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In Australia, embarking on an aviation career requires solid training from reputable schools. There are many choices, but finding the best one is important.
From state-of-the-art facilities to experienced instructors, these aviation training schools are the best for starting your dream of flying high in the sky. You can then apply for jobs to get hired in the aviation industry. And also, look out for the highest-paying aviation jobs.
In this article, we will discuss the 10 best aviation training schools in Australia, their requirements, qualifications, and job outlook.
Why Should You Study Aviation in Australia?
Studying in Australia offers a wealth of benefits for international students. Firstly, the country boasts world-renowned universities and vocational institutions, providing high-quality education across various fields.
Additionally, Australia’s multicultural society fosters a welcoming environment, offering students the opportunity to interact with diverse cultures and perspectives, enriching their learning experience.
With a strong emphasis on innovation and research, coupled with a relaxed lifestyle and abundant recreational activities, Australia presents an attractive destination for students seeking a fulfilling educational journey.
Qualifications for Aviation Training Schools in Australia?
Let’s look at some of the necessary qualifications for these aviation training schools in Australia.
Age Requirement
Being at least 17 years old is the initial criterion for becoming a pilot in Australia. This is the age at which a person can apply for a private pilot license (PPL).
Health Certification
A medical certificate is the second qualification in Australia to become a pilot.
A Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) issues this document, certifying your fitness for flight. Depending on the class of medical certification and the pilot’s age, regular renewal of the medical certificate is necessary.
Language proficiency in English
The third prerequisite is to show that you are fluent in English. This is necessary since English is the official language of aviation on a global scale. Pilots need to be able to communicate clearly with other pilots and air traffic controllers.
Pilots must meet stringent requirements for English language competence imposed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to be licensed.
Educational Requirements
In Australia, there are no particular educational qualifications to become a pilot. Nonetheless, the majority of flight schools and airlines require a high school diploma or its equivalent as a prerequisite.
Flying Instruction
Flight training stands as the most crucial criterion for becoming a pilot in Australia. A flying school authorized by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Australia’s aviation regulatory authority, can deliver the necessary flight training. Typically, the flight training program comprises simulator training, ground school classes, and flying training.
Depending on the sort of pilot license you want, the flight training program may change. For instance, you must complete at least 40 hours of flight time, including at least 20 hours of solo flight time, to earn a PPL.
You must complete a minimum of 150 hours of flight experience, including 70 hours as the pilot-in-command, in order to receive a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
Aviation Experience
You also need to have a particular amount of flight experience to become a commercial pilot. A CPL requires at least 200 hours of flying time, including 100 hours spent as the pilot in command.
Writing Tests
To acquire a pilot license, you must pass a series of written tests in addition to having completed flying training and gaining flight experience. Topics including aviation legislation, meteorology, navigation, and human aspects are all covered in these exams.
Flying test
You must pass a flight test to earn a pilot license after finishing the flight training course and passing the written tests. A CASA-approved flight examiner conducts the flight test, which consists of both a flight portion and an oral portion.
Continuing Education
Ultimately, you need to continue your study and practice to keep your pilot’s license. To stay current with changes in laws, technology, and best practices, involves routine medical exams and flight training.
In conclusion, it takes a lot of commitment, hard work, and dedication to become a pilot in Australia. Being of a specific age, possessing a medical certificate, proving one’s command of the English language, completing flight training, accumulating flight experience, passing written tests and a flight test, and pursuing ongoing education are all prerequisites.
It is crucial to conduct extensive study on the prerequisites and pick a reputed flight school if you want to pursue a career as a pilot in Australia.
10 Best Aviation Training Schools in Australia
Here’s a list of the 10 best aviation training schools in Australia.
1. Flight Training Adelaide
The first on our list of aviation training schools located in Australia is Flight Training Adelaide (FTA), which aims at equipping and building future airline and helicopter captains rather than cadets who just want to obtain a license.
The school sponsors all self-funded students and ensures that necessary aircraft assets are made available for the smooth running of the training taught by experienced instructors.
FTA provides a wide range of programs, such as English language training, airborne flight grading, flying instructor training, multi-engine CIR, multi-crew procedures, instrument rating, airline transport pilot, private pilot, commercial pilot, and many others.
2. Aerodynamic Flight Academy
Aero Dynamic Flight Academy is another aviation training school in Australia that aims at training and producing quality commercial, private, and airline pilots who are needed in both domestic and international markets.
The school stands as a recognized training center and holds a prominent position as one of the largest charter companies on the Sunshine Coast. Moreover, the training aligns with the CASA syllabus and aims to equip graduates with the world-standard skills required to secure entry-level jobs upon graduation.
Aero Dynamic Flight Academy offers a Certificate IV in Aviation (CPL) and a Diploma in Aviation (M/E CIR). Programs offered cut across Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor (CFI/FI), Instrument Rating, Tailwheel, and many others.
3. Air Gold Coast
Next on our list is Air Gold Coast, which is registered and has CRICOS approval for international students. The school focuses on providing a student-friendly environment and a quality educational experience to students of all calibers and nationalities.
Air Gold Coast offers both full-time and part-time training with much flexibility, which perfectly suits your schedules. It is important to note that aside from the practical training given to you by experienced teachers, the school also provides financial aid from your first flight to your Commercial Pilots License (CPL), Instructor Rating, and many others.
The program is designed to meet the standards of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
4. Australian National Airline College
Australian National Airline College is also one of the aviation training schools located in Australia. The school focuses on providing quality flight training that meets world standards through friendly and highly qualified instructors.
It is located at Moorabbin Airport in Melbourne, the second-largest city in Australia. The school has an excellent learning environment and is fully accredited by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Australian Federal Government to train students.
The programs offered cut across Private Pilot, Aerobatics, Multi-Engine, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and many others.
5. Bendigo Aviation Services
Bendigo Aviation Services is another flight training college in Australia that trains and prepares students for jobs in areas like the corporate jet sector, flight instruction, domestic and international airlines, general charter, etc.
The school is located in Bendigo, Victoria Australia, and the programs are taught by experienced instructors. The programs offered are flight instructor (CFI/FI), instrument rating (IR), ground classes, private pilot (PPL), commercial pilot (CPL), ground school classes, and many others.
6. Jandakot Flight Center
Jandakot Flight Center is a flight school located in Perth, Western Australia, that offers flight training from basic to jet turbine. The school’s flight center is safe and student-friendly, surrounded by blue skies, pristine rivers, and great beaches.
The school offers a wide range of programs that experienced instructors teach. Such programs include multi-engine (class rating), Night Rating, Instrument Rating (IR), Flight Instructor, CBT Training, EFIS Display, Ground School Classes, and many others.
7. Basair Aviation College
Another aviation training school in Australia is the Basair Aviation College. This school aims to provide quality flight training with a well-structured syllabus through excellent and experienced instructors. Students learn both the theoretical and practical aspects of flying, and after 8 months, they must have gotten a commercial pilot license.
Basair Aviation College was established in 1991 and has graduated students who fly for over 40 airlines around the globe. It is regarded as the largest flying college in Australia. Some of the programs offered cut across Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Ground School Classes, Flight Instructor (CFI/FI), Instrument Rating (IR), and many others.
8. A.S Flying School
Another top flying school located in Australia is A.S. Flying School. It focuses on giving students an excellent educational experience with many flexible programs that allow them to study at their own pace. The school also allows one-on-one or personalized learning methods whereby the students can have an open interaction with the instructors.
Programs offered include Private Pilot (PPL), Commercial Pilot (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR), and many others.
9. Ad-Astral Aviation
Ad-Astral Aviation offers specialized training for professional pilots, and the training is conducted under the company’s flying school license and supervised by the Chief Flying Instructor, Chris Oakley, in collaboration with the Owner, Ron Magrath.
The training cut across Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi-Engine (Class Rating).
10. Advanced Flight Theory
Advanced Flight Theory provides quality ground school classes, and it is a registered training organization located at the Sunshine Coast Airport, Queensland, Australia.
The company offers both accredited Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and non-accredited CPL (Commercial Pilot License) theory courses.
Salary and Employment Outlook for Pilots in Australia
It is hardly surprising that many people want to become pilots because it is a demanding and fascinating profession. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to comprehend the pay and employment prospects for pilots in Australia before deciding to pursue an aviation career.
Payscale Outlook
The forecast for pilot salaries in Australia depends on several variables, including experience, the type of aircraft flown, the employer, and geography. The average annual pay for a commercial pilot in Australia is AU$89,251, according to PayScale. Yet, depending on the conditions, this amount can range from AU$50,000 to AU$214,000.
An important factor in deciding a pilot’s pay is experience. Pilots with less than 20 years of experience can expect to make about AU$60,000 annually, while those with more than 20 years of experience can make up to AU$ 170,000 annually. Compared to pilots working for smaller airlines or charter businesses, those employed by big airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia, or Jetstar often make more money.
The pay of a pilot is also influenced by the type of aircraft flown. Compared to pilots of smaller regional aircraft, those who fly larger commercial aircraft like Boeing or Airbus often make more money.
Another element that affects a pilot’s pay is location. Compared to pilots operating in rural areas, those based in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane often make more money.
Employment Prospects
The need for pilots is rising across Australia, which is good news for their employment prospects. The number of individuals employed as pilots in Australia is anticipated to increase over the next five years, from 14,400 in 2019 to 15,200 in 2024, according to the Job Outlook website of the Australian government.
Employers in the Australian aviation sector are broad and include airlines, charter businesses, flying schools, and government organizations. Major airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar are the biggest employers in the sector.
Particularly for entry-level roles, there can be a considerable rivalry for pilot jobs. Yet as the need for pilots is predicted to increase, there should be more chances for those who want to become pilots.
Australian pilot salaries and career prospects vary according to several variables. These include experience, the type of aircraft flown, the employer, and geography. Pilots often make a comfortable living, even though pay can vary widely, especially as they gain experience and advance in their careers.
There is a rising need for pilots across Australia, which is good news for those looking for employment. There should be opportunities for aspiring pilots, given the variety of employers in the Australian aviation sector.
How Much is Flight School in Australia?
The cost of flight schools in Australia varies depending on many factors. Factors such as the school, the status of the student, the degree pursued, etc. However, with about $65,000, you can enroll in a flight school located in Australia.
How Do I Become a Pilot in Australia?
Here are the ways by which you can become a pilot in Australia. Go through them carefully.
- Inquire about the available training options that you can enroll in.
- From the options given, carefully select which training to take.
- Check out the requirements needed to enroll in the training.
- Choose a good flight school in the country.
- Weigh the career opportunities available upon completion of the training.
- Take all the necessary exams needed to become a certified pilot in Australia.
What are the requirements to enter aviation schools in Australia?
Just as the cost of aviation training schools in Australia differs, the requirements also vary. Below are the general criteria or requirements to enroll in an aviation school in Australia.
- You must be at least 16 years old.
- You must have completed your high school education from an accredited institution.
- You must have your medical certificate.
- If the English language is not your native language, you may be required to write and submit the scores of your English proficiency test, such as the TOEFL.
- You must have copies of your essays and passport photograph, and be ready for an interview if required.
Conclusion
Choosing the right aviation training schools in Australia can significantly impact your career trajectory. With a careful assessment of factors like reputation, facilities, and instructor expertise, you can make an informed decision that sets you on the path to success in the dynamic world of aviation.
Whether you dream of piloting commercial jets or charting new routes as a private aviator, these top-notch institutions in Australia provide the knowledge and skills you need to soar to new heights.
