AVI50222

Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)

Take your career to new heights and discover an exciting career as a commercial pilot.

Apply now

STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast North Queensland South Australia

WAYS TO STUDY On campus

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 07 Jul 2025 Duration: Minimum of 9 months View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Full Fee

$87,725 - $94,195

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

The sky's the limit with an exciting career in the aviation industry as a qualified commercial aeroplane pilot. TAFE Queensland has partnerships with Airways Aviation at the Gold Coast, Airwork Aviation in Brisbane and National Aviation Academy in North Queensland, they will give you the skills and experience you need to take your career to new heights. Successful completion of this course will allow you to take to the skies as a commercial aeroplane pilot.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as air transport professionals grew very strongly over the past five years. This trend is set to continue with the number of job openings over the next five years expected to exceed 4,000.

In this course you'll learn how to perform normal and emergency commercial pilot duties including passenger, charter, and cargo operations. As a commercial aeroplane pilot you will discover a variety of options to hone your skills and open up a range of career opportunities including rural operations, joy-flights, air transport charter operations, and search and rescue.

Successful completion of this course will give you the knowledge and practical skills required to embark upon an exciting career as a commercial aeroplane pilot.

What can I do?

Commercial Aeroplane Pilot
Aviation Manager

Course outcome:

AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)

Choose where to study

Spend more time flying with professionals from our partners National Aviation Academy, Airwork Aviation and Airways Aviation. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, our trainers will help you spread your wings in Townsville, Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Learn more about our aviation partners>

Comprehensive Flight Training

As our training facilities are located outside of controlled airspace, you'll be able to spend more time flying and less time waiting for air traffic control. Our study locations in Townsville, Brisbane and the Gold Coast will allow you to gain experience in a variety of terrains including coastlines, mountains, open water and city scapes.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 1 elective unit listed below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
AVIE0006

Maintain aircraft radio communications

UNIT CODE :
AVIE0006

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to maintain aircraft radio communications in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Maintain aircraft radio communications

UNIT CODE
AVIF0026

Implement aviation risk management processes

UNIT CODE :
AVIF0026

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to implement aviation risk management processes in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Implement aviation risk management processes

UNIT CODE
AVIF0027

Implement aviation fatigue risk management processes

UNIT CODE :
AVIF0027

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to implement aviation fatigue risk management processes in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Implement aviation fatigue risk management processes

UNIT CODE
AVIF0029

Implement threat and error management strategies

UNIT CODE :
AVIF0029

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to implement threat and error management (TEM) strategies in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Implement threat and error management strategies

UNIT CODE
AVIF0030

Manage safe flight operations

UNIT CODE :
AVIF0030

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage safe flight operations in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Manage safe flight operations

UNIT CODE
AVIF0033

Manage aircraft passengers and cargo

UNIT CODE :
AVIF0033

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage aircraft passengers and cargo in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Manage aircraft passengers and cargo

UNIT CODE
AVIF0035

Manage human factors in aviation operations

UNIT CODE :
AVIF0035

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage human factors in aviation operations in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Manage human factors in aviation operations

UNIT CODE
AVIH0010

Plan a flight under visual flight rules

UNIT CODE :
AVIH0010

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to plan a flight under visual flight rules (VFR) in compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Plan a flight under visual flight rules

UNIT CODE
AVIH0014

Navigate aircraft under visual flight rules

UNIT CODE :
AVIH0014

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to navigate an aircraft under visual flight rules (VFR) in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Navigate aircraft under visual flight rules

UNIT CODE
AVILIC0003

Licence to operate a commercial aeroplane

UNIT CODE :
AVILIC0003

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to obtain a commercial pilot licence (aeroplane) in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Licence to operate a commercial aeroplane

UNIT CODE
AVIO0017

Manage disruptive behaviour and unlawful interference with aviation

UNIT CODE :
AVIO0017

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage disruptive behaviour and unlawful interference with aviation in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Manage disruptive behaviour and unlawful interference with aviation

UNIT CODE
AVIW0029

Manage pre- and post-flight actions

UNIT CODE :
AVIW0029

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage pre- and post-flight actions in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Manage pre- and post-flight actions

UNIT CODE
AVIW0032

Operate and manage aircraft systems

UNIT CODE :
AVIW0032

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate and manage aircraft systems in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Operate and manage aircraft systems

UNIT CODE
AVIY0033

Operate aircraft using aircraft flight instruments

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0033

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate aircraft using aircraft flight instruments in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Operate aircraft using aircraft flight instruments

UNIT CODE
AVIY0034

Operate in controlled airspace

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0034

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate in controlled airspace in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Operate in controlled airspace

UNIT CODE
AVIY0035

Operate in Class G airspace

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0035

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate in Class G airspace in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Operate in Class G airspace

UNIT CODE
AVIY0036

Operate at non-towered aerodromes

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0036

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate at non-towered aerodromes in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Operate at non-towered aerodromes

UNIT CODE
AVIY0037

Operate at a controlled aerodrome

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0037

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate at a controlled aerodrome in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Operate at a controlled aerodrome

UNIT CODE
AVIY0040

Apply aeronautical knowledge to aviation operations

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0040

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply aeronautical knowledge to aviation operations in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Apply aeronautical knowledge to aviation operations

UNIT CODE
AVIY0041

Apply the principles of civil air law to aviation operations

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0041

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply the principles of civil air law to aviation operations in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Apply the principles of civil air law to aviation operations

UNIT CODE
AVIY0047

Manage abnormal aeroplane flight situations

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0047

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage abnormal aeroplane flight situations in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Manage abnormal aeroplane flight situations

UNIT CODE
AVIY0054

Control aeroplane on the ground

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0054

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to control an aeroplane on the ground in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Control aeroplane on the ground

UNIT CODE
AVIY0055

Take off aeroplane

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0055

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to take off in an aeroplane in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Take off aeroplane

UNIT CODE
AVIY0056

Control aeroplane in normal flight

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0056

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to control an aeroplane in normal flight in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Control aeroplane in normal flight

UNIT CODE
AVIY0057

Land aeroplane

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0057

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to land an aeroplane in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Land aeroplane

UNIT CODE
AVIY0058

Manage aircraft fuel

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0058

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage aircraft fuel in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Manage aircraft fuel

UNIT CODE
AVIY0083

Execute advanced aeroplane manoeuvres and procedures

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0083

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to execute advanced aeroplane manoeuvres and procedures in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Execute advanced aeroplane manoeuvres and procedures

UNIT CODE
AVIZ0006

Manage situational awareness in aircraft flight

UNIT CODE :
AVIZ0006

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage situational awareness in aircraft flight in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Manage situational awareness in aircraft flight

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
AVIY0073

Operate aircraft in the traffic pattern at night

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0073

Unit description :
This unit involves the application of skills and knowledge required to operate an aircraft in the traffic pattern at night in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Operate aircraft in the traffic pattern at night

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Airwork - Caboolture	On Campus	07 Jul 2025	Minimum of 9 months	Full time 5 days per week	Full fee: $87,725 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Airwork - Caboolture On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 07 Jul 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Minimum of 9 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 5 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $87,725 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Airwork - Archerfield	On Campus	22 Sep 2025	Minimum of 9 months	Full time 5 days per week	Full fee: $87,725 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Airwork - Archerfield On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 22 Sep 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Minimum of 9 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 5 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $87,725 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Airways Aviation - Coolangatta	On Campus	07 Jul 2025	Minimum of 12 months	Full time 5 days per week	Full fee: $91,005 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Airways Aviation - Coolangatta On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 07 Jul 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Minimum of 12 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 5 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $91,005 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Airways Aviation - Coolangatta	On Campus	01 Sep 2025	Minimum of 12 months	Full time 5 days per week	Full fee: $91,005 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Airways Aviation - Coolangatta On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 01 Sep 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Minimum of 12 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 5 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $91,005 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
National Aviation Academy - Townsville	On Campus	07 Jul 2025	Minimum of 9 months	Full time 5 days per week	Full fee: $93,525 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
National Aviation Academy - Townsville On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 07 Jul 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Minimum of 9 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 5 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $93,525 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
National Aviation Academy - Townsville	On Campus	29 Sep 2025	Minimum of 9 months	Full time 5 days per week	Full fee: $93,525 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
National Aviation Academy - Townsville On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 29 Sep 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Minimum of 9 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 5 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $93,525 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Aerostar Aviation - Parafield	On Campus	08 Sep 2025	Minimum of 11 months	Full time 5 days per week	Full fee: $94,195 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Aerostar Aviation - Parafield On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 08 Sep 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Minimum of 11 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 5 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $94,195 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

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Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) (AVI50222)

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Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)

COURSE CODE: AVI50222

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

VET Student Loan - $94,207 cap

The VET Student Loans program assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees. The Australian Government charges full fee-paying (non-subsidised) students a 20 per cent loan fee in addition to their tuition fees. A VET Student Loan is a debt that must be repaid.

Learn more

Entry requirements

Commercial or military pilot entrants to this qualification should check requirements with CASA or Defence Aviation for specific pilot entry standards.

Selection criteria

The following is the mandatory entry requirements for enrolment in the Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane). Prospective students must:

be a minimum of 18 years of age prior to the completion of the course to enrol in the qualification
Have completed Year 12 (or equivalent)(with passes in English and Maths) plus completion of the Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) with a minimum result of exit level three (working at level four), or for person who has not completed year 12, have relevant work experience or qualifications that indicates likely success of course completion plus completion of the Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) with a minimum result of exit level three (working at level four)
be in possession of, or in the process of applying for a current Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) for flight crew
have an Aviation Reference Number (ARN)
produce evidence of a current Aviation Class 1 Medical
be eligible to obtain English language proficiency to meet the minimum requirements set by CASA
be physically and mentally capable of flying an aircraft and responding to a number of challenging situations
(where applicable) ASL English Language Proficiency to a Level 6
Be able to purchase the required student resources

Resources required

North Queensland only
As part of this program the following resources will be required:

A calculator
Closed in shoes (not safety toe cap)
Accurate wrist watch
National Aviation Academy uses a customised version of the Advanced Flight Training CPL book back for theory training. Please contact National Aviation Academy directly for more information.

If you are completing this program in Townsville, you will also require the following region-specific charts for practical navigation:

Townsville/Cairns Visual Terminal Chart (VTC)
Townsville /Cairns Visual Navigation Chart (VNC)
Townsville, Clermont and Cloncurry World Aeronautical Charts (WAC)

Your instructor will let you know when these need to be purchased. Charts can be purchased at the school, or online from Aviation suppliers for approximately $12 each.

Due to wear and tear, you may need to purchase more than one copy of each chart during your training.

Gold Coast only
Course fees include:

150 hours of flight training
Theory training
Flight pre and post briefings
Initial CASA exam fee (7 CPL theory exams)
Initial Flight test fees, excluding testing officer (approx. $900)
Navigational equipment
Local navigational charts
Resources listed below (Pack A and B)

Resources
Pack A - Provided at Orientation

2x Airways Aviation Polo Shirts
1x Airways Aviation Hat
1x AIP Complete Includes Binder
1x ASA E6B Circular Computer
1x Bob Tait RPL/PPL Study Guide Volume 2
1x Bob Tait RPL/PPL Study Guide Volume 1
1x ERSA Spiral Bound with RDS
1x FlightRule Scale Rule 120mm
1x FlightRule Navigation Protractor
4x Chart Lamination Service (per chart)
1x Planning Chart Australia
1x CASA Visual Flight Rules Guide (VFRG) 2023 Edition
1x CASA Plain English Guide – Part 91 General Operating & Flight Rules February 2024 Edition
1x World Aeronautical Chart – Townsville
1x World Aeronautical Chart – Bourke
1x World Aeronautical Chart – Sydney

Pack B - Provided after 1st census date has passed

Additional resources
The following items are required for the course and are not included in your tuition fees:

Black pants
Calculator
Black closed in shoes (not steel caps)
Accurate wristwatch
Headset (recommended Bose 20) – recommendation to purchase after your 1st census date, as you will receive $100 off the price on your ‘point system’ that is set up with Flight Store at Ormeau

Adelaide only
Tuition fees do not include the below items required for this course:

Aviation class 1 Medical
Aviation Security ID Card (ASIC)
Closed in shoes (not safety toe cap)
Personal headset and equipment
Textbooks, charts and maps
CASA examination fees - prices vary depending on examination; please contact CASA for more information.

Important information

Please be aware that additional costs may be incurred for any unsuccessful examinations undertaken with The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

TAFE Queensland will invoice the student the cost of re-examination as per the following:

Human Factors $169.34
Aerodynamics $169.34
Aircraft General Knowledge $169.34
Meteorology $169.34
Navigation $182.38
Flight Rules and Air Law $182.38
Operations, Performance and Flight Planning $195.45

Should extra flying hours be required to achieve the standard Commercial Pilot Licence, then additional fees may apply.

Gold Coast only

Students are responsible for the cost of the CASA issued pilot licence (PPL and CPL $140)
Additional costs will be incurred for any unsuccessful examinations undertaken with The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
CASA Class One Medical (approximately $1,000)
Human Factors $157.09
Aerodynamics $157.09
Aircraft General Knowledge $157.09
Meteorology $157.09
Navigation $168.61
Flight Rules and Air Law $168.61
Operations, Performance and Flight Planning $180.13
Legal Documents (approximately $120.00 + GST)

Should extra flying hours be required to achieve the standard Commercial Pilot Licence, additional fees apply between $400 - $600 per hour payable directly to Airways Aviation.

Academic progression
All TAFE Queensland students have a responsibility to meet the requirements for academic progression and completion for their program of study. You can review our procedure, including your responsibilities, here.

For students studying aviation courses, academic progression can be characterised by maintaining satisfactory progress in the following areas:

Timely submission of Class 1 medical;
Prompt application for an Aviation Security Identification Card;
Consistent ground school attendance;
Timely and successful completion of CASA theory exams;
Regular participation in flight school with associated increase in skill level.

As a TAFE Queensland aviation student, you can expect to be provided timely and constructive feedback throughout your studies regarding your academic progress.

Aviation courses require students to successfully pass theory and practical competencies to meet industry standards. Failure to successfully progress through your aviation studies in a satisfactory manner may result in the cancellation of your enrolment, or the requirement to privately fund additional flight hours not covered in your course fees or by VET Student Loan. The additional flight hours may cost up to $1200 per hour, depending on aircraft type.

Cancellation of your enrolment by TAFE Queensland for failure to progress in a satisfactory manner does not entitle you to a refund of fees incurred prior to the cancellation date.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Apply through QTAC

You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland. Visit the QTAC website for campus locations.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

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Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)

Course overview

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Course outcome:

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Comprehensive Flight Training

Core units

Elective units

Airwork - Caboolture

Airwork - Archerfield

Airways Aviation - Coolangatta

Airways Aviation - Coolangatta

National Aviation Academy - Townsville

National Aviation Academy - Townsville

Aerostar Aviation - Parafield

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Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

VET Student Loan - $94,207 cap

Entry requirements

Selection criteria

Resources required

Important information

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Apply through QTAC

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter)

Careers