Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

What are the minimum requirements?

You can begin your flight training at any age; however, you must be 16 to fly solo, and 17 to gain your private pilot’s licence. You need to obtain a student’s pilot licence, and pass a medical examination by an aviation approved medical practitioner, before your first solo flight.

There is no minimum educational requirement to obtain either a private or commercial pilot licence, but it is very important for you to have the determination and will-power to succeed. Most people are capable of passing the written theory examinations set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Airlines have a minimum educational standard for pilots; however, the standard varies from time to time.

If you hope to be an airline pilot then you need to demonstrate excellent concentration and alertness skills; a background in English, Maths and Physics will also help.

Trial introductory flight (TIF)

If you have never flown before and would like to try it from the pilot’s seat, we can help you.  A TIF gives you approximately 40 minutes flying experience. You actually get to fly the aircraft from the pilot’s seat.

Becoming a pilot 

As a training pilot you will progress through various stages: from student pilot to General Flight Progess Test (GFPT), then onto the Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL).

General flying progress test (GFPT)

The minimum requirement for GFPT is 20 hours flight time, including five hours solo flying and two hours instrument flight. You will learn basic flying skills, local radio procedures and routine aircraft maintenance inspection. (All hours quoted are the minimum requirement: additional hours may be necessary.)

Before you fly solo you’ll be issued with a Student Pilots License (SPL) by CASA, and a medical certificate by a CASA–approved medical practitioner.

After you have passed GFPT and Basic Aeronautical Knowledge Theory, you can take your family and friends for a flight around Bendigo. You may then continue your training to obtain your full Private Pilots License.

Private pilot’s licence (PPL)

To obtain a PPL you need to undertake navigation training. This involves a series of navigation training exercises of about two to four hours duration. The flying time consists of 30 hours training, including five hours solo navigation flight.

When you have completed the PPL syllabus, and passed PPL theory – covering Aeronautics, Navigation, Meteorology and Air Law – you are ready to take a flight test for the issue of your PPL.

This licence allows you to fly your family, friends or business associates all over Australia in daylight, and clear of cloud.

Night Rating

Night Flying Rating requires a minimum of 10 hours of night flying training.

Commercial pilot’s licence (CPL)

If you wish to make a career out of aviation, the minimum requirement is 150 hours flight time (70 hours must be solo flight).

When you have completed the CPL syllabus, and passed CPL theory – covering Aerodynamics, Navigation, Performance, Meteorology, Air Law, Human Performance and Limitations and General Knowledge – you are ready to take a flight test for the issue of your CPL.

This licence allows you to gain employment within the aviation industry and is the first step to getting a job in the airlines.

Instrument Rating

The holder of an instrument rating authorises the pilot to fly in all weather conditions. The minimum requirement is 20 hours of flying training under actual or simulated poor visibility conditions. The training can be done in single or twin engine aircraft.

Flight instructor rating (FIR)

The easiest way to start an aviation career is to become a flight instructor yourself. The FIR requires 50 hours dual flying, plus some theory (including methods and principles of instruction). FIR can be commenced immediately after obtaining your CPL.

ESTIMATED COST:

Private Pilot License     (Cricos Code: 050131G)                                                                                AUD$ 17,950.00

Commercial Pilot License (Cricos Code: 050123G)                                                                            AUD$ 54,900.00

Commercial Pilot License & Command Multi Engine Instrument Rating (Cricos Code: 050124G)      AUD$ 65,600.00

Command Multi Engine Instrument Rating (Cricos Code: 050128C)                                                   AUD$ 16,300.00

Command Single Engine Instrument Rating (Cricos Code: 050132G)                                                AUD$ 9,500.00

Multi Engine Rating with 50 Hours Pilot in Command (PIC) (Cricos Code: 050130J)                          AUD$ 27,850.00

Multi Engine Rating with 100 Hours Pilot in Command (PIC) (Cricos Code: 050129B)                        AUD$ 51,850.00