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AVI50219

Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)

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

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Download Course Brochure
TIME up to 9 months per year / Full Time NEXT START DATE 04 Jul 2022
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast North Queensland South Australia
WAYS TO STUDY On Campus
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Full Fee
$78,970 - $90,000
Eligibility Calculator
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Course overview

The sky's the limit with an exciting career in the aviation industry as a qualified commercial aeroplane pilot. TAFE Queensland, in partnership with Townsville Flight Training, Airwork Aviation and Airways Aviation, 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:

AVI50219 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)

Choose where to study

Spend more time flying with professionals from our partners Townsville Flight Training, 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. 

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
  • AVIY0046
    Execute advanced aeroplane manoeuvres and procedures
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0046
    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
  • 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
  • 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

Ways to study
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CAMPUS START DATES DURATION WORKLOAD STUDY MODE WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Archerfield
04 Jul 2022
38 weeks
Full time 5 days per week
Classroom
  • Full fee: $80,390
Apply
CAMPUS START DATES DURATION WORKLOAD STUDY MODE WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Coolangatta
08 Aug 2022
52 weeks
Full time 5 days per week
Classroom
  • Full fee: $88,000
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CAMPUS START DATES DURATION WORKLOAD STUDY MODE WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Townsville Flight Training
04 Jul 2022
up to 9 months per year
Full time 5 days per week
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Classroom
  • Full fee: $78,970
Apply
Townsville Flight Training
26 Sep 2022
up to 9 months per year
Full time 5 days per week
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Classroom
  • Full fee: $78,970
Apply
CAMPUS START DATES DURATION WORKLOAD STUDY MODE WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Aerostar Aviation - Parafield
04 Jul 2022
50 weeks
Full time 5 days per week
Classroom
  • Full fee: $90,000
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) (AVI50219)

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Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)

COURSE CODE: AVI50219
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 - $81,111 cap

This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.

Learn more
Important Information

Read this before applying.

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

As part of the selection criteria for this program you must be able to:

  • Have obtained, and produced evidence of a current Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) for flight crew by the students first census date.
  • Have an Aviation Reference Number (ARN).
  • Have obtained, and produced evidence of a current Aviation Class 1 Medical by your first census date.
  • Be able to demonstrate English language proficiency with Townsville Helicopters to meet the minimum requirements set by CASA.

Participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age prior to the completion of the course to enrol in the qualification.

Resources Required

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

  • A calculator
  • Closed in shoes (not steel capped)
  • Accurate wrist watch
  • Townsville Flight Training uses a customised version of the Advanced Flight Training CPL book back for theory training. Please contact Townsville Flight Training 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 steel caps)
  • 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 (no steel caps)
  • 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 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.

 

Replacement qualification

This qualification has been replaced by AVI50222 - Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane), as of 26 April 2022. A transition period applies to enable current students to complete their study. The transition period finishes on 25 April 2023. If required, enrolments will be transitioned into the replacement qualification.

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

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • Federation University
  • University of Southern Queensland

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. 

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