Course Details

Introduction

Flight One School of Aviation has the privilege of being a CASA certified Flight Training Organisation and a CRICOS and VSL approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO). These combined approvals allow us to deliver theory and practical training and assessments to domestic and international students toward Australian pilot licences through formal Australian Qualifications Framework diplomas and additionally, offer VET Student Loans as a payment option for domestic students.

Training is conducted at Archerfield Airport in Brisbane and Gold Coast Airport at the Gold Coast, by experienced aviation instructors utilising authentic training equipment and well maintained aircraft.

As has been the case for over 40 years, Flight One School of Aviation’s ethos revolves around diligent attention to aviation industry safety and quality standards. Our courses are customer service oriented and our syllabus provides an authentic airline-centric training experience. To achieve the level of proficiency expected of our graduates, pilot trainees are expected to maintain attendance and course progress befitting a professional pilot.

As part of a broader aviation group that includes VIP and business chartering, airport FBO services and CASA approved aircraft maintenance and repair operations, we are able to offer a genuinely industry driven, innovative programmes with integrated theory and practical training to ensure that you are job ready upon graduation. Please visit About Us to learn more about our flight school and the broader Tisdall Aviation Group.

Our flagship double Diploma of Aviation will help you build the skills and experience to ignite a lifelong career in aviation, and progress you through to a dream role – whether your dream is in charter, freight, general aviation or flying with global airlines.

About Commercial Piloting

Commercial pilots carry out the safety critical activity of flight for reward in support of a wide range of clients. The vast array of activities undertaken include charter, aeromedical, passenger transport (including airlines), photography and survey work.

Commercial pilots learn to utilise a broad range of sophisticated electrical components of aircraft such as on board computers, radio and navigational equipment. The demand for qualified pilots is an international trend, and well trained commercial pilots are ideally placed to pursue career paths in general and airline piloting roles.

What is the Multi Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) and why integrate it?

A Multi Engine endorsement provides you with the skills and necessary approval to fly aircraft with more than one engine, therefore carry a greater payload or number of passengers. This programme includes flight training in twin engine aircraft such as Piper Seminole or the heavier Baron upon request. An Instrument Rating provides you with permission to undertake flights in a much broader range of conditions including at night and in poor weather. For this reason, holders of the Multi Engine Instrument Rating enjoy greater employability as they are more capable and have a greater range of aeronautical experience.

Outcomes

The Double Diploma of Aviation Package programme is designed around the concept of licence readiness – providing each graduate with the CASA theory and associated examinations required for a licence outcome. The programme is built for beginners and provides the ideal platform to launch a career as a professional pilot in the General Aviation or Airline sectors in Australia and internationally.

The course includes formal theory training aligned to the knowledge requirements within the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, and assessments that are delivered under Flight One’s CASA Part 141 Flight Training Organisation Approval Certificate. When combined with our extensive practical training, this structure empowers our graduates and prepares them to seize career opportunities as they arise.

To be eligible to apply for a CASA Pilot Licence, graduates must also meet CASA’s stipulated requirements including exams and flight tests conducted by CASA appointed testing officers. The expected CASA licence, rating and endorsement outcomes of this course, subject to demonstrated competencies, are:

• Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
• Instrument Rating (IR)
• Multi-Engine Class Rating (MEA)

Exposure to Navigation Aids may include:

• Non-Directional Beacon (NDB)
• VHF Omni Directional Radio Range (VOR)
• Instrument Landing System (ILS) / Localiser (LLZ)
• Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) or GNSS Arrival (DGA)
• Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)

The expected Nationally Recognised Training (NRT) formal qualification outcomes, subject to demonstrated competencies, are:

• AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (CPL-Aeroplane)
• AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)

Training & Assessment Arrangements

Training is via face to face classroom and in-flight learning conducted by experienced flight instructors, utilising an extensive training aircraft fleet and commercial flight simulators.

Assessments for this programme are conducted and invigilated in accordance with the requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Assessments may include, but are not limited to, multiple choice, short answer, short essays, group work under observation and practical aviation assessments.

Recognition For Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants with well documented previous flight training, aeronautical experience may be eligible for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) toward Units of Competency included in these qualifications. Please advise at the time of application if you are seeking RPL.

Delivery Mode

The course is delivered face to face on campus at least two days per week, supported by online learning facilities. Our bespoke, customer-first training methodology allows trainees to liaise directly with their instructors to establish a regular flight lesson schedule alongside a day a week commitment to undertake classroom based theory training. It is important to note that whilst our instructors provide flexibility and lessons may be scheduled on weekends, there are constraints caused by aircraft and instructor availability and the requirements of the VET Student Loans system. A suitable rate of progress, participation and professionalism must be maintained at all times.

Initial aeronautical knowledge (theory) is reinforced through attendance-required 2 week blocks of full time classroom training in the leadup to theory exams. For your convenience, these blocks are scheduled well in advance.

Attendance

Some aspects of the course require attendance. Students should anticipate 2 to 3 regular days of attendance for flight training in addition to mandatory classroom theory training blocks in the leadup to major assessments. A minimum commitment of 20 hours per week will be required to ensure timely course progression. Students who fail to meet attendance / progression expectations may be suspended or excluded from training.

Training Fees

All students are welcome to pay for this course via incremental scheduled instalments to distribute costs throughout the course duration. Costs associated with this course, including detailed information about VET Student Loans schedules, gap fees, international student fees and non-tuition expenses, are detailed in the Course Fees section below.

Preparations

Flight training has a number of items that need to be planned ahead of time prior to commencement of training including aviation medical examinations and aviation security checks. Our team will assist with these preparations once applicants have been provided with and accepted an offer of a place in a course. Due to CASA processing times, it is preferred that applications are lodged no less than 3 months before the commencement date if possible.

Admissions Process

Please refer to the process on the Application Form FAQ →.

General Entry Criteria

The following criteria apply to both domestic and international students. To receive approval to enrol in this qualification, applicants must:

• be at least 18 years old at the planned commencement date; and
• have completed Australian senior high school or equivalent; or
• successfully pass the prescribed Language, Literacy and Numeracy test; and
• have a native or advanced level of English.

Flight School Entry Criteria

To receive approval to undertake flight training, applicants must also:

• successfully pass the Symbiotic ADAPT pilot aptitude test; and
• successfully pass a discussion style interview with the Head of School.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Criteria

To receive approval to undertake flight training for this course, applicants must:

• be eligible to obtain an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) from CASA; and

Note: An ARN is a simple process that involves corresponding with CASA and obtaining a unique CASA identifier. Please refer to the Aviation Reference Number (ARN) section on CASA’s website for instructions.

• be eligible to obtain a CASA Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate; and

Note: A valid Class 1 medical certificate is a course commencement requirement. This medical certificate must remain valid for the duration of the course and is the responsibility of the student to maintain. Students who have not received their Class 1 Certificate from CASA by the commencement date will not be able to commence and will be deferred to the next available intake.

Details and further information are available from CASA – https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/aviation-medicals/medical-certificates.

• be eligible to obtain an Australian Aviation Security Identity Card (ASIC); and

Note: Obtaining an ASIC requires police clearance by way of a background criminal check that can include:

• • National police check
  • Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission criminal assessment
  • Australian Security Intelligence Organisation national security assessment
  • Department of Home Affairs Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system check

If you have significant criminal history, you may not be eligible to hold an ASIC.

ASIC applications require support for operational needs. This is provided to you by us after your successful enrolment along with instructions for lodging an ASIC application.

• have sufficient English language ability to pass the CASA Aviation English Language Proficiency (AELP) assessment; and

Note: CASA has requirements for the minimum standards of English language. Trainees will undergo testing to gain CASA certification (at a minimum of level 4) of their aviation English standard during the early stages of the course.

• have aeronautical knowledge and experience evidenced by CASA documentation and/or licencing for the proposed training stage, if relevant.

You are expected to present a valid Class 1 medical certificate at commencement of your course unless authorised in writing by the RTO; we reserve the right to delay commencement if you are not able to present certification at commencement. This medical certification suitable to your level of training must remain valid for the duration of the course and is the responsibility of the student to maintain.

Additional Entry Criteria for VET Student Loans

Domestic students planning to access a loan via the Australian Government VET Student Loan scheme must:

• provide evidence of meeting the VSL citizenship eligibility criteria; and
• provide an Australian senior high school graduation certificate and academic results; or
• pass the prescribed Language, Literacy and Numeracy test.

There are specific criteria for use of the VET Student Loans scheme. Please visit our VSL Page for further details.

Additional Entry Criteria for International Students

International students must provide:

• an IELTS (academic) or Pearson PTE certificate unless specifically exempt; and
• a valid passport; and
• have no criminal record; and
• have no prior visa refusals; and
• have sufficient funding for the full course fee, cost of living and flights to and from Australia.

The RTO reserves the right to make reasonable adjustments where sufficient grounds exist.

Domestic Student Tuition Fees

• Full Tuition Fee for this qualification: $127,285
• Tuition fees are payable in instalments
• This course is approved for VET Student Loans
• Additional (Non-Tuition) Fees apply. Details below.
• All amounts are in Australian Dollars

VET Student Loans (VSL)

This course is approved for the Commonwealth Government VET Student Loan scheme with no out of pocket “gap” fee to pay upfront.

• Total Gap Fee for this qualification you will need to pay: $0
• Total Tuition Fee (Maximum Loan Cover) for this qualification: $127,285
• VSL Indexed Loan Cap for this (double) qualification: $162,336 (Help Loan lifetime limit for eligible aviation courses)

All amounts are in Australian Dollars. VET Student Loan availability is subject to eligibility requirements and creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth. Please see the VSL Tuition Fee Schedules below and visit our VSL Information Page for guidance and instructions if you are planning to use VET Student Loans to assist with the payment of your tuition fees. You can also view the relevant policies on our Policies & Procedures page. VSL payment schedules for each intake are published prior to commencement and can be viewed below. Some expenses can not be covered by a VET Student Loan. Details below.

Domestic Student Tuition Fees – Self Funded

If you do not wish to, or are not eligible to use VSL to pay your tuition fees, you are welcome to pay the Full Tuition Fee for this qualification directly (self-funding) on an instalment schedule. You can also mix the use of VET Student Loans and self funded payments.

Instalments & VSL Schedules

Regardless of the method you use to fund your payable tuition fee payments (VSL gap or self-funding) the payable amount will be scheduled into small regular instalments through a payment plan that will be detailed on your Letter of Offer. Following is the standard VSL Payment Schedule. Schedules may change at each intake so this is provided as a guid only.

VET Student Loans Tuition Fee Schedules

Archerfield Fee Schedules

May 2024 >>

March 2024 >>

August 2023 (CPL) >>

October 2023 (CPL) >>

Gold Coast Fee Schedules

April 2024 >>

February 2024 >>

July 2023 (CPL) >>

September 2023 (CPL) >>

January 2023 (MEIR) >>

March 2023 (MEIR) >>

Professional Pilot Double Diploma

This course includes two qualifications: AVI50222 – Diploma of Aviation (CPL) and AVI50519 – Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating).

• Full Indicative Tuition Fee for this double qualification: $142,560
• Tuition fees payable in instalments as below
• Additional (Non-Tuition) Fees apply as below
• All amounts are in Australian Dollars

Note: There are currently no loan or scholarship offers for this programme.

International Student Fee Schedule

This fee schedule is indicative and is provided for guidance purposes only. The exact schedule that pertains to your course and intake will be provided by way of a formal Letter of Offer for your consideration. It is essential that you have sufficient funds to meet the instalment schedule plus reserve funds should the need arise for you to take repeat or additional lessons or exams.

Note: Non-tuition costs are separate and are detailed below.

Additional (Non-Tuition) Fees / Other Costs

There are costs associated with this qualification that are not included in the tuition fees. It is important to be financially prepared for these costs to reduce the likelihood of disruptions to your training.

Material fees cover various training materials required throughout the course. Payment of material fees is mandatory and can only be adjusted with permission from a senior Flight Instructor. Enrolment is not confirmed until the material fee payment due at acceptance has been paid. Material fees for this course are split into an initial main material fee that covers the CPL stages of the course and a second main material fee to cover the later instrument rating stages of the course. Material costs MAY CHANGE and various items may need to be added, replaced and/or updated as you move through the course. We provide as much guidance as practicable in relation to non-tuition fees but ultimately it is the trainees responsibility to ensure that all stipulated materials and equipment are acquired and available for training in a timely manner.

• Material Fee ($3,000 approx): The invoice for the material fee is usually issued with the Letter of Offer. A deposit of 50% ($1500) is payable upon acceptance of the offer. This fee includes items such as:

• • Pilot Briefcase and stationery
  • Branded pilot uniform shirts
  • Textbooks, flight documents and charts
  • Tools and equipment required for flight planning and navigation
  • Third party pilot aptitude placement assessment

• Pilot Headset: As soon as practicable, pilot trainees will need to purchase, from their preferred supplier, a pilot headset of their choice, preferably in the range of $600 (good quality) to $1,650 (premium quality). Our instructors will assist you to determine the most suitable headset to meet your needs and budget.

• Aviation Medical Examinations: Students commencing this qualification are required to undertake medical examinations specified and regulated by the Australian Civil Aviation Authority (CASA). Medical examinations are arranged by the student at the student’s expense. Students are encouraged to finalise and hold their Class 1 medical documentation from CASA by commencement day. CASA has approved a network of medical examiners throughout Australia and the world so in most cases a medical examiner should be international students will also are Students who have not received their medical will be asked to move to the next intake. Further information will be provided in the formal Letter of Offer. We also recommend that you consult CASA’s website here: www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/aviation-medicals/medical-certificates/classes-medical-certificate. CASA Designated Aviation Medical Examiners can be located here: www.casa.gov.au/content-search/medical-and-eye-examiners. Medical examination and associated fees are not included in the tuition fees.

• Aviation Security ID Card (ASIC): All students will be required to successfully apply for an ASIC costing approximately $340. This is done through a third party and assistance will be provided during the onboarding stage prior to commencement.

• Remedial Activities: This includes briefings, flights, and other training events that you need to participate in because you have not met the required standard of competency.

• Remedial Flights: Flight lessons that need to be repeated as a result of a competency not being achieved are called Remedial Flights. Trainees should expect that from time to time, remedial flights may be necessary, or may wish to voluntarily repeat a flight. Fees associated with remedial flights will need to be paid at the time of booking. The cost of remedial flights depend on the nature and length of the repeated lesson and can range from $480 to over $2,000 each. It is therefore essential that trainees have some savings or credit set aside for remedial flights to avoid the possibility of training being suspended.

• Exams: Additional or repeated exams are not included in the tuition fees.

• Flight Training Cancellation Fee: Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled session leave either an aircraft, an instructor, or both subsequently idle. This results in a delay to your own training and disadvantages our other clients who may have usefully utilised that instructor’s/aircraft’s availability. Should you have to cancel a Briefing, Flight or Simulator session please do so with no less than 24 hours notice prior to the session, otherwise a Cancellation Fee may be charged. The cancellation fee is currently $132.

• Options / Upgrades: Pilot trainees who request additional optional flights, extended flights and/or aircraft upgrades will incur additional fees that are not included in the tuition fees.