Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)

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.

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)

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.

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.