Commercial Pilot Training Program & Fixed Wing Flight Training

Flight Training Adelaide’s Commercial Pilot Training Program offers an AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) fulfilling the Australian commercial pilot training requirements of appropriate theory knowledge and flying skills to be able cope in an ever-changing flying environment. Flight Training Adelaide is a CASA approved integrated fixed wing flight training school and we pride ourselves on providing world-class, customised aviation training solutions for the fixed wing aviation industry. Our training ethos is focussed on producing future airline captains, rather than simply training cadets to obtain a CASA pilot licence.

The Diploma of Aviation integrates ground theory lessons and practical fixed wing flight training, and is delivered over five modules of training, providing students with the required hours and CPL theory credits to achieve a CASA pilot licence. If you are looking to further your aviation career to become airline pilots or a commercial pilot working in all types of conditions, Flight Training Adelaide also offers an Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating). Further, multi-crew cooperation courses offered by Flight Training Adelaide will develop knowledge and practical skills used when pilots are be part of a multi-crew operation on fixed wing aircraft. The multi-crew cooperation course is also recommended for pilots who want to gain an Airline Transport Licence.

Below you will find information on the selection program as well as the fixed wing flight training courses offered on a full-time basis. FTA delivers the same high-quality training to both private students and airline cadets.

1. SELECTION

FTA’s selection program is one of the most robust in industry and the selection tools used are recognised as best practice for the selection of private and airline students. Successful completion of the selection program is a mandatory pre-requisite to be accepted on a course. Selection does not only give FTA an indication of your ability to successfully complete the training program, but it is also a requirement to access a VET Student Loan (VSL).
Further information on FTA’s selection program can be found here:
Brochure

2. CPL - CASA Commercial Pilot Licence

AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)

This course is delivered over 31 weeks. During ground theory phases students attend class Monday to Friday, 08:30–16:30. During flying phases students need to be available six days a week. Flying lessons may be programmed any time from 06:00 until 23:00. Further information on the course can be found here:
Brochure Price Information

FTA Casa Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating

3. MECIR - CASA Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating

AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)

This course is delivered over 8 weeks. The first two weeks are full time ground school, with all the flying training being delivered over the remaining six weeks. Further information on the course can be found here:
Brochure Price Information

4. ATPL & MCC - CASA Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC)

AVI60219 Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command)

This course is delivered over 14 weeks. The initial eleven weeks cover the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) ground theory component. On successful completion of the ATPL exams you will advance to the Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) phase for the last three weeks of training. The MCC program is delivered using FTA’s jet simulators.
Brochure Price Information

Commercial Pilot Training Program

There is great demand globally for more commercial pilots, with Boeing estimating an additional 612,000 pilots will be needed in the next 20 years*.

Undertaking a Commercial Pilot training program with a reputable and respected organisation will give you the security that your training is delivered to the standards expected by aviation commercial operators across the globe and provides confidence that the school has got the necessary resources to complete your training within the designated timeframes.

If you’re 18 years of age or older and the type of person that is calm under pressure, has good grasp of mathematics and physics, possesses great English reading, writing and comprehension skills, enquire today and take the first step to your career as a professional pilot.

Students looking to enter the Commercial Pilot training program that have prior experience can join any of our courses, provided they meet the pre-entry requirements. Recognition of prior learning is offered to students after an assessment process.

*Data sourced from http://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/pilot-technician-outlook/

OTHER TRAINING PROGRAMS

In addition to providing Fixed Wing Training and the CPL Course in Australia, FTA also offers students the following training courses.

Instructor Training

FTA’s AVI50419 Diploma of Aviation (Flight Instructor) course is delivered over 23 weeks. The first 12 weeks of theory training is conducted from home, culminating with 2 weeks of face to face training to consolidate. The remaining 9 weeks is practical flight instruction conducted at FTA. Further information on the course can be found here

Price Information Brochure

SECIR

FTA Casa Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

FTA’s AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) course is delivered over 7 weeks. The first two weeks are full time ground school, with the remaining 5 weeks covering the flying portion of the course on a full time basis. The flying is done in FTA’s DA40 aircraft. Further information on the course can be found
here.

Brochure Price Information

MCC

FTA’s MCC program is the same program as delivered to our Australian Airline partners. This 2 week program is delivered using FTA’ generic B737 Jet Simulator. Further information on the course can be found here

Brochure

FAQs

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A FIXED WING COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE (CPL)?

Obtaining a CASA Commercial Pilot Licence to become qualified fixed wing pilot at FTA requires you to complete a fulltime course delivered over 31 weeks. The course material is delivered over different phases and includes ground theory and practical flying lessons. Further training and qualifications are available.

HOW CAN I ENHANCE MY EMPLOYABILITY AS A COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE HOLDER?

The minimum qualification is AVI50219 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane). Additional ratings on the licence such AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) will provide an advantage, allowing you to fly under all weather conditions and increase your knowledge on the inner workings of an aircraft.

Further training will depend on the career path you choose to take. If you want to be a flight instructor, we provide AVI50419 Diploma of Aviation (Flight Instructor). If you wish to have a career in an airline, you may elect to undertake AVI60219 Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command).

To be accepted on a course you must apply and undertake a selection process that includes assessments. All students at Flight Training Adelaide are carefully selected to ensure they have the best possible chance to successfully complete the qualification.

IS FIXED WING TRAINING EASIER THAN ROTARY WING TRAINING?

It depends if you ask a fixed wing or rotary wing pilot! In both cases, the decision to undertake a Commercial Pilot Licence for either fixed wing or rotary wing should be made after careful consideration. The courses are both demanding and require a high level of skill, knowledge, and commitment to be successful. Flight Training Adelaide is committed to developing safe, competent, and highly skilled pilots.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE TO GET SELECTED FOR AIRLINE TRAINING?

Flight Training Adelaide’s selection program is regarded as one of the most robust in the industry. Our selection tools are also recognised as best practice for the selection of both private and airline students. It is a pre-requisite to complete FTA’s selection program in order to be accepted into a course.

ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS?

For a CPL flight test you need to hold a CASA Class 1 medical certificate.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO ENROL IN FIXED WING FLIGHT TRAINING?

To enrol in fixed wing flight training at FTA, you must meet three essential requirements. First, pass tests that assess academic ability, hand-eye coordination, multitasking, and decision-making. Check FTA’s website for specific entry requirements. Secondly, you must be at least 18 years old, despite CASA allowing younger people to start flying. Lastly, you need a CASA class 1 medical licence before starting your course, but not for the selection process. Visit the CASA website for more on medical requirements.

WHAT TYPE OF AIRCRAFT ARE USED FOR FIXED WING FLIGHT TRAINING?

Flight Training Organisations will typically conduct training on either single engine piston aircraft or twin-engine pistons aircraft. FTA operates a Diamond fleet of aircraft. Single Engine operations are conducted on the Diamond DA40 aircraft, and Twin-Engine Operation are conducted with DA42 aircraft. FTA uses appropriate simulators to compliment the flying done on aircraft.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PILOT LICENCES AND RATINGS REQUIRED FOR COMMERCIAL AVIATION?

There are numerous pathways to becoming an airline pilot. One pathway, which is the one taught at FTA, is as follows:

Step 1. Complete a AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane)

On successful completion of an AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane), you will be a commercial pilot. As such you can exercise the privileges of the licence and gain renumeration from flights you undertake. However, this licence is very limited in that you will only be able to conduct flights on a single engine piston aircraft, under limited meteorological conditions.

Detailed information on FTA’s AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) can be found here https://www.flyfta.com/?wpdmdl=43596

Step2. Complete a AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)

Multi-Engine Aeroplane

On successful completion of a AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) Multi-Engine Aeroplane, you will be able to operate aircraft with two engines, using instruments, thus eliminating meteorological limitations.

Detailed information on FTA’s AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) Multi-Engine Aeroplane can be found here https://www.flyfta.com/?wpdmdl=43606

Successful completion of these two steps will get you the minimum qualifications to apply for a first officer position with an airline. If you are successful in getting a job with an airline, the airline will provide training towards a type rating course.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH FIXED WING FLIGHT TRAINING?

For detailed information on the costs associated with our fixed wing training programs, please refer to the following resources:

AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane): The total cost is $85,133, and detailed breakdown can be accessed here.
AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) Multi-Engine Aeroplane: The total cost is $32,852, and detailed breakdown can be found here.

These links provide comprehensive details regarding the expenses involved in each program.

ARE THERE OTHER AVIATION CAREER PATHS OTHER THAN AN AIRLINE PILOT?

Yes. A very popular career path is FTA’s instructor program. On completion of your training, you can undertake a further rating, being an AVI50419 Diploma of Aviation (Flight Instructor) Aeroplane.

On successful completion of the AVI50419 Diploma of Aviation (Flight Instructor) Aeroplane you will be a qualified flight instructor (QFI) and be in a position to teach others to fly.

It should be noted that FTA recruits heavily from its AVI50419 Diploma of Aviation (Flight Instructor) Aeroplane graduates. Statistics show that pre Covid approximately 90% of graduates were employed as QFIs by FTA, and post COVID QFI recruitment is close to that figure.

Detailed information on the AVI50419 Diploma of Aviation (Flight Instructor) Aeroplane can be found here https://www.flyfta.com/?wpdmdl=43751