Becoming a Pilot – Pilot Training Australia

Becoming a Pilot

We are dedicated to endorsing exclusively top-tier flight training institutions, ensuring that all programs provide an exceptional pathway to realize your piloting ambitions. Fly with confidence, as our partner flight schools are supported by cutting-edge flight education, professional instructors, and a commitment to safety excellence.

Recreational Pilot License – Private Pilot License – Commercial Pilot License

Trial Instructional Flight (TIF)

Professional Pilot Career Paths

Pursuing a career as a professional pilot involves several stages, each requiring specific training, certifications, and experience. Here’s a detailed overview of the typical career path for a professional pilot:

1. Research and Initial Preparation

Research: Understand the requirements, costs, and lifestyle of a professional pilot.
Medical Certificate: Obtain a first-class medical certificate from an aviation medical examiner to ensure you meet the health and fitness standards required for a pilot.

2. Flight Training and Education

Private Pilot License (PPL): Start with obtaining a PPL, which allows you to fly as a private pilot. This involves ground school and flight training.
Instrument Rating (IR): Add an IR to your PPL to fly in various weather conditions and under instrument flight rules (IFR).

3. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Training: Enroll in a flight school to complete the required flight hours and coursework for a CPL.
Exams: Pass the necessary written and practical exams to obtain your CPL, allowing you to be paid for flying.

4. Build Flight Experience

Flight Instructor: Many pilots become flight instructors to build flight hours and gain experience.
Charter or Regional Airline Pilot: Work for smaller airlines, charter companies, or corporate flight departments to accumulate more flight hours and experience.

5. Advanced Certifications and Ratings

Multi-Engine Rating: Obtain a multi-engine rating to fly aircraft with more than one engine.
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): Obtain the highest level of pilot certification, the ATPL, which is required to be a captain for an airline. This involves additional exams and flight experience.

Becoming a professional pilot requires dedication, significant financial investment, and continuous learning and training. However, it offers a rewarding career with opportunities for advancement and specialization in various sectors of aviation.

6. Gain Airline Experience

Regional Airlines: Start with regional airlines to gain experience in commercial aviation.
Major Airlines: After gaining sufficient experience and flight hours, apply to major airlines.

7. Career Advancement

First Officer to Captain: Begin as a first officer (co-pilot) and work your way up to captain, which involves accumulating specific flight hours, gaining experience, and undergoing further training.
Specialized Roles: Consider roles such as training captain, chief pilot, or management positions within the airline.

Continuous Professional Development

Recurrent Training: Regularly undergo recurrent training and checks to maintain certifications and stay updated with new regulations and procedures.
Additional Qualifications: Pursue additional qualifications and endorsements for specialized aircraft or advanced aviation roles.

Additional Considerations

Networking: Join aviation associations and networks to stay informed about industry trends and job opportunities.
Education: Consider pursuing an aviation-related degree for further career opportunities and advancement.

Student Pilot

First Solo Flight

Embark on the exhilarating journey of learning to fly solo and experience the unmatched freedom and empowerment of taking to the skies on your own terms!

This is a monumental moment for every aspiring pilot. After extensive training with a flight instructor, you finally take to the skies alone for the first time. It's a mix of excitement, nervousness, and accomplishment as you handle the aircraft entirely on your own

From Your First Solo Flight to Airline Captain

Recreational Pilot License

An entry-level pilot license designed for individuals who wish to fly recreationally. It allows holders to fly light, single-engine aircraft for non-commercial purposes within Australia. To obtain an RPL, candidates must undergo training covering basic flying skills, navigation, and aviation theory. The license requires a minimum of 25 hours of flight time, including solo flight and dual instruction

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8 to 12 weeks

Private Pilot License

It allows individuals to fly aircraft for recreational and non-commercial purposes. To obtain a PPL, candidates must undergo comprehensive training covering advanced flying skills, navigation, and aviation theory. The license requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including solo flight and dual instruction. PPL holders have fewer restrictions compared to RPL holders

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12 to 18 weeks

Commercial Pilot License

Is a professional certification that allows individuals to fly aircraft for commercial purposes. To obtain a CPL, candidates must complete rigorous training covering advanced flight maneuvers, navigation, aviation theory, and emergency procedures. The license requires a minimum of 150 hours of flight time, including specific training in instrument flying and multi-engine aircraft operations

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Special Offer

8 to 12 months

Airline Transport Pilot License

The highest level of pilot certification. To obtain an ATPL, candidates must have significant flying experience and meet rigorous training requirements. The license requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time, including specific training in multi-crew operations and advanced aircraft systems. ATPL holders are qualified to operate as pilots in command (captains) or co-pilots (first officers)

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TBA

The premier flight training school on the NSW south coast

NSW Air Flight Training

Cater for the training needs of those who aspire to a career in aviation as a Commercial pilot or Airline pilot, as well as for the training and advancement of Private pilots seeking the enjoyment of aviation for recreation and adventure