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
As part of this program Airways Aviation will provide the following items:
- Logbook
- E6B Flight Computer
- Scale Ruler
- Navigation Protractor (square)
- VTC: Brisbane/Oakey
- WAC: Brisbane
- Bob Tait CPL Theory Books (7)
- CAR
- VTC: Hobart/Launceston
- AA White Pilot Student Shirt (2)
- Epaulettes (1)
- AA Hat
- Hi Vis Vest
The above items are included in tuition fees.
Gold Coast Only
Tuition fees do not include the below items required for this course:
- ERSA spiral bound with RDS (approximately $45 each)
- VNC: Brisbane/Sydney (approximately $14 each)
- Bob Tait RPL/PPL Textbook Volume 1 and Volume 2 (approximately $123 each)
- ATC Flight radio for pilots (approximately $47 each)
- ATC Flight Training Manual (approximately $104 each)
- ATC Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (approximately $104 each)
- CASA Visual Flight Rules Guide (approximately $34.95)
- VTC: Gold Coast/Brisbane/Sunshine Coast (approximately $14 each)
- AIP (approximately $216 each)
- CAO (approximately $116 each)
- PCA (approximately $14 each)
- WAC: Sydney, Townsville, Bourke (approximately $14 each)
- 2 x Polo shirt (approximately $44 each)
- Airways Aviation black jacket (approximately $95)
- Black pants
- Calculator
- Black closed in shoes (not safety toe cap)
- Accurate wristwatch
- Flight bag
- Headset (recommended Bose 20)
- ASIC (approximately $223)
- CASA Class One Medical (approximately $700)
- CASA issued pilot licence (PPL and CPL $140)
- ASL English Language Proficiency (Level 6) Exam (approximately $147.20)
Please note that these third-party costs are subject to change.
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.
Need to know
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 $155.90
- Aerodynamics $155.90
- Aircraft General Knowledge $155.90
- Meteorology $155.90
- Navigation $168.20
- Flight Rules and Air Law $168.20
- Operations, Performance and Flight Planning $178.60
Should extra flying hours be required to achieve the standard Commercial Pilot Licence, then additional fees may apply.
Gold Coast only
Third Party (ASIC or CASA) expenses required to be paid directly by the student include:
- ASIC (approximately $223)
- CASA Class One Medical (approximately $1,000)
- CASA issued pilot licence (PPL and CPL $140)
- CASA PPL test fee ($871)
- CASA CPL test fee ($1,089)
- CASA Flight test 3 hours ($1,230)
Please note that these third party costs are subject to change.