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Aviation

  • Mar 18, 2023
  • 6 min read

Updated: Mar 21, 2025

Aviation is the operation of aircraft to provide transportation of people, goods, or services. It covers a wide range of fields including air traffic control, airport management, and aircraft maintenance. With the growth of the aviation industry, there are plenty of opportunities for professionals in this field. Whether you're interested in flying or managing the industry, studying aviation can lead to exciting career prospects.

1. Admissions Guide for Aviation in Australia

This diagram provides a brief guide to the admission process for high school graduates who wish to study aviation in Australia.

2. Entry Requirements for Aviation Studies in Australia

The table below outlines the minimum entry requirements for international students who are interested in pursuing studies in Aviation in Australia. Entry requirements are categorized into academic and English language requirements. For detailed admission requirements, please consult with an Australian Study Abroad Counselor (QEAC).

Note: These requirements may vary depending on the institution.

Qualification

Duration

IELTS

Academic Requirement

Bachelor's degree

3 years

  • 6.0 (no band less than 5.5)

  • High school diploma

  • Prerequisite Subjects

Master's degree

2 years

  • 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)

  • Bachelor's degree

  • Prerequisite Subjects

3. Prerequisites for Enrolling in Aviation Program in Australia

Before enrolling in an aviation program in Australia, it is important to obtain an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) and a CASA Medical Certificate from a CASA-designated hospital. The ARN is a unique identifier for individuals operating in the Australian aviation industry, while the medical certificate is required to ensure that you are medically fit to fly.

​Types Of Casa Medical Certification

Required Group

Class 1 medical certificate

  • Commercial pilots holding an Airline Transport Pilot License

  • Flight professionals (Flight Examiner, Flight Instructor, etc.)

  • Specific pilots (Night VFR, Instrument Rating, Multi-crew, etc.)

Class 2 medical certificate

  • Non-commercial pilots holding a Private Pilot License

  • Flight instructors and pilot trainees (Flight Instructor and student pilots working towards Commercial Pilot License)

Class 3 medical certificate

  • Military pilots

  • National security agency pilots (e.g., Australian Border Force and Australian Federal Police)

  • Pilots performing some commercial flights (e.g., Low capacity aerial work, Firefighting, etc.)

4. Structure of Aviation Courses in Australia

The following table provides an overview of the structure of an Aviation course for international students in Australia. It outlines the key components of the course and briefly describes what each component covers. This information can be useful for students who are interested in pursuing a career in aviation and want to gain a better understanding of the different areas of knowledge and skills that they will acquire through the course.

Note: The components and course structure may vary depending on the institution and specific course.

Component

Description

Aviation Theory

This component covers the principles of flight, aviation regulations, navigation, meteorology, and aircraft systems. It also includes topics such as aerodynamics, aircraft performance, and flight planning.

Flight Training

Flight training involves practical instruction in flying an aircraft. Students will typically start with basic flight maneuvers and progress to more complex procedures such as takeoff, landing, and emergency procedures.

Aircraft Maintenance

This component covers the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircraft. It includes topics such as aircraft structures, powerplants, avionics, and systems.

Human Factors

Human factors covers the study of human behavior, limitations, and capabilities in the aviation context. It includes topics such as crew resource management, situational awareness, decision-making, and communication.

Aviation Management

This component covers the business and management aspects of the aviation industry. It includes topics such as airport operations, airline management, aviation law, and safety management systems.

5. Aviation Courses in Australia: A Guide to Providers

The following table provides a brief overview of schools offering aviation courses in each Australian state and territory, along with the total duration of the courses. If you're interested in becoming a pilot, air traffic controller, or aviation engineer, this table can help you find the right aviation course provider to suit your needs. Simply browse the table below to discover the schools offering the courses you're looking for.

State/Territory

Institution

Program

Duration

NSW

UNSW Sydney

  • ​Bachelor of Aviation (Flying)

  • Bachelor of Aviation (Management)

  • Master of Aviation Management

  • 3 years

  • 3 years

  • 2 years

VIC

RMIT University

  • Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots)

  • Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot Training)

  • 2 years

  • 3 years

VIC

Swinburne University of Technology

  • Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting

  • 3 years

QLD

Griffith University

  • Bachelor of Aviation

  • Bachelor of Aviation Management

  • Graduate Certificate in Aviation Management

  • Graduate Diploma of Flight Management

  • Master of Aviation Management

  • ​2 years

  • 2 years

  • 0.5 years

  • 1.5 years

  • 1.5 years

QLD

University of Southern Queensland

  • Bachelor of Aviation

  • 3 years

QLD

Airways Aviation

  • Diploma of Aviation (Multi-Engine Instrument Rating) + Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)

  • ​18 months

QLD

Southern Cross University

  • Bachelor of Business and Enterprise (Aviation management)

  • 3 years

SA

University of South Australia

  • Bachelor of Aviation (Management)

  • Bachelor of Aviation (Flight)

  • 3 years

  • 3 years

WA

Edith Cowan University

  • Bachelor of Aviation

  • 3 years

6. Types and Requirements of Aviation Licenses in Australia

Australia offers various types of aviation licenses, including the Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). The requirements for each license differ depending on the level of skill and experience needed. Please refer to the table below to check the specific requirements for each license.

Types Of Aviation Licences

Requirement

PPL

(Private Pilot Licence)

  • Be at least 17 years old

  • Hold a Class 1 or 2 medical certificate

  • Complete a minimum of 40 hours flight time, including:

    • At least 20 hours dual flight time (with an instructor)

    • At least 10 hours solo flight time

    • At least 5 hours of solo cross-country flight time

  • Pass the PPL theory exam

  • Pass a PPL flight test


CPL

(Commcercial Pilot Licence)

  • Be at least 18 years old

  • Hold a Class 1 medical certificate

  • Complete a minimum of 150 hours flight time, including:

    • At least 70 hours pilot-in-command (PIC) flight time

    • At least 20 hours of cross-country flight time

    • At least 10 hours of instrument flight time

  • Pass the CPL theory exam

  • Pass a CPL flight test

ATPL

(Air Transport Licence)

  • Be at least 21 years old

  • Hold a Class 1 medical certificate

  • Hold a CPL or equivalent license

  • Complete a minimum of 1,500 hours flight time, including:

    • At least 500 hours of cross-country flight time

    • At least 250 hours PIC flight time

    • At least 200 hours of instrument flight time

    • At least 75 hours of night flight time

  • Pass the ATPL theory exam

  • Pass an ATPL flight test

7. Hierarchy of Aviation Positions and Descriptions

The table outlines the positions in the aviation hierarchy in Australia, from Aviation Assistant to Pilot. Responsibilities and required skills increase with each position, with higher positions requiring experience in managing a team and providing advanced aviation services.

Note that the positions and descriptions may vary depending on the aviation institution or organization.

Position

Description

Aviation Assistant

This position involves assisting with ground operations, including tasks such as loading and unloading baggage, guiding aircraft, and performing basic maintenance checks.

Aviation Technician

An aviation technician performs maintenance and repairs on aircraft, engines, and other aviation-related equipment. This position requires specialized technical knowledge and skills, as well as the ability to work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Aviation Engineer

An aviation engineer designs and tests aircraft, engines, and related systems. This position requires a high level of technical knowledge and expertise in areas such as aerodynamics, materials science, and systems integration.

Aviation Manager

This position involves managing aviation operations, including overseeing staff, scheduling flights, and ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards. This role may also involve managing budgets and financial planning.

Pilot

A pilot is responsible for operating an aircraft and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. This position requires extensive training and experience, as well as a high level of skill in areas such as navigation, communication, and decision-making. Pilots may work for airlines, charter companies, or other aviation organizations.

8. Registration and Career Information for Air Transport Profession in Australia

The table below provides information on the pathway and outlook for becoming a pilot in Australia. Additionally, it provides information on the employment size, future job growth rate, average salary, employee percentage, female employment rate, and the average age of the pilot profession in Australia.

Occupation

Air Transport Professionals

(ANZSCO ID 2311)

Job Type

Professionals

Skill Level

Very high skill

Unemployment Rate

Above average

Employed

16,300​

Future Growth

31.4%

Weekly Earnings

A$3,360

Full-Time Share

78%

Female Share

9%

Average Age

42

9. Immigrating to Australia through Aviation

The diagram below provides an overview of the general process for immigrating to Australia through the Australian Aviation Program, including available visa options and Aviation-related occupations.

Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)

Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491)

Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482)

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494)

X

X

O

O

(Medium Term - Regional only)

O

Occupation

ANZSCO

List

Visa

Accessing Authority

Aeroplane Pilot

231111

ROL

Subclass 482

(Medium Term - Regional only)

Subclass 187

Subclass 494

Subclass 491

CASA

Helicopter Pilot

231114

ROL

Subclass 482

(Medium Term - Regional only)

Subclass 187

Subclass 494

Subclass 491

CASA


 
 
 

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