CL29 - Bachelor of Aviation (Commercial Pilot)

Overview

Compulsory Residential School

Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Aviation (Commercial Pilot) will prepare you for a career as a commercial pilot. In this course, you will gain the aeronautical knowledge and experience required to achieve a Commercial Pilot License, Multi-Engine, and Command Instrument Rating.

In the first term of your study, you will prepare for flight training by learning about the aviation industry, the fundamentals of flight, and aviation safety. In your second term, you will begin your flight training and start Commercial Pilot License (CPL) theory coursework.

During your second year of study, you will continue fight training and CPL theory coursework, as well as undertaking more advanced theory courses in human factors and safety.

During your third year, you will complete your flight training and achieve a Commercial Pilot License and Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating. You will also fly the 737NG simulator and undertake a capstone Aviation Project that will provide you with the opportunity to showcase your knowledge and analytical skills through the presentation of a research project on an approved aviation-related topic.

Career Information

When you graduate with the Bachelor of Aviation (Commercial Pilot) you will meet the aeronautical knowledge and experience requirements for careers as a commercial pilot in the air transportation industry. You would normally be legally qualified to work as a commercial pilot and have access to aviation careers in the air transportation industry, or a cadetship/ traineeship offered by some airlines. 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.

Course Details
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 (Commercial Pilot)
AQF Level Level 7: Bachelor Degree
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2023
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $39,120
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $19,560
Indicative Year - 2022
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $19,560
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $39,120

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
Not Applicable
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
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.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 1 - 2026

Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2025

Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2024

Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2022

Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2022

Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2021

Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2021

Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2020

Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2020

Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2019

Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2019

Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2018

Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.
Show All

International Availability

Term 1 - 2026

Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2025

Cairns

Term 1 - 2024

Cairns

Term 2 - 2022

Cairns

Term 1 - 2022

Cairns

Term 2 - 2021

Cairns

Term 1 - 2021

Cairns

Term 2 - 2020

Cairns

Term 1 - 2020

Cairns

Term 2 - 2019

Cairns

Term 1 - 2019

Cairns

Term 1 - 2018

Cairns
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Entry scores are not available, please contact the Student Advice Team for more information.
Entry Requirements

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.

If you are an International student please visit International students English requirements for further information.

Each student will be assessed individually.

Other requirements

Continued enrollment in the course will be conditional on a student passing: a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) -approved Aviation English Language Proficiency Test; and obtaining a CASA Class 1 Aviation Medical, an Australian Security Identification Card (ASIC) and a CASA issued Aviation Reference Number (ARN), in Term 1 of the first year. These must be obtained at the student's expense. Please visit the CQUniversity international student web pages for additional information.

Assumed Knowledge

Senior English, Physics and Mathematical Methods.

Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards Not applicable
Exit Awards CL06 - Associate Degree of Aviation CL11 - Diploma of Aviation
Accreditation
  • Core

    Not Applicable

Residential School Requirements

Compulsory Residential School There is a compulsory residential school in the AVAT13013 unit. Students are expected to spend 4 days on the Cairns campus to complete this residential school.
Click here to view all Residential Schools

Practicum/Work Placement

AVAT13013 - In the third year, AVAT13013 includes flight training in a CASA-approved simulator. AVAT13013 provides the students with the “Certificate of Completion -Multi-Crew Cooperation” for successful completion of all training requirements prescribed in the Aviation Australia Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) course pursuant to Part 61 and Part 142 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1988 (CASR).

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 6
2023 2
2022 2
2021 2
2020 1
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

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.

Ethical Behaviour

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.
Behavioural Stability

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.
Legal Compliance

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.
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

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.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

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.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

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.
Relational Skills

Examples are:

  • Having sufficient relationship skills to undertake flight training on aircraft and in the simulator.

 

Reflective Skills

Examples are:

  • Having sufficient reflective skills to be able to analyse and reflect upon flight and theory lessons.

 

Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Actively participating safely and effectively in intensive aviation tasks that require sustained level of physical energy and concentration over a long duration.
  • Actively participating in a variety of aviation tasks in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)

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.
Interpersonal Engagement

Examples are:

  • Respectfully and successfully interacting with flight providers, airport staff and other aviation professionals.

 

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

Examples are:

  • Correctly and successfully interacting with computers and associated devices to perform aviation requirements.

 

Compulsory Requirements
Health Requirements

Students are required to hold a Class 1 Aviation Medical throughout the course. 

Security Requirements

Students are required to obtain an Australian Security Identification Card (ASIC) before commencing flying.

Students are required to hold the Australian Security Identification Card (ASIC) throughout the course. 

Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Apply new and existing technology and concepts encountered in the aviation industry in the role of a commercial pilot
  • 2. Demonstrate teamwork, leadership and communication skills required of a commercial pilot
  • 3. Evaluate critically, and solve, problems encountered in the role of a commercial pilot
  • 4. Plan and conduct a simulated commercial flight
  • 5. Operate an aircraft to the level of a commercial pilot with a command instrument rating
  • 6. Reflect critically upon the professional and ethical responsibilities of a commercial pilot in command from a national and international perspective.
  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
More Details

Additional costs not included in the course fee.

Additional enrolment costs

Your enrolment will be conditional on you obtaining the following during the First Term of the First Year, and before you fly solo: 

  • An Aviation Reference Number (ARN) from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)

  • An Australian Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate from a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME)

  • An Australian Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)

  • An Australian Aviation English Language Proficiency assessment at level 4 or higher

The cost of these items is approximately $1,000* and is not included in the course fee.

 

Additional study costs

You will be required to purchase the following:

  • Navigation equipment and a headset                                                  $700

  • Books                                                                                                  $1,000

  • Uniform                                                                                              $400

  • Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP)                                      $1,000

 The cost of these items is approximately $3,100* and is not included in the course fee.

 

Additional flight training costs

The course fee for the BAv (Commercial Pilot) includes flight training up to 227.3 hours total time (207.3 hours flight time and 20 hours simulator time), 100 hours of pilot in command time and 46 hours of instrument time. This should be sufficient to obtain your Australian Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and a Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR). If you require extra flight hours to reach the required standard for each unit, they will be charged at approximately:

  • $500 per hour for single engine aircraft and,

  • $1000 per hour for twin engine aircraft.

 

CASA examination costs

The cost of the CASA theory examinations is not included in the BAv (Commercial Pilot) course fee. The cost for each CASA Examination is approximately $160* per attempt.[AM1] 

 

Flight Provider

CQUniversity currently has one approved flight provider for international students in the following location:

Cairns - Queensland

*Flight training costs listed in the Offer Letter are estimates only.