RMIT University
2 years
Launch your aviation career with RMIT's comprehensive Associate Degree combining classroom theory and hands-on flight training. Designed for aspiring professional pilots, this program prepares you for CASA Commercial Pilot Licence certification and positions you for roles with major airlines, charter operations, and aviation services.
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent qualification with a minimum average of 50%. Specific prerequisites include a study score of at least 20 in English (other than EAL) or 23 in EAL, and a study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (General, Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics). All applicants offered a place must undergo a CASA Class 1 Medical Examination by a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner to ensure fitness to fly. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency with IELTS (Academic) minimum 6.0 overall band or equivalent.
The program comprises twelve core subjects and two to three elective subjects covering aviation theory and practical skills. Core areas include recreational pilot licence (RPL), private pilot licence (PPL), and commercial pilot licence (CPL) training. Students study aviation industry fundamentals, artificial intelligence applications, and sustainable development for STEM. Practical training involves single- and multi-engine aircraft including Cessna 172S, Cessna 182T, Decathlon 8KCAB, and PA-44 Piper Seminole. In the final semester, students choose between instrument rating (IREX) with frozen Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) or Instructor Rating (FIR). Additional training includes flight simulators (Frasca 242 and FM210 Touch Trainer) and classroom-based theory delivered through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and interactive sessions.
RMIT is a sector-leading aviation education provider with the largest owned fleet in Australian Higher Education. The university holds a CASA Air Operator's Certificate and has trained over 3,500 pilots, with graduates in senior roles at major airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Cathay Pacific, Oman Air, and Air China. RMIT's Point Cook campus is located at the former RAAF No. 1 Flight Training School with 4,500 feet of unrestricted airspace, enabling more take-offs and landings per hour than most other airfields. The institution has been selected for the Qantas Group Aviation Career Enrichment program, providing direct industry mentoring and networking opportunities for students.
Graduates are well-positioned for employment given the continuing shortage of pilots and flight instructors in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Upon completion, you'll be eligible to apply for a CASA Commercial Pilot's Licence plus either Command Instrument Rating (multi-engine) or Flight Instructor Rating (single engine). Immediate career opportunities include charter and freight operations, air-work and agricultural operations, major and regional airlines, emergency services, flight training organisations, seasonal bushfire spotting, and beach patrols. With further experience (typically 200-300 flight hours), you may progress to multi-engine charter operations or regional airlines. Major airlines typically require approximately 1,500 hours total time for direct entry first officer positions. With additional experience and managerial qualifications, you can pursue roles as chief pilot, fleet manager, flight operations manager, or inspector.
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