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AVI50519

Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)

This course is designed for experienced commercial aeroplane pilots looking to enhance their skills and knowledge and earn their instrumentation and multi-engine class ratings.

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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.

$45,865 - $49,795
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Spread your wings in the aviation industry with this advanced qualification specialising in instrument rating. This course is designed for experienced commercial aeroplane pilots looking to enhance their skills and knowledge and earn their instrumentation and multi-engine class ratings. 

TAFE Queensland has partnered with Airwork Aviation and National Aviation Academy to provide students with technical and non-technical skills to fly a multi-engine aircraft under instrument flight rules. In this course you'll learn how to plan and navigate a flight under instrument flight rules, perform published and non-published instrument departure procedures, operate aircraft using aircraft flight instruments, and perform instrument arrival and standard arrival route procedures. 

This course will allow you to advance your existing aviation skills and will enable you to earn your CASA instrumentation and multi engine class ratings. This will open up a range of career options as a commercial aeroplane pilot working in border surveillance, emergency services, airlines, or corporate charters. 

What can I do?

  • Commercial pilot flight instructor
  • Commercial Pilot - Aeroplane
  • Aviation Manager

Course outcome:

AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)

Learn about our partners

TAFE Queensland has joined forces with a range of industry partners to deliver a range of aviation and aerospace courses throughout Queensland. Learn more >

 

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 Brisbane and Townsville 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 units from the list below. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • 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
  • AVIH0013
    Plan a flight under instrument flight rules
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIH0013
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to plan a flight under instrument flight rules (IFR) in compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Plan a flight under instrument flight rules

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIH0017
    Navigate aircraft under instrument flight rules
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIH0017
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to navigate an aircraft under instrument flight rules (IFR) in compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Navigate aircraft under instrument flight rules

  • 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
  • AVIY0044
    Conduct a 2D instrument approach
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0044
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to conduct a 2D instrument approach in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Conduct a 2D instrument approach

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIY0050
    Perform instrument arrival and standard arrival route procedures
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0050
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform instrument arrival and standard arrival route (STAR) procedures in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Perform instrument arrival and standard arrival route procedures

  • 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

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIY0074
    Perform non-published instrument departure procedures
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0074
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform non-published instrument departure procedures in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Perform non-published instrument departure procedures

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIY0075
    Perform published instrument departure procedures
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0075
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform published instrument departure procedures in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Perform published instrument departure procedures

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIY0076
    Perform visual circling approach
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0076
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform a visual circling approach in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Perform visual circling approach

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIY0081
    Conduct a 2D global navigation satellite system non-precision instrument approach
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0081
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to conduct a 2D instrument approach using global navigation satellite system (GNSS) or non-precision approach (NPA) procedures in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Conduct a 2D global navigation satellite system non-precision instrument approach

Ways to study
  • 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
13 Jan 2025
Minimum of 3 months
Full time 5 days per week
  • Full fee: $49,795

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

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. 

13 Jan 2025
DURATION

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

Minimum of 3 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: $49,795

    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
National Aviation Academy - Townsville
On Campus
10 Mar 2025
Minimum of 3 months
Full time 5 days per week
  • Full fee: $49,795

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

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. 

10 Mar 2025
DURATION

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

Minimum of 3 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: $49,795

    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
03 Feb 2025
Minimum of 5 months
Full time 5 days per week
  • Full fee: $45,865

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

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. 

03 Feb 2025
DURATION

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

Minimum of 5 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: $45,865

    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

Download Brochure

Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) (AVI50519)

Ask a question

Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)

COURSE CODE: AVI50519
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 - $90,497 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 certification and/or flight hour requirements.

Selection criteria

The following is the mandatory entry requirements for enrolment into AVI50519 – Diploma of Instrument Rating-Multi Engine Aeroplane. Prospective students must:

  • 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;
  • hold a CASR part 61 Flight Crew Licence - Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane; and
  • entry to this course will be limited to students who hold a valid CASR part 61 Flight Crew Licence - Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane and show evidence of a Single engine class rating.

Students who have not completed the AVI50219 – Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) will be required to provide evidence of a valid CASR part 61 Flight Crew Licence - Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane, and valid Proficiency Check (IPC) and Flight tests.

Resources required

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

  • a calculator
  • closed in shoes (not safety toe cap)
  • accurate wrist watch

Airwork Aviation only resources:
As part of this program the following resources will be required: 

  • Airwork Aviation will provide a text book for theory 

If you are completing this program in Brisbane, one of the following region-specific charts for practical navigation will be provided:

  • En-Route Chart Low 3 / 4 Covers Sydney to Cairns 
  • Terminal Area Chart 1 / 2 Cover Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast 
  • Departure and Approach Procedures East. 

The Departure & Approach Procedures (DAP) are a compilation of instrument procedure charts for Australia, including aerodrome charts and noise abatement procedures where applicable. The DAP East covers the states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania as well as the ACT.

National Aviation Academy only resources:
If you are completing this program in Townsville, you will be required to use a customised version of the IREX Flight Training book pack for theory training. Please contact National Aviation Academy directly for more information. Additionally you will require the following region-specific charts for practical navigation. (Please note these are included in the IREX Flight Training book pack)

  • Townsville/Cairns Terminal Area Chart (TAC)
  • Townsville /Cairns En-Route Chart (ERC)
  • Departure and Approach Procedures – East (DAPS)
  • Departure and Approach Procedures – West (DAPS)

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.

Airways Aviation only resources:

  • Multi Engine Piston Book 
  • Instrument Flight Guide 2023 Edition 
  • Bob Tait Instrument Rating Study Guide 
  • DAP East Complete includes binder 
  • DAP West Complete includes binder 
  • ERC LOW – Full Set (4 charts) 
  • TAC – Full Set (4 charts)

Important information

This qualification forms some of the requirements for an instrument rating certification by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) as directed by Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 61 Flight crew licensing. People seeking certification should check these requirements with CASA.  Commercial or military pilot entrants to this qualification should check requirements with CASA or Defence Aviation for certification and/or flight hour requirements.

Additional costs
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:

  • IREX -  $208.51

Should extra flying hours be required to achieve the standard Instrument and Multi Engine Class Rating, then additional fees may apply.

Course Duration
Course duration may vary dependent on individual student progression.

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. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees 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