How To Become A Pilot In Australia: A Beginner's Guide

Are you an adventurous person who enjoys heights and taking risks? Do you want to travel and see places worldwide? Look no further! Becoming a pilot might be the perfect career choice for you.

Pilots fly aeroplanes to safely transport mail, freight, and passengers or provide aerial surveillance or other aviation services. They usually work in the military, in commercial aviation, for a specific airline, or as an independent contractor.
 

You usually need a pilot licence issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to work as a pilot in Australia. Some pilots train with the Australian Defence Force to gain a licence. In contrast, others complete a VET or university qualification or receive practical and theoretical flight training through private flying schools.

This blog discusses how to become a pilot in Australia, including what they do, qualifications requirements, courses, work experience, flight training, and salary. You can also find frequently asked questions at the end.

1. What Is A Pilot?

Pilots are skilled in operating aircraft, such as aeroplanes and helicopters, to transport military, private goods, commercial products, mail, and people between locations.

They are part of a flight crew comprising a captain and a co-pilot/first officer that work together to fly and navigate the aircraft safely.

The aircraft they operate depend on their specialisation, such as smaller aircraft, helicopters, large commercial aircraft, or cargo planes to transport civilians and goods between locations.

Besides flying an aircraft, a pilot also monitors fuel, engines, and aircraft systems throughout the flight. They also prepare flight plans and conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure the aircraft is ready to take off.

2. Tasks And Duties Of A Pilot

The following are the essential tasks and duties performed by a pilot:

• File flight plans and confirm flight schedules.

• Check and analyze the weather and all possible factors impacting the flight.

• Create a flight plan by communicating with air traffic control.

• Ensure that all the aircraft systems, including engines, fuel levels, and hydraulics, function correctly before take-off.

• Monitor all the systems of the aircraft during the flight.

• Fly the aircraft from the origin to landing it safely at the destination.

• Keep the crew updated about the flight details.

• Communicate effectively with the passengers before take-off and landing and inform them about flight status changes and the weather.

• Communicate effectively with air traffic control and other aircraft. 

• Conduct aircraft inspections before take-off and after landing.

• Examine weather conditions and check aircraft performance to initiate pre-flight planning.

• Follow their company's flight safety guidelines and standard operating procedures and always adhere to state-level rules and regulations. 

• Ensure safe and efficient execution of flight operations by the operations manual.

• Keep precise flight-related records, including passenger data, trip papers, and engine maintenance. 

• Ensure that appropriate equipment and manuals are on board. 

• Attend necessary workshops, conferences, and training classes.

3. Essential Pilot Skills

You need a specific skill set that combines industry-knowledge and soft skills to perform the job efficiently.

The following skills are desirable for aspiring pilots in this role:

Hard skills

• In-depth knowledge of operating aircraft and complex instruments.

• Technical aptitude to understand technical details

• Aeronautical skills 

• Math skills

• Able to process physics and mathematical-based problems and compute numbers quickly, accurately, and on demand.

• Great English reading, writing, and comprehension skills

Soft Skills

• Able to stay calm while handling high-pressure situations

• Good decision-making skills, particularly under pressure

• Effective communication with air traffic control, staff, and the passengers 

• Responsible 

• Strong leadership skills

• Able to build strong teamwork

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Able to work under pressure

• Professional 

• Courteous 

• Hard-working 

• Attention to detail

• Strong situational awareness 

4. What Are The Requirements For Pilots Australia?

To become a pilot in Australia, you need a license obtained through theoretical and practical training.

Though training requirements vary based on the kind of licence needed, the general eligibility criteria include the following:

• Gain your high school certificate with prerequisite subjects such as math and English that are essential for Pilot roles.

• Select the desired license type and find a flight school that provides training for it. Private Pilot Licenses (PPL) and Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPL) are the commonly sought-after types.Hold a current medical certificate based on the licence you are pursuing.

• Fulfill the necessary training based on your chosen license type. A PPL typically entails 55 to 60 hours of flight training over a period of 2 to 12 months, while a CPL requires 150 or more hours of flight training spanning over 12 months.

• Successfully pass an examination and flight test to obtain your license. Meeting these requirements will grant you eligibility to fly solo in Australia.

5. Steps To Become A Pilot In Australia

Step 1: Do Your Research

Australia offers a wide variety of training programs and pilot courses in Australia, and you need to do research to choose the best option that suits your interest. Your choice depends upon the kind of pilot you want to be.

If you're going to work for an airline, consider getting an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). If you want to fly fighter jets, you should consider joining the military. The following are your options:

• The Military: Joining the military is a good choice if you want to serve your nation while achieving your dream of becoming a pilot. The government will sponsor your flight training if you join the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). However, you must serve in the military for 12 years to apply for commercial aeroplanes. The military will provide you with a financially safe and sound career.

• Flight School: Australia has hundreds of flight schools from where you can receive pilot training. The enrolment procedures, requirements, and tuition fees vary from school to school, according to the training course you choose. Since you have many options, you must thoroughly research the schools to select the one that suits you.

• Aviation-Related College Degree Program: To become a Commercial Pilot in Australia, you should study an aviation-related degree with a pilot training program. You will usually receive a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). This way, you can gain a college degree and a pilot licence.

• Airline Cadet Pilot Program: If you want to become an airline pilot, consider joining any Airline Cadet Pilot Program. Most major airlines, like Qantas Airways Limited, have restarted their pilot cadetships in Australia. The enrollment process and fees vary from airline to airline. After completing this pilot training program, you will obtain an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).

Step 2: Choose A Flight School

Choose a medium for your aviation education. You can join the military, flight school, aviation-related college degree program, or an airline cadet pilot program. Your preferred option should be affordable and aligned with your interests.

This decision is a significant step in your career. You should carefully consider all the factors before you make a decision. Here are the factors to consider for choosing your flight school:

Tips For Choosing A Flight School:

• Determine Your Goals: Decide what kind of pilot you want to be. Having clarity on your goals is very important while choosing your flight school. You do not want to make a decision you will regret later. If you only want to be a part-time pilot, you only need a Private Pilot Licence. But if you're going to be an airline pilot, you need an Airline Transport Pilot Licence.

• Determine Your Budget: Deciding your goals is only helpful if you can afford them. So, while deciding your goals, you should also determine whether you can afford them. Different schools have different tuition fees. Find out which of them is affordable for you.

• Determine The Time You Can Spare For School: Before you choose your flight school, you need to find out how much free time you have to spend on school. Different flight schools have different schedules. Try to select the ones that match your plan.

• Give A Visit To Your Shortlisted Schools: After determining everything else, try to visit the schools you have shortlisted. At least try to talk with the instructors and management of the school. Contacting the graduates of the flight schools would also be beneficial. You will get to know different perspectives by doing so.

Step 3: Earn Your Licences

Usually, you need to go through 5 different stages of pilot training and earn the respective licences depending on the kind of pilot you choose to be. Here are those:

Student Pilot Licence (SPL)

A student Pilot Licence allows you to start your pilot training. SPL is usually the first licence that you need to obtain. However, you must be at least 15 years old to fly solo.

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

This training focuses on the basics of flying in a single-engine aircraft. It can be considered as a foundation course for the upcoming training. You should be at least 17 to obtain a private pilot licence. You must also go through an integrated or non-integrated training course.

The integrated course includes 35 flying hours, of which ten must be solo and five solo cross country. The non-integrated course contains an additional 5 hours of flight time. After achieving a Private Pilot Licence, you can fly solo passengers and cargo. However, you won't be earning while flying with this licence.

Instrument Rating (IR)

Earning IR allows pilots to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). You can earn Instrument Rating after becoming a private pilot. You can fly under any weather after making an Instrument Rating.

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

You should be at least 18 to obtain a commercial pilot licence. Completing an integrated and non-integrated program is also mandatory for this. The integrated course contains 150 flying hours, and the non-integrated course includes 200 flying hours for the aeroplane category rating.

A commercial Pilot Licence is required for you to start earning from flying. This licence enables you to become a paid professional pilot.

Multi-Engine Rating (MER)

To fly larger passenger airlines and aircraft with multi-engine, you need to add a multi-engine rating to your commercial pilot licence. Most flight schools allow you to take MER with your CPL, which you can also get separately.

Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)

The minimum age requirement for obtaining an airline transport pilot licence is 21 years. You must have 1500 hours of flying time in the aeroplane category or 1000 hours in the helicopter category. You must also have a CPL in the same class and completed training in multi-crew cooperation.

ATPL is the highest pilot certificate level that gives you the authority to act as a pilot in command.

Step 4: Evaluate Your Career Options And Choose One

After obtaining all the licences, pilots can choose from many different options. Here are those:

• Airline Pilot

• Cargo Pilot

• Air Taxi Pilot

• Air Ambulance Pilot

• Business Aviation Pilot

• Flight Instructor

6. Pilot Courses In Australia

The below courses give you a thorough understanding of the aviation industry and basic-level flight operations and help you achieve vital analytical skills to start a career in a fast-paced and exciting industry.

Delivered as per CASA requirements, the below qualifications set you on the path to becoming a professional or commercial pilot.

AVI50222 - Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)

This course is perfect for obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence from CASA and launching a career as a commercial pilot. You have the option to pair it with the AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating).

Available Course Options:

1. AVI50222 - Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) - Mission Aviation Fellowship on behalf of Aviation Australia

• Duration - 11-12 months (150 hours program)

• Location: Mareeba (North Queensland)

2. AVI50222 - Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)- White Star Aviation on behalf of Aviation Australia.

• Open To: Domestic Students

• Duration: 11 – 12 Months (200-Hour Program)

• Study Mode: Full-Time

• Location: Ballina (New South Wales)

2. AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)

Completing this specialised course (certification by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority) provides the technical and non-technical skills to operate aeroplanes under the instrument flight rules.

3. AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) - Mission Aviation Fellowship on behalf of Aviation Australia.

• Open To: Domestic and International Students

• Duration: 3 – 4 Months

• Location: Mareeba (North Queensland)

• Study Mode: Full-Time

4. AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) - White Star Aviation on behalf of Aviation Australia.

• Open To: Domestic Students

• Duration: 3 – 4 Months

• Location: Ballina (New South Wales)

• Study Mode: Full-Time

Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) - UNSW, Sydney 

The qualification gives you a solid theoretical grounding and practical training in aviation safety and management. It prepares you for a career as an airline pilot or more senior leadership roles like a manager in the aviation sector.

Bachelor of Aviation – The Edith and Cowan University

Those interested to know how to become a pilot in Perth, this qualification gives you a professional education and graduate status to enter a role in the aviation industry.

• Entry requirements: 70 Indicative ATAR

• Duration: 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

• Availability and Campus: Joondalup

Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations)- The University of Southern Queensland

To know how to become a pilot in QLD, you can undertake a professional pilot qualification in aviation at the University of Southern Queensland.

Suppose you want to know how to become a pilot for Qantas. Completing this qualification allows you to be considered for the Qantas Group Future Pilot Program. You need to have a GPA of 4.0 or more throughout your degree duration and Australian work rights to be eligible for the program.

Selected students are called to complete an intensive twelve-week Airline Transition Course through an invite.

Those who complete the course obtain employment with QantasLink and finish their training under the management of an experienced QantasLink training team.

You will qualify as First Officers to fly the airline's Dash 8 200/300 or Q400 fleet.

Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting) 

7. Work Environment Of A Pilot

The job of a Pilot is not a typical Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm job.

Junior pilots with low experience and seniority levels may expect to work on weekends and holidays. As flight assignments are based on your seniority level, in later years in your career, you will enjoy greater work flexibility to choose your preferred days off.

Here are a few things a pilot experiences while spending time inside and around aircraft:

• Sitting for extended durations in the cockpit

• Working closely with a small group of people for prolonged periods

• May work irregular hours or have unusual schedules

• It may require staying for several weeks away from home every month

• May experience fatigue and jet lag during long flights

• May experience loss of taste due to low pressure and humidity on board.

8. Employment Opportunities For Pilots In Australia

Studying for an aviation degree equips you with various technical and supervisory skills that you can apply to a practical work environment in the following settings:

• Larger or smaller regional Airlines

• Airports and Airport management

• Tourism authorities

• Freight forwarders

• Airport ground handling companies

• Public organizations

• Consulting businesses

• IT companies

• Air safety authorities.

9. Pilot Jobs In Australia

Some of the latest Jobs for Pilots on Seek are:

• Aeromedical Pilot

• Drone Pilot

• Landplane Pilot

• Flexible Touring Pilot 

• Line Pilot 

• Turbine Seaplane & Cessna C208 Pilot

• RPAS Pilot

• Chief Pilot

• ATR Pilot

• Airline Pilot

• King Air 200 Pilot

• Helicopter Pilots 

• Associate Pilot

• Executive Pilot

• Team Lead Pilot

• Senior Staff Pilot

• Flight Instructor

• Cargo Pilot

• Charter / Air Taxi Pilot

• Agriculture Pilot

• Corporate or business aviation pilot

• Medical/ Air ambulance pilots

10. Career Pathway For Pilots In Australia

Trained Pilots can gain experience and advance their careers in the following roles:

• Pilot/ Pilot II/Associate Pilot

• Senior Pilot/Deputy Pilot

• Pilot IV/Team Lead Pilot

• Pilot V / Senior Staff Pilot

• Director of Aviation

• Senior Director of Aviation

• Executive Pilot 

• Chief Pilot 

11. Job Outlook Of Aeroplane Pilots In Australia

It is a very highly skilled occupation with a small employment force.

The government expects moderate growth in the profession. The higher retention among pilots indicates stability in the role for extended periods.

Working Arrangements

Around 73% of employed Aeroplane Pilots work full-time hours for an average of 45 hours per week.

Main Industries of Employment

Around 74.3% of employed Pilots work in Transport, Postal, And Warehousing. Other industries of employment include:

• Public Administration And Safety - 13.6%

• Education And Training - 2.7%

• Health Care And Social Assistance - 2.5%

Percentage of Employment across Australia

Around 61% of Aeroplane Pilots live in capital cities. The Northern Territory and Queensland have a large share of employment concerning their population size.

• New South Wales: 28.5%

• Victoria: 17.2%

• Queensland: 28.1%

• South Australia: 5.6%

• Western Australia: 13.3%

• Tasmania: 1.1%

• Northern Territory: 4.2%

• Australian Capital Territory: 2.0%

Worker's Age and Gender Profile

The average age of Aeroplane Pilots is 41 years, with most between 35 to 44 years. Females constitute 6% of the workforce which is 42 percentage points less than all jobs average of 48%.

12. How Much Does A Pilot Earn In Australia?

Pilot salary in Australia also varies from airline to airline. The pay in the military is different from airlines and air ambulances.

Here are a few factors that may impact their earnings:

• The airline they work for

• The type of aircraft they fly

• The size of the airline

• Years of Experience 

• The location of the airline

• The rank and seniority of the pilot within the company

• The number of hours worked each month

• The number of flights they fly each month and the length of flights determine hourly pay rates. 

According to Pay Scale, the average salary for a Commercial Pilot in Australia is AU$ 94,111 per year.

In addition to the basic salary, pilots also earn through other forms of compensation. For example, pilots may receive performance bonuses when they meet certain targets, such as flying a specific number of hours or maintaining high safety levels.

On top of these, Pilots also receive perks such as retirement plans, travel benefits, life insurance, and health insurance.

Moreover, profit-sharing programs where pilots receive a set percentage of the airline's profits also boost a pilot's earnings, particularly when the airline does well financially.

Most pilots also get per diem that covers expenditures such as lodging, meals, etc., when away from home.

Salary Based on Experience

• Entry-level (< 1 year experience): AU $85,901 per year

• Early career (1-4 years of Experience): AU $85,496 per year 

• Mid-career (5-9 years of Experience): AU $94,644 per year 

• Experienced (10-19 years of Experience): AU $103,209 per year

• In late career (20 years and above): AU $121,740 per year

Highest Paying Cities for Pilots in Australia

• Melbourne - $143,452 per year

• Bankstown - $133,376 per year

• Darwin - $120,371 per year

• Brisbane - $112,919 per year

• Broome - $110,572 per year

• Sydney - $102,645 per year

• Karratha - $98,238 per year

• Perth - $92,915 per year

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Pilot Age Limit in Australia?

You must be at least 15 years old to fly solo in Australia and be at most 65 years, as it is the retirement age for pilots in Australia.

At What Age Should You Become a Pilot?

There is no age restriction on when you can begin learning to fly when accompanied by a flight instructor. However, you must be at least 15 to fly alone.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Pilot in Australia?

It depends upon various factors like the flight school you choose, your training, etc. If you join the military, it hardly costs you any money. On average, the integrated training to obtain a commercial pilot licence in Australia could cost around $65000.

How Many Hours Do Pilots Work?

According to Labour Market Insights, around 73% of employed Aeroplane Pilots work full-time hours for an average of 45 hours per week.

Is a Pilot a Stressful Job?

Being a pilot is a very prestigious profession. But this prestige does come with many struggles. Pilots often work long hours and sometimes go to work at short notice. Sometimes, staying overnight at hotels is also necessary.

The schedule is another tricky part of a Pilot's job as they have to stay away from home for a prolonged duration. They work long shifts while on duty.

Also, changes in the eating and sleep timing due to time difference leads to changes in the body's biological clock.

Additionally, the lack of holiday vacations with the family restricts their opportunity to socialise. Furthermore, adapting to different climates is a big challenge in this role.

A Pilot's role can be rewarding, memorable, exciting but also challenging, exhausting, and stressful.

What is The Hardest Part of Being a Pilot?

Work-life balance is the most challenging part, especially for junior pilots flying reserve. However, if you pass that stage, you will eventually gain seniority and enjoy a more predictable and flexible schedule.

Why Do Pilots Have To Retire at 65?

The retirement age for Pilots is 65 years. After working for several years in such a high-intensity career, you may develop a disqualifying condition that prevents you from maintaining your CASA Class 1 and Class 2 Medical Certificate.

Can You Wear Glasses as a Pilot?

Pilots are subjected to eyesight requirements to ensure they can fly planes in commercial and military aviation. Due to this reason, Pilots have to undergo regular eye testing.

Usually, commercial pilots must have 20/20 vision when flying an aircraft; it is only sometimes biologically possible. That is why pilots can complete their eye-testing while wearing prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Can You Become a Pilot with no Experience?

You don't need flying experience or formal educational qualifications to apply. Due to this reason, the application process for cadet pilot programs is highly competitive.

Essential Experience may give you a competitive advantage during the application, mainly when an airline company or chief pilot reviews your resume.

Some training institutions offer the Future Cadet Pilot Program to boost your pilot application. However, they require a cadet to commit for several years to the airline.

Also, the cadet must bear the training costs, and the program only guarantees a job after completion.

Do Pilots Need a Degree?

It is not required to have a formal qualification to pursue a Pilot role; however, having a qualification in aviation and a related field will improve your entry into this role.

You can enter a Pilot role in two ways:

• Through the Australian Defence Force Academy where you will spend three years finishing a degree course

• As a direct entry into the pilot course, you must complete the CASA training to gain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). You can achieve this by completing all the below CASA licences in sequence, such as Complete Recreational Pilot Licence, Complete Private Pilot Licence, and Complete Commercial Pilot Licence.

Otherwise, complete the AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) course covering all three licences.

Do Pilots Get Paid Well in Australia?

Yes. The job of a commercial pilot is lucrative as it involves specialised skills and training and the successful completion of various written and practical exams before they can fly a plane.

Besides an hourly/full-time salary, they also get bonuses and an appealing compensation package such as:

• Commercial pilot allowances

• Accommodation and meal allowances

• Clothing allowances

• Performance bonuses

• Life-insurance and health-insurance

• Retirement benefits

Top three high-paying airlines for pilots in Australia:

• Qantas: Average commercial pilot salary - $100,281 per year, average yearly bonuses - $2000 to $38000.

• Virgin Australia: Average commercial pilot salary - $100,000 per year, annual average bonus - $2000.

• Jetstar: Average commercial pilot salary - $89,000 per year, average yearly bonus - $6000.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Pilot in Australia?

While pilots are compensated well, you must also consider the education and training costs of becoming a pilot.

The average integrated training cost to obtain a commercial pilot licence in Australia is $65000 based on the flight school you choose, the training you undertake, etc. 

Do Pilots Get Paid per Flight? 

How much pilots earn per flight varies between airlines. Some pay per flight basis per the employment contract; others may pay them hourly.

In the latter case, pilots are paid based on the number of hours they fly. Hourly pay is usually standard for regional and smaller airlines, while larger airlines mostly pay per flight.

The pay rates per hour can vary based on the following:

• Level of Experience 

• Rank in the company

• The airline they work for

• The type of aircraft they fly

• The number of flights they fly per month

• The length of those flights

How Many Hours a Pilot Can Fly in a Day?

Pilots can fly between 8 and 14 hours a day based on flight start time and how many pilots are on board.

What Subjects Are Needed to Become a Pilot in Australia?

English, physics, and mathematics are prerequisites for pursuing a Pilot's role.

How Long Does Becoming a Commercial Pilot in Australia Take?

According to CASA, the time required to get a licence depends on various factors, including:

• Licence Type 

• Your learning pace (full-time/part-time)

• Availability of the aircraft

• Weather conditions

• Air Traffic

• Whether you are flying on an ad-hoc basis

• Preferred training structure (ex: integrated/continuous training or modular/flexible training)

• Flight Instructor-Student ratio of the school

• Your financial situation

You can qualify for a private pilot licence after 55-60 flying hours. When completed part-time (1 hour a week), it will take just over 12 months, else two months if trained full-time.

To qualify for a commercial pilot licence, you must complete the 150-hour full-time course that will take around 12 months. When trained on an ad-hoc basis, you will have to complete 200 hours, which can take about 2 to 3 years to complete the training.

Is Becoming a Pilot Hard in Australia?

Yes. From flight training and ground school to completing assignments and tests, it takes immense commitment and hard work to complete and gain a pilot's licence.

Your ability and the type of pilot certificate you seek will dictate how difficult you find the training.

Though the journey is undoubtedly tricky and, at times, frustrating too, the feeling of taking off the aircraft into the sky by your hands is one of the most fulfilling accomplishments you could ever experience.

Can Pilot's Families Fly For Free?

Yes, some Airlines offer a set of free rides and discounted passes to Flight Crew members and their families, which are nice perks for flight crews.

What Is The Hardest Thing to Become a Pilot?

Though a career in the aviation field is an enjoyable career where you get to enjoy several fabulous and incredible sights, however, pursuing this role is more challenging a field than it might appear.

Here are some of the challenges you may have to face while you prepare for your pilot's licence:

• Numerous practical and written tests you must pass along the way. The topics covered are of an advanced level and require more precise control of the aircraft while doing several things simultaneously, such as changing attitude, altitude, and airspeed at one time.

• Another difficult thing in obtaining a licence is logging the necessary flight hours. Initially, you may find it challenging, but as you reach 1,500 hours, you have more than adequate knowledge and Experience for the written and practical test, so it is okay.

• Figuring out how you will pay for flight school is another tricky part of becoming a pilot. Luckily, the availability of flight school loans, scholarships, and grants lessen the financial burden to a reasonable extent.

• Once you gain the licence, the hectic work schedule, including long shifts, staying away from home for many days, and adapting to changing climates in a short period, makes it difficult to adjust to the job.

What is The Easiest Type of Pilot To Become?

Compared to the other licences, such as the Airline transport pilot licence (ATPL), Commercial Pilot Licence, and Private pilot licence (PPL), the Recreational pilot licence is the easiest to get due to its simple requirements and the least flying time, 25 hours.

How To Get 1500 Flight Hours?

Airlines in Australia usually have minimum flying hour requirements for their Direct Entry opportunities. The best way to build hours is to find work as a commercial pilot or a Fight Instructor.

Consider completing a Flight Instructor Rating straight once you obtain your CPL, and begin earning as a pilot while building your hours immediately.

Is Piloting A Good Career?

Becoming a pilot is an adventurous and exciting occupation where you can fly above the clouds and see the world from a distinctive perspective.

A career as a Pilot can take you across the nation or even around the World! It can lead you to a broader employment opportunity within the aviation industry and in other areas such as:

• Pilot

• Flight Planner

• Load Controller

• Aviation Operations Controller

• Aviation Operations Officer 

• CASA Regulator 

• Air Traffic Controller

• Royal Australian Airforce Officer 

Furthermore, there is a great demand for commercial pilots globally, including in Australia, with the number of workers expected to grow substantially in the next 20 years.

It is also a lucrative profession where most pilots receive additional compensation on top of their salary.

If you are passionate about aviation, a hard-working and dedicated person with excellent English skills, and a good grasp of mathematics and physics, then a career as a professional pilot could be your calling.

14. Conclusion

Being a pilot is a very prestigious profession. But this prestige does come with many struggles. Pilots often work long hours and sometimes go to work at short notice. Sometimes, staying overnight at hotels is also necessary.

It is different for every pilot. It differs from the career option and airline you work for.

Useful Links to Explore:

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• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
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