OverviewAbout this course
Take to the skies with TAFE NSW’s innovative commercial pilot licence diploma course. Learn about air law and aircraft operation through comprehensive practical training, undertaken at a partnered flight school. This course is offered as dual diploma consisting of the Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) and the Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating), which are the qualifications required to be a commercial pilot. The total cost for both diplomas is $146,000, with a combined duration of 18 months.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Apply aviation law to your operations
Control an aeroplane on the ground and in the air
Take-off and land safely
Fly at towered and non-towered aerodromes in all types of airspaces
Use radio communications and navigation instruments
Manage fuel, cargo, staff and passengers
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A national accreditation at Diploma level
Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)
Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)
Insight into the industry with possible excursions to a variety of locations
Eligibility to apply for your CASA licence which enables you to work in the industry as a commercial pilot
Completion of a total of 170 flight hours
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
Completion of an online Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment equivalent to a Level 4
A current Class 1 Australian Flight Crew Medical Certificate
An Aviation Reference Number (ARN)
An Aviation Security Identity Card (ASIC)
Completion of a Flight Experience Package with our third-party provider at an additional cost
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
A successful Class 1 medical examination
Meet key flight competency targets throughout the flying program
Successful completion of random drug and alcohol testing requirements
Successful completion of all required external CASA theory examinations
Successful completion of the final CPL Flight Test with an external testing officer
A birth certificate, valid licence or proof of age card as evidence that you are over 18 years of age
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
A foundational understanding of maths and physics
An interest in aviation
Commitment to completing the challenges of the course
The ability to fly and work at heights
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like: commercial airline pilot, flight instructor, commercial pilot for organisations like Royal Flying Doctor Service, commercial pilot for charter businesses and ground theory instructor.
Licensing
This qualification prepares you for CASA testing to be certified as a commercial pilot and to gain your Part 61 Flight crew licence. For more information, please visit the CASA website.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study0 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Further study1 Course
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study0 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) does not have any related courses.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 29 units of competency, including 28 core and 1 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Maintain aircraft radio communicationsAVIE0006
Implement aviation risk management processesAVIF0026
Implement aviation fatigue risk management processesAVIF0027
Implement threat and error management strategiesAVIF0029
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TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
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