Click Here to view current information
Course Overview
The Bachelor of Aviation gives you the opportunity to become a professional pilot or pursue a role in airline or airport management with two majors: Flight Operations, and Airline and Airport Operations.
The Airline and Airport Operations major will prepare you for a career as an airline and airport professional by providing the core theoretical foundations of aviation operational management and giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a relevant work environment. In this major, you will study a wide range of topics specifically tailored to the airline and airport operations environment, and develop skills in critical thinking, decision making, problem solving and teamwork. You will also develop an understanding of the relationship between human physiology/psychology and the aviation environment by focusing on the function and limitations of the human body. You will be introduced to the application of safety processes and how they are applied within the aviation industry and to the laws that are relevant to airline and airport operations.
The Flight Operations major will prepare you for a career as a professional airline pilot capable of managing a multi-crew environment. In this major, you will study the academic and aeronautical knowledge requirements of the Air Transport Pilot License and Command Instrument Rating. You will build knowledge and skills relating to aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology and flight planning, as well as being introduced to the laws that are relevant to aviation, multi-crew environments and the development and maintenance of a safety management system.
If you wish to obtain your Commercial Pilot License and Command Instrument Rating you will need to complete the Graduate Diploma of Aviation (Flight Operations) in addition to the Bachelor of Aviation. All practical flight training components beyond the first solo in the circuit area of your training aerodrome are delivered in the Graduate Diploma. For those of you who wish to obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence, please ensure to submit your application for entry into the Graduate Diploma of Aviation (Flight Operations) no later than mid-term break. This is to allow yourself enough time to complete the necessary tasks or arrange RPL required for entry into the course. It can take up to six weeks to complete these tasks.
Career Information
The Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations) prepares you for aviation careers in the air transportation industry as a professional airline pilot. When you graduate with the Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations) you will meet the aeronautical knowledge requirements for a career as a professional airline pilot in the air transportation industry. When studied in conjunction with CQUniversity’s CM54 Graduate Diploma of Aviation you would be qualified to work as a professional pilot and have access to aviation careers in the air transportation industry, or a cadetship/ traineeship offered by some airlines. You may also be eligible to apply for the Australian Defence Force which recruits potential pilots for all services. With additional flight training you can explore opportunities in general aviation such as; flight instructing, tourism operations and agricultural operations such as mustering and crop spraying.
Aviation management is a broad and dynamic
field and there is unlimited amounts of aviation business administration jobs that are
necessary to keep air travel moving safely. This major provides a broad range
of skills, both technical and managerial, that will prepare you to
become an aviation professional who understands the theory behind airline and
airport operations and can apply these principles to a practical work
environment for
long-term careers in airline and airport management. Aviation
professional jobs require critical thinking and clear communication skills.
You are going to be working with people not only your company but again cross
company lines or across industry lines or with regulatory people to maintain
the safest travel industry in the world. Graduates complete a degree in aviation
management receive a diverse training in skills that are necessary for an
airline or airport management career and are hired by airlines and
related organizations such as airports, government agencies, tourism
authorities, freight forwarders, airport ground handling companies, consulting
firms, IT firms and air safety authorities.
| Duration | 3 years full-time |
|---|---|
| Credit Points that Must be Earned | 144 |
| Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
| Expected Hours of Study | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
| Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
| Qualification (post nominal) | BAv |
| AQF Level | Level 7: Bachelor Degree |
| Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2026
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
|
Admission Codes
|
Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
|
|---|---|
|
International Students CRICOS Codes |
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
Domestic Availability
-
Term 2 - 2027
-
Term 1 - 2027
-
Term 2 - 2026
-
Term 1 - 2026
-
Term 2 - 2025
-
Term 1 - 2025
-
Term 2 - 2024Airline and Airport Operations major is NOT available for Term 2 start.
-
Term 1 - 2024Airline and Airport Operations major is only available for Term 1 start.
-
Term 2 - 2023Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
-
Term 1 - 2023Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
-
Term 2 - 2022Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
-
Term 1 - 2022Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
-
Term 2 - 2021
-
Term 1 - 2021
-
Term 2 - 2020
-
Term 1 - 2020
-
Term 2 - 2019
-
Term 1 - 2019
-
Term 1 - 2018
International Availability
-
Term 2 - 2027
-
Term 1 - 2027
-
Term 2 - 2026
-
Term 1 - 2026
-
Term 2 - 2025
-
Term 1 - 2025
-
Term 2 - 2024Airline and Airport Operations major is NOT available for Term 2 start.
-
Term 1 - 2024Airline and Airport Operations major is only available for Term 1 start.
-
Term 2 - 2023Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
-
Term 1 - 2023Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
-
Term 2 - 2022Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
-
Term 1 - 2022Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
-
Term 2 - 2021
-
Term 1 - 2021
-
Term 2 - 2020
-
Term 1 - 2020
-
Term 2 - 2019
-
Term 1 - 2019
-
Term 1 - 2018
| Rank Threshold | SR 68 | ATAR 68 |
English Language Proficiency Requirements
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:
- A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent) or
- An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
- Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0
completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you do not satisfy any of the above you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores as below:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall & minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
- An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.
International Students should visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information.
Each student will be assessed individually.
Senior English, Physics and Mathematical Methods.
Awards and Accreditation
| Interim Awards | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Exit Awards | CL06 - Associate Degree of Aviation CL11 - Diploma of Aviation |
| Accreditation |
|
Residential School Requirements
| Compulsory Residential School | Compulsory Residential Schools are required for the laboratory and presentation components in certain units. |
|---|---|
| Click here to view all Residential Schools | |
Practicum/Work Placement
| AVAT13025 - Aviation Placement is a 12 credit unit for third-year students who will gain important work experience directly from industry partners. |
Previous and Current Enrolments
| Year | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 164 |
| 2024 | 155 |
| 2023 | 178 |
| 2022 | 191 |
| 2021 | 171 |
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
Examples are:
- Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
- Demonstrating respect for cultural and professional diversity as well as individual differences and capacities in the aviation industry.
- Complying with the requirement under the Aviation Act to be a fit and proper person.
Examples are:
- Successfully processing your own emotions and behaviour when dealing with stressful situations that can arise in the aviation environment.
- Maintaining behavioural stability through successfully distinguishing your own personal behaviours, experiences and emotions from others and situations in a professional setting.
- Being reflective with personal behaviours appropriate to professional performance and being positive and receptive to processing constructive supervisor/lecturer/peer feedback or criticism.
- Complying with the behavioural requirements to be a fit and proper person under the Aviation Act.
Examples are:
- Complying with the relevant workplace policies and practices in the aviation industry.
- Complying with university and workplace policy with the use of social media, online discussion forums, email and other electronic forms of communication.
- Complying with the policies and practices of organisations in which you may be placed or find employment.
- Complying with the Aviation Act and Regulations.
Examples are:
- Verbally communicating in English your aviation knowledge with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in a wide variety of contexts.
- Actively participating in discussion and course activities with appropriate use and command of language to the context.
- Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual, group or workplace.
- Establishing rapport with all stakeholders in the delivery of aviation practice and responding appropriately to stakeholders and other professionals.
- Using appropriate facial expressions, body movements and gestures, being mindful of space boundaries.
- Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course and in aviation practice.
- Adopting non-threatening body language during challenging and/or stressful situations with others.
- Competently and appropriately producing written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar and punctuation to the required academic standards.
- Expressing complex and detailed information and knowledge in logical and legible formats, in a timely manner that meets professional standards and clearly communicates the intended message.
- Accurately conveying and documenting information in a written form to develop and execute a case or cohesive argument that meets academic, professional and aviation practice requirements.
- Competently using a desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X.
- Using a computer with sufficient computer skills to engage in on -line learning, reading, initiating and responding to emails and other forms of electronic communication, and completing relevant assessments for the course. This includes being able to regularly access the Internet for coursework and research.
- Competently using productivity software such as Microsoft Office, and operate associated electronic technologies in the contemporary academic and aviation environment.
- Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information using a variety of specific programs relevant to aviation practice.
Examples are:
- Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge and evidence in response to academic assessment items and in the aviation organisation in which you may be placed or find employment.
- Completing academic learning activities and assessment tasks, and perform aviation skills within reasonable set time-frames.
- Constructing written text proficiently, in English, using appropriate vocabulary, correct grammar and conventions of speech, including being able to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic and professional conventions.
- competently reading, writing and accurately interpreting information to convey language effectively in aviation practice.
- Completing documentation that is accurate, clear and concise.
- Demonstrating competency in applying mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills to accurately read and interpret various measurements.
- Demonstrating effective use of mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills in the application of aviation practice.
- Demonstrating competency in manipulating and analysing numerical data.
Examples are:
- Having sufficient visual acuity to accurately measure and assess.
- Having sufficient visual acuity to work in a team-based aviation environment.
- Having sufficient visual acuity to identify hazards to self and others.
- Perceiving fine detail on a computer screen and/or mobile/portable device.
- Discerning an object from its background.
- Having sufficient auditory capacity to hear verbal communication from other professionals in the delivery of aviation practice.
- Having sufficient auditory capacity to work in a team-based aviation environment where verbal and non-verbal communication is essential to practice.
- Having sufficient auditory capacity to capture auditory warning circumstances, movements or signals where other senses may not detect such stimuli.
- Interacting with a computer through input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
- Correctly and successfully interacting with electronic and fixed position devices to perform aviation requirements.
Examples are:
- Incorporating a range of gross motor skills while participating effectively in aviation activities.
- Moving with ease while undertaking aviation activities.
- Working safely and effectively in a variety of physical environments applicable to aviation practice.
- Using a variety of fine motor skills in various aviation activities.
- Interacting with a computer through input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
- Correctly and successfully interacting with electronic and fixed position devices to perform aviation requirements.
Students who intend to take the Flight Operations major and undertake the Graduate Diploma of Aviation (CM54) are required to hold a CASA Aviation Medical from Year 2 as required by CM54.
Students who intend to take the the Flight Operations major and undertake the Graduate Diploma of Aviation (CM54) are required to obtain an Australian Security Identification Card (ASIC) as required by CM54.
Students who are wishing to complete the Airline and Airport Operations major may be required to obtain an Australian Security Identification Card (ASIC) to complete AVAT13025 Aviation Placement and AVAT13026 Aviation Capstone Project units.
- 1. Use new and existing technology and concepts encountered in the aviation industry in the role of an air transport pilot
- 2. Demonstrate effective leadership and authority in a multi-crew situation
- 3. Reflect on the professional and ethical responsibilities of an air transport pilot from a national and international perspective
- 4. Analyse critically and solve problems encountered in the role of an air transport pilot
- 5. Operate an aeroplane independently in the circuit area of the training aerodrome
- 6. Develop and maintain a safety management system.
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | ||||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | ||||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | ||||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | ||||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | ||||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||
| KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | ||||||
- 1. Apply skills, knowledge, and technology to support a wide range of aerodrome and air transport operations
- 2. Apply the body of knowledge of airline and airport operations and appropriate international and domestic regulatory frameworks
- 3. Critically analyse problems and recommend solutions for international airlines and airports
- 4. Apply an aviation professional approach in contributing to the innovation, development and management of airline and airport operational practice
- 5. Practice the importance of effective teamwork and communication skills appropriate to a professional aviation context.
| Course Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | |||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | |||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | |||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | |||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | |||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | |||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | |||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | |||||
| KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | |||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | |||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | |||||
- 1. Use new and existing technology and concepts encountered in the aviation industry in the role of an air transport pilot
- 2. Illustrate effective leadership and authority in a multi-crew situation
- 3. Reflect on the professional and ethical responsibilities of an air transport pilot from a national and international perspective
- 4. Analyse critically and solve problems encountered in the role of an air transport pilot
- 5. Operate an aeroplane independently in the circuit area of the training aerodrome
- 6. Develop and maintain a safety management system.
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | ||||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | ||||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | ||||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | ||||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | ||||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||
| KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | ||||||
- Complete the core structure
- Complete 1 major
| Number of units: 1 | Total credit points: 12 |
|---|
You will begin your study in the Bachelor of Aviation by learning about the basics of aeronautics.
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| AVAT11002 | Basic Aeronautical Knowledge | |
| Number of units: 19 | Total credit points: 132 |
|---|
In the First Year of your course, you will complete the following introductory units.
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| ECON11026 | Principles of Economics | |
| ACCT11059 | Accounting, Learning and Online Communication | |
| AVAT11009 | Principles and Practice of Aviation Law and Policy | |
| AVAT11008 | Introduction to Aviation Management | |
| AVAT11010 | Aviation Safety Fundamentals | |
| AVAT11011 | Human Factors in Airline and Airport Operations | |
After completing the introductory units, you will study the following intermediate units.
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| AVAT12015 | Aviation Economics | |
| AVAT12016 | Airline Finance Analysis | |
| AVAT12017 | Aviation Marketing | |
| AVAT12018 | Air Freight Transportation | |
| AVAT12019 | Airport Planning and Operation | |
| AVAT12020 | Airline Resource Management | |
| AVAT12021 | Air Traffic Management | |
Finally, you will complete your journey to becoming an aviation professional by completing the following units, including a major aviation project.
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| AVAT13020 | Aviation Strategic Management | |
| AVAT13021 | Aviation Risk Analysis and Management | |
| AVAT13022 | Sustainable Aviation | |
| AVAT13023 | Aviation Data Analysis | |
| AVAT13024 | Aviation Project | |
| AVAT13025 | Aviation Placement | |
| Number of units: 18 | Total credit points: 132 |
|---|
In the First Year of your course, you will complete the following introductory units.
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| AVAT11003 | Basic Aeronautical Practice | |
| AVAT11005 | Flight Fundamentals | |
| AVAT11006 | Commercial Pilot Licence Air Law | |
| AVAT11007 | Flight Planning, Performance and Operation (Private Pilot Licence) | |
After completing the introductory units, you will study the following intermediate units.
Finally, you will complete your journey to becoming an aviation professional by completing the following units.
International Availability
Only the Airline and Airport Operations major of this course is available to international students. If you are an international student aspiring to a career as a pilot, please apply for the CQUniversity CL29 Bachelor of Aviation (Commercial Pilot) course. CL29 is designed specifically to prepare international students for a Commercial Pilot Licence outcome and include all the Commercial Pilot Licence flight training.