Take to the skies with TAFE NSW’s innovative commercial pilot licence diploma course. Delivered in partnership with a third-party flight school, learn about air law and aircraft operation through comprehensive practical training, undertaken at a partnered flight school. Aspiring pilots: If you’re ready to start your career in aviation and get industry-ready skills, TAFE NSW introduces the dual Diploma. This requires a dual co-requisite enrolment into both AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) and AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating). Existing commercial pilots: For existing commercial pilots, the Diploma satisfies the mandatory requirement to complete a flight review or proficiency check every two years.
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
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 (Instrument Rating)
Completion of a total of 170 flight hours
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
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
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
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.
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 ground theory instructor.
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.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
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.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) does not have any post-graduate 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community
On campus, online and blended study environments; at TAFE NSW your learning works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites, compare courses and discover what works for you.