maintain current skills and safety standards.
Located at Hangar 17-18, Murray Bridge Airfield, RPA offers:
Air-conditioned offices and briefing rooms for comfortable ground instruction
Clean, organized facilities that reflect the school's professional approach
Easy access to scenic flying areas including the Murray River region and Adelaide Hills
Convenient location just one hour from Adelaide
The Murray Bridge location provides an ideal learning environment with less congested airspace than major city airports, allowing students to focus on developing their skills without the stress of heavy traffic.
RPA's track record speaks for itself. Originally established as the Adelaide Ultralight Flying School and acquired by James Hubbard in 1997, the academy has:
Trained over 1,200 successful pilots
Developed 15+ qualified flight instructors
Maintained consistent training standards for over 30 years
Built a reputation as one of South Australia's most trusted flight schools
Many graduates describe their first solo flight as one of life's most memorable experiences, and the sense of achievement that comes with earning a pilot certificate is unmatched.
The best way to determine if flying is for you is simple: book a trial instructional flight. For just $150, you'll experience:
Hands-on flying experience with dual controls
Professional instruction from an experienced pilot
Scenic views of the Murray Bridge region
Complete overview of what flight training involves
Whether you discover a new passion or simply want to tick "flew a plane" off your bucket list, a trial flight provides an unforgettable experience and complete clarity about your aviation future.
Don't let another year pass wondering "what if?" The sky is waiting, and with RPA's proven training program, experienced instruction, and affordable rates, there's never been a better time to discover the freedom of flight.
Ready to soar? Contact James Hubbard at Recreational Pilots Academy today and book your trial flight. In just 30 minutes, you'll know if flying is your calling - and you'll have an incredible story to tell for the rest of your life.
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