Gold Coast aviation training set for take-off

The first cohort studying TAFE Queensland's Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) (AVI50219) will take-off in April while learning to navigate the skies out of the Gold Coast Airport.

Eighteen-year-old Jared Giuffrida from Varsity Lakes can’t wait to start his diploma and said he loved the thrill of the take-off and landing.

“Even though I have been DJing on the side, this is my ultimate dream career. I can’t wait to start the hands-on practical side and I’m excited to train from the airport and experience the various weather challenges that come into play with aviation,” he said.

He plans to be a pilot flying domestically or internationally for an airline such as Virgin Australia.

TAFE Queensland General Manager on the Gold Coast Karen Dickinson, said the partnership puts students in a very strong position when they graduate and join the aviation industry.

“TAFE Queensland is proud to deliver the Diploma of Aviation with Airways Aviation to give budding Gold Coast pilots access to world-class flight training,” said Ms Dickinson.

“Undertaking practical flight training at a busy international airport will expose students to every aspect of aviation operations and allow them to put all the components of their qualification into practice,” she said.

TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) (AVI50219) is a full-time, 12-month course giving students the skills and experience to take their career to new heights with a mix of theory and practical hands-on training.

Ms Dickinson said the course provides students with the skills to perform normal and emergency flying techniques while preparing them for a career as a commercial pilot.

“Students are required to complete a minimum 150 hours of practical flying, earning them their commercial pilot licence which opens up a range of career opportunities including rural operations, joy-flights, air transport charter operations and search and rescue,” she said.

Airways Aviation General Manager Helena Tierney, said the new training partnership provides domestic students with a pathway into a career as Commercial Pilot with eligible applicants able to apply for a VET Student Loan for the tuition fees.

“Aviation Airways has been training aspiring pilots for over 30 years and is extremely proud of this partnership which will strengthen our offering to future domestic pilots by providing them with industry and VET qualifications,” said Mrs Tierney.

“With predictions, post COVID, of approximately 250,000 new pilots required between 2020 and 2039 within the Asian Pacific region alone, now is the perfect time to start a career in aviation.”

“Our academy features a purpose-built hangar within an international airport precinct, training rooms, student facilities, and 13 fixed-wing aircraft. Our experienced instructors provide students with world-class training where they learn in a hands-on, industry-based environment,” she said.

Successful completion of the diploma gives graduates the knowledge and practical skills needed for a successful career as a commercial aeroplane pilot in broad range of aviation pathways including air charter, aerial application, tourism, regional airlines, aeromedical, search and rescue, air freight, aerial survey and even defence.

Enrolments are now open with an open day to be held on Saturday 27 February 2021 at Airways Aviation, Bilinga for any prospective students wanting to check out the facility, meet teachers, and ask any questions about the course.