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AVI50222

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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STUDY LOCATIONS North Queensland South Australia
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
NEXT INTAKE View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$95,530 - $96,455
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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 has partnerships with Aerostar Aviation in South Australia 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 and Aerostar Aviation. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, our trainers will help you spread your wings in Townsville or Adelaide. 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 and Adelaide 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

Ways to study
Choose your study location

  • 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

  • demo View comparison chart

  • 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

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
National Aviation Academy: Townsville
On Campus
28 Sep 2026
Minimum of 9 months
Full time 5 days per week
  • Full fee: $95,530

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

More Apply
demo

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. 

28 Sep 2026
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Minimum of 9 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 5 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $95,530

    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
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Aerostar Aviation: Parafield
On Campus
07 Sep 2026
12 months
Full time 5 days per week
  • Full fee: $96,455

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

More Apply
demo

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. 

07 Sep 2026
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

12 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 5 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $96,455

    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
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

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 - $96,467 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

Skills check

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology. 

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 4 in English and 4 in Maths.

If you are applying for a VET Student Loan the required levels to meet academic eligibility, as outlined by Commonwealth guidelines, is Level 4 English and Maths.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.


Prerequisite 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 successfully completed Year 12 (or equivalent)(with passes in English and Maths), or achieve the recommended benchmark levels in the Skills check and have relevant work experience or qualifications that indicates likely success of course completion
  • 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
Inherent Requirements
Before deciding if a course is right for you, it's important to make an informed choice and consider the key skills, knowledge, and assessment requirements involved. Review the inherent requirements for this course and reflect on whether any of them might present difficulties for you, and if they align with your abilities and goals. If you feel you may have challenges due to a disability, a health condition, or for any other reason, we encourage you to speak with a regional Education Manager, a student services team member, or the regional AccessAbility Officer to discuss your concerns and confirm if the course is suitable for you.

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.

 

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 
  • Aerodynamics 
  • Aircraft General Knowledge 
  • Meteorology 
  • Navigation 
  • Flight Rules and Air Law 
  • Operations, Performance and Flight Planning 
Please see exam costs on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority website.
 
Should extra flying hours be required to achieve the standard Commercial Pilot Licence, then additional fees may apply.

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

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

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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Next Start : 07 Sep 2026