Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) (CRICOS course code 109196M) is a Diploma delivered by Airways Aviation Education Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 5 diploma, in the field of Aerospace Engineering and Technology (Aircraft Operation), prepares international students for entry-level roles as commercial pilots. The course includes theoretical and practical flight training necessary to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) in Australia. With three delivery locations in Queensland and New South Wales, students can train at airports in Archerfield, Gold Coast, or Lismore. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00296A), Airways Aviation ensures compliance with Australian education and student visa standards.
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The Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) is a vocational qualification accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 5. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to operate aircraft commercially, including flight planning, navigation, meteorology, and aerodynamics. The course is delivered over 52 weeks (1 year) of full-time study in English. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. The VET national code is AVI50222. All training is conducted in accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) standards. Students will complete a minimum of 150 hours of flight time, including solo and cross-country flights.
This field of education covers aircraft operation, flight safety, and aviation regulations. Students learn to apply aeronautical knowledge to flight operations, manage aircraft systems, and navigate under different meteorological conditions. Coursework includes both theoretical subjects (e.g., air law, human factors, flight planning) and practical flight training. Graduates typically meet the requirements for a CPL and may progress to further endorsements or an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). The course also emphasises communication, decision-making, and crew resource management.
The course is scheduled for 52 weeks on the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English. Airways Aviation operates full-time, with a mix of classroom theory and simulator/flight training. Students must commit to a demanding schedule, including early morning and weekend flying to meet CASA flight hour requirements. The course is not available part-time or online due to the practical nature of flight training.
Tuition fees are A$97,336, with non-tuition fees of A$11,128 (including materials, equipment, and uniform). The estimated total is A$108,464. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and are indicative only. Airways Aviation may adjust fees; always check their website for the latest. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the Student visa application charge. For a single student, the Australian Government estimates living costs at A$21,041 per year. OSHC for a single student is approximately A$500–A$700 annually. Budget an additional A$12,000–A$20,000 for accommodation and living near training airports.
Minimum English proficiency: IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed Year 12 or equivalent for entry to a Diploma. A medical assessment (CASA Class 1 Medical) is mandatory. Prior flying experience is not required but is beneficial. For students not meeting English or academic requirements, Airways Aviation may offer pathway programs — contact the provider directly. No foundation studies are included in this course.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, student visa holders with Subclass 500 are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. The practical flight training may be considered part of the course, not employment.
Training is conducted at three campuses: Archerfield Airport Campus (Archerfield, QLD), Gold Coast Airport (Bilinga, QLD), and Lismore Airport (Loftville, NSW). Archerfield is a busy general aviation airport in suburban Brisbane; Gold Coast Airport serves both domestic and international flights in a tourist region; Lismore is a regional airport in Northern NSW. Each location offers hangars, classrooms, and aircraft. Students may rotate between sites depending on weather and scheduling. Public transport access varies: Archerfield has bus routes, Gold Coast Airport has trains and buses, Lismore requires a car or taxi. Living costs in these areas: Brisbane (budget A$350–A$500/week for rent), Gold Coast (similar), Lismore (A$250–A$350/week).
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to enrol in this CRICOS-registered course. Key requirements: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + travel), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and English proficiency. While studying, visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight when course is in session, and unlimited hours during recognised breaks. After completing the Diploma, graduates may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if they meet the requirements. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent — always consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for individual advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) at Airways Aviation Education Pty Ltd:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's directory to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Aerospace), and city (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Lismore). Compare Airways Aviation with other pilot academies. Ensure the provider and course are CRICOS-registered — all our listed providers are.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Airways Aviation's website (www.airwaysaviation.com) to check entry requirements, English test validity, and application deadlines. Submit academic transcripts, English test scores, and a completed application form. You may need a CASA medical certificate. Pay the application fee if required.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Airways Aviation will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity (tuition + living costs + travel), and GTE. After visa grant, book flights and arrange accommodation near your chosen campus.
All CRICOS-registered courses, including this diploma, are protected by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000. This ensures tuition fee protection, transparent information, and quality standards. If the provider fails to deliver the course, you may be entitled to a refund or alternative placement. Always confirm your provider's registration status at cricos.teqsa.gov.au.
Pursuing a Commercial Pilot Licence is a significant investment in time and money. Consider: the competitive job market, medical fitness requirements, and the need for ongoing training (type ratings, ATPL). Australia has high safety standards, and pilots are in demand regionally and globally. However, entry-level roles may require a multi-engine command instrument rating (CIR) or instructor rating — discuss career pathways with Airways Aviation. The average salary for a commercial pilot in Australia is around A$80,000–A$100,000, but varies widely.
Ready to take to the skies? Explore Diploma of Aviation courses on HeadStart Academy and compare CRICOS-registered providers today.
Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Airways Aviation Education Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.