Diploma of Aviation
(Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane)

Course Details

Introduction

Flight One Academy has the privilege of being both a CASA certified Flight Training Organisation and a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This combined certification allows us to deliver theory and practical training and assessments toward Australian Pilot Licences through a formal diploma and offer VET Student Loans as a payment option.

Training is conducted at Archerfield Airport in Brisbane, Australia, via face to face classroom learning by experienced aviation trainers utilising authentic training equipment and aircraft to supplement self-guided online theory training. The programme is usually delivered as a single engine qualification, but multi-engine training is available through our Diploma of Aviation (MEAIR).

As part of a broader aviation group that includes VIP and business chartering, airport FBO services and CASA approved aircraft maintenance and repair operations, we are able to offer genuinely industry driven, innovative programmes with integrated theory and practical training to ensure that you are job ready upon graduation. Please visit About Us to learn more about our Academy and the wider Tisdall Aviation Group.

The course is open to students with no industry experience and is delivered face to face on campus supported by online learning facilities and airborne activities where relevant. We will help you build the skills and experience to ignite a lifelong career in aviation, and help you to progress through to a dream role – whether your dream is in charter, freight, general aviation or flying with a domestic or international airline.

Standard 16 Months or Extended 24 Months – You Get To Choose.

The 24 month programme is optimised for flexibility and allows more generously for unexpected weather conditions and personal schedule availability.

The  16 month programme is more intensive and trainees should expect to be undertaking 2 to 4 training sessions / flights per week at a regular pace to ensure completion within the allowed time frame. The fee is the same and in both cases and training combines flexible flight training scheduling together with online / self paced theory learning for maximum convenience.

About Commercial Piloting

Commercial pilots carry out the safety critical activity of flight for reward in support of a wide range of clients. The vast array of activities undertaken include charter, aeromedical, passenger transport, photography and survey work.

Commercial pilots learn to utilise sophisticated electrical components of aircraft such as on board computers, radio and GPS / GNSS equipment.

The demand for qualified Pilots is an international trend, and the Commercial Pilot is well placed to pursue career paths in general aviation, regular passenger (airline) transport and specialised operational roles.

Outcomes

Our CPL programme is designed around the concept of licence readiness – providing each graduate with the CASA theory and associated examinations necessary to achieve a licence outcome.

The course includes formal theory training aligned to the knowledge requirements within the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, and assessments that are delivered under Flight One’s CASA Part 141 Flight Training Organisation Approval Certificate. When combined with our extensive practical training, this structure empowers our graduates and prepares them to seize career opportunities as they arise.

To be eligible to apply for a CASA Pilot Licence, graduates must also meet CASA’s stipulated requirements including exams and flight tests conducted by CASA appointed testing officers.

The expected outcomes of this course, subject to demonstrated competencies and other CASA requirements, are:

• Recreational Pilot Licence
• Private Pilot Licence
• Commercial Pilot Licence
• Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane)
• Training & Assessment Arrangements

Training is conducted online and at Archerfield Airport in Brisbane, Australia, via face to face classroom training by experienced flight instructors utilising an extensive training fleet and simulators.

Assessments for this programme are conducted and invigilated in accordance with the requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Assessments may include, but are not limited to, multiple choice, short answer, short essays, group work under observation and practical aviation assessments (flight tests).

Recognition For Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants with well documented previous training and/or experience may be eligible for Recognition for Prior Learning toward Units of Competency included in this qualification. Please advise at the time of application if you are seeking RPL.

Delivery Mode

To achieve a higher level of flexibility for our trainees, this course is mixed mode and is delivered through a combination of:

• self-guided study of the theoretical principles that underpin aeroplane flight and the Commercial Pilot Licence using online training resources
• instructor-lead briefings one-on-one, or in small groups, to reinforce, check and approve theory knowledge
• self guided and instructor-lead flight planning
• instructor-lead flying lessons to achieve practical competencies
• flight tests and theory exams carried out by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Flight lessons will be scheduled at a sufficient pace to remain within the study periods and must be attended once booked. Fast tracking is permitted but must be approved by the Chief Flight Instructor and the Head of School and are dependent upon trainee aptitude and progress as well as availability of resources and instructors.

Students undertaking this course are expected to wear the college uniform provided.

Syllabus Overview

The Commercial Pilot Licence course syllabus is made up of 9 phases, each covering specific piloting skills and theoretical principles. The first three phases, RPL1, 2 and 3 cover the Recreational Pilot Licence and the fourth phase, PPL1 finalises the Private Pilot licence.

A PPL exam and flight test will be administered so trainees are eligible to gain their Australian Private Pilot Licence. The following five phases, CPL1 – 5, step through the advanced training required for the Commercial Pilot Licence. The following five phases, CPL1 – 5, step through the advanced training required for the Australian Commercial Pilot Licence.

1. RPL1 – Recreational Pilot Licence Phase 1
2. RPL2 – Recreational Pilot Licence Phase 2
3. RPL3 – Recreational Pilot Licence Phase 3
4. PPL1 – Private Pilot Licence Phase 1
5. CPL1 – Commercial Pilot Licence Phase 1
6. CPL2 – Commercial Pilot Licence Phase 2
7. CPL3 – Commercial Pilot Licence Phase 3
8. CPL4 – Commercial Pilot Licence Phase 4
9. CPL5 – Commercial Pilot Licence Phase 5

There are seven key theory subjects within the CPL, each with a corresponding exam administered and regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The theory subjects covered in the course, and their CASA exam codes are:

• CPL Human Factors (CHUF)
• CPL Aircraft General Knowledge (CSYA)
• CPL Aeroplane Aerodynamics (CADA)
• CPL Meteorology (CMET)
• CPL Navigation (CNAV)
• CPL Operation, Performance and Flight Planning (CFPA)
• CPL Flight Rules & Air Law (CLWA)

In the formal Diploma course, trainees undertake their theory training for the seven CPL subjects through the context of the Diploma of Aviation’s vocational Units of Competency. Each phase commences the knowledge building for a set of units of competency and at the conclusion of the course, successfully gaining the CPL confirms the practical competencies for each unit. This results in a dual award arrangement whereby trainees will receive certification from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for the seven CASA subjects (and licences) and additionally, a Statement of Attainment for the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) nationally recognised vocational Units of Competency.

Diploma of Aviation (CPL) Tuition Fee Information (2023)

• Full Tuition Fee for this qualification: $90,560
• Tuition fees payable in instalments
• VET Student Loans is approved for this course
• Additional (Non-Tuition) Fees apply. Details below
• All amounts are in Australian Dollars

Domestic Student Tuition Fees – VET Student Loans (VSL)

• Total Gap Fee payable for tuition fees for this qualification is: $9,450
• The Gap Fee is payable in equal instalments throughout the course as detailed on the course page and Letter of Offer
• Maximum Loan Cover for this qualification: $81,110
• VSL Indexed Loan Cap for this qualification: $81,111

This course is approved for the Commonwealth Government VET Student Loan scheme with no out of pocket “gap” fee to pay. There are, however, some expenses you will need to pay yourself as some items can not be covered by a VET Student Loan. Details below.

VET Student Loan availability is subject to eligibility requirements and creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth. Please see the Tuition Fee VSL Schedules below and visit our VSL Information page for guidance and instructions if you are planning to use VET Student Loans to assist with the payment of your tuition fees. You can also view the relevant policies on our Policies & Procedures page.

VSL payment schedules for each intake are published prior to commencement and can be viewed below.

Domestic Student Tuition Fees – Self Funded

If you do not wish to, or are not eligible to use VSL to pay your tuition fees, you are welcome to pay the Full Tuition Fee for this qualification directly (self-funding) on an instalment schedule. If you are eligible for VET Student Loans, you can also mix the use of VSL and self funded payments.

Additional (Non-Tuition) and Other Fees

There are costs associated with this qualification that are not included in the tuition fees (and therefore, in accordance with ASQA regulations, are not eligible for VET Student Loans cover). It is important to be financially prepared for these costs to reduce the likelihood of disruptions to your training.

Material fees cover various training materials required throughout the course. Payment of material fees is mandatory and can only be adjusted with permission from a senior Flight Instructor. Enrolment is not confirmed until the material fee payment due at acceptance has been paid. Material costs MAY CHANGE and various items may need to be added, replaced and/or updated as you move through the course. We provide as much guidance as practicable in relation to non-tuition fees but ultimately it is the trainees responsibility to ensure that all stipulated materials are acquired and made available for training in a timely manner.

• CPL Material Fee ($2,000 approx): The invoice for the CPL material fee is usually attached to the Letter of Offer and is payable upon acceptance of the offer. This fee includes items such as:

• • Pilot Briefcase and stationery,
  • Branded pilot uniform shirts
  • Textbooks, flight documents and charts
  • Tools and equipment required for flight planning and navigation
  • Third party pilot aptitude placement assessment

• Pilot Headset: As soon as practicable, pilot trainees will need to purchase, from their preferred supplier, a pilot headset of their choice, preferably in the range of $600 (good quality) to $1,650 (premium quality). Our instructors will assist you to determine the most suitable headset to meet your needs and budget.
• Aviation Medical Examinations: Students commencing this qualification are required to undertake medical examinations specified and regulated by the Australian Civil Aviation Authority (CASA). Medical examinations are arranged by the student at the student’s expense. Students are required to FINALISE and hold their Class 1 medical documentation from CASA by commencement day. Students who have not received their medical will be asked to move to the next intake. Further information will be provided in the formal Letter of Offer. We also recommend that you consult CASA’s website here: www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/aviation-medicals/medical-certificates/classes-medical-certificate. CASA Designated Aviation Medical Examiners can be located here: www.casa.gov.au/content-search/medical-and-eye-examiners. Medical examination and associated fees are not included in the tuition fees (and are therefore not covered by VET Student Loans).
• Aviation Security ID Card (ASIC): All students will be required to successfully apply for an ASIC costing approximately $230. This is done through a third party and assistance will be provided during the onboarding stage prior to commencement.
• Remedial Flights: Flight lessons that need to be repeated as a result of a competency not being achieved are called Remedial Flights. Trainees should expect that from time to time, remedial flights may be necessary, or may wish to voluntarily repeat a flight. Fees associated with remedial flights will need to be paid at the time of booking and can not be covered by VET Student Loans. The cost of remedial flights depend on the nature and length of the repeated lesson and can range from $480 to over $2,000 each. It is therefore essential that trainees have some savings or credit set aside for remedial flights to avoid the possibility of training being suspended.
• Exams: Additional or repeated exams are not included in the tuition fees (and are therefore not covered by VET Student Loans).
• Flight Training Cancellation Fee: Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled session leave either an aircraft, an instructor, or both subsequently idle. This results in a delay to your own training and disadvantages our other clients who may have usefully utilised that instructor’s/aircraft’s availability. Should you have to cancel a Briefing, Flight or Simulator session please do so with no less than 24 hours notice prior to the session, otherwise a Cancellation Fee may be charged. The cancellation fee is currently $132.
• Options / Upgrades: Pilot trainees who request additional optional flights and/or aircraft upgrades will incur additional fees that are not included in the tuition fees (and are therefore not covered by VET Student Loans).

2023 VSL Schedules

Future Intakes

We will publish schedules for further intakes as they become available, as we are awaiting additional aircraft and don’t want to become over committed in the event of logistics or supply chain issues.

Archived / Customised Schedules

Intake: 17 JAN 2022

AVI50219 – Diploma of Aviation (CPL-A) 16 Month (SHORT)

AVI50219 – Diploma of Aviation (CPL-A) 24 Month (LONG)

Intake: 04 APR 2022

AVI50219 – Diploma of Aviation (CPL-A) 16 Month (SHORT)

AVI50219 – Diploma of Aviation (CPL-A) 24 Month (LONG)

Intake: 04 JUL 2022

AVI50219 – Diploma of Aviation (CPL-A) 16 Month (SHORT)

AVI50219 – Diploma of Aviation (CPL-A) 24 Month (LONG)

Intake: 04 OCT 2022

AVI50219 – Diploma of Aviation (CPL-A) 16 Month (SHORT)

AVI50219 – Diploma of Aviation (CPL-A) 24 Month (LONG)

You can view / download older archived and customised VSL schedules below.

• 29 NOV 2021 CPL-CUSTOM

• 21 NOV 2021 CPL-CUSTOM

• 15 NOV 2021 CPL-24

• 15 NOV 2021 CPL-16

Academic Criteria

• Australian Year 12 (Senior High School) Certificate of Education; or
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) diploma; or
• successful completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework certificate IV or higher qualification (where the language of instruction is English), or at a level in a framework that preceded the AQF that is equivalent to level 4 or above in the AQF or;   that has been assessed by a Federal, State or Territory government agency which assesses overseas qualifications (or an organisation contracted by such an agency to undertake such assessments) as equivalent or comparable to a qualification referred to in the VET Student Loans Rules; and the course for the qualification was delivered in English.
• If you cannot provide the above documents, you will be required to display competence at Exit Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework in both reading and numeracy. We will assess your competence using the Australian Government approved assessment tool — LLN Robot, or other approved tool of our choice.

CASA English Language Criteria

CASA has requirements for the minimum standards of English language. Trainees will undergo testing to gain CASA certification (at a minimum of level 4) of their aviation English standard.

CASA Medical Criteria for Licencing

A valid Class 1 medical certificate is a course commencement requirement. This medical certificate must remain valid for the duration of the course and is the responsibility of the student to maintain. Students who have not received their Class 1 Certificate from CASA by the commencement date will not be able to commence and will be deferred to the next available intake.

Details and further information are available from CASA – https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/aviation-medicals/medical-certificates.

Aviation Security Clearance

Candidates will need to be eligible to apply for an Aviation Security ID Card (ASIC). This includes police clearance by way of a background criminal check that can include:

• National police check
• Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission criminal assessment
• Australian Security Intelligence Organisation national security assessment
• Department of Home Affairs Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system check

If you have significant criminal history, you may not be eligible to hold an ASIC.

ASIC applications require support for operational needs. This is provided to you by us after your successful enrolment along with instructions for lodging an ASIC application.

VET Student Loans Criteria

There are specific criteria for use of the VET Student Loans scheme. Please visit our VSL Page for further details.