How to become a pilot

Soar to new heights by navigating the skies and ensuring safe, efficient air travel.

Pilots play a crucial role in connecting people and places, ensuring safe and efficient air travel. Whether it's transporting passengers, delivering cargo, or conducting aerial surveys, pilots are at the forefront of aviation, combining technical skill with a passion for flight. If you have a fascination with flying, a keen sense of adventure, and a desire to see the world from above, then becoming a pilot might be the perfect career for you.

5 RMIT flight academy students walk along the tarmac next to RMIT's fleet of planes.

Becoming a pilot

To become a professional pilot in Australia you must get your commercial pilot license accredited by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). At RMIT, your flight training includes a Recreational (RPL), Private (PPL), and Commercial (CPL) pilot CASA licence.

Apply to an aviation course

Meinrich and Anna sit in the cockpit of a plane while they do their pre-flight checks. Both are wearing headsets and pilot uniforms.

Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots)

Blending aviation theory with practical flying lessons, your studies in this associate degree will prepare you to undertake the CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) Commercial Pilot Licence theory and flight tests.

Trinity Ballantyne sits in the cockpit of a plane and pilots over the Victorian coastline.

Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot Training)

Providing a mix of theory and practical experience, this industry-led degree will equip you with problem solving, communication and leadership skills, preparing you for a career as a professional. In addition, this degree includes flight training to qualify for an RPL, PPL, and CPL, which enables you to fly commercially within Australia.

Explore RMIT's aviation courses

Pass the Aviation English Language Proficiency (AELP) test

The AELP evaluates your proficiency in English and aviation terminology, essential for using an aeronautical radio. You will receive a score between 1 and 6, with a minimum score of 4 required to meet the language requirements. If you score a 4, you will need to be reassessed every 3 years. A score of 5 requires reassessment every 6 years. If you achieve a score of 6, your AELP certification does not expire.

Pass the CPL theory exam

To test your theory on aeroplanes (CPLA), you will do 7 exams on different subjects:

Human factors (CHUF)
Navigation (CNAV)
Meteorology (CMET)
Aerodynamics (aeroplane) (CADA)
Flight rules and air law (aeroplane) (CLWA)
Performance and flight planning (aeroplane) (CFPA)
General knowledge (aeroplane) (CSYA)

You must pass all the exams within one window. For example, you have 2 years to pass all 7 subjects, starting on the date of your first CPL subject pass.

Complete minimum flying experience hours

You are required to complete a total of 150 hours of flying with 70 flown solo as a legal minimum.

Hold a class 1 medical certificate

To be eligible to fly commercially, you must have a class 1 medical certificate, which is renewed every year. To qualify for the certificate, you must undergo basic medical and ancillary tests, such as an audiogram, ECG, blood tests for glucose and lipids. You will also have your eyesight tested by an ophthalmologist.

Pass the CPL flight test

After you’ve passed the CPL exams, AELT test, and hold a class 1 medical certificate you can undertake the CPL flight test. Conducted by a CASA-approved testing officer, you'll showcase everything you've learned in your flight training. If they are satisfied with your knowledge and skills, you'll earn your Commercial Pilot Licence.

What does a pilot do?

A pilot is responsible for operating aircraft, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of passengers and cargo. Their duties begin long before take-off, involving meticulous flight planning, checking weather conditions, and conducting thorough pre-flight inspections. During the flight, pilots navigate the aircraft, monitor instruments, and communicate with air traffic control to maintain a safe flight path. They must be prepared to handle any in-flight emergencies and make quick, informed decisions. Upon landing, pilots complete post-flight reports and ensure the aircraft is ready for its next journey. Beyond technical skills, a pilot must have strong situational awareness, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to safety.

3 RMIT aviation students check their pre-flight safety checklists while examining their plane on the tarmac.

Where do pilots work?

Most pilots operate commercial airlines to transport passengers and cargo across domestic and international routes. They also fly corporate jets for business executives or private individuals. Military pilots operate aircraft for defence and tactical missions, while charter service pilots fly on-demand for tourism, medical emergencies, or specialised transport. Additionally, some pilots work in agriculture, using crop dusters to distribute pesticides and fertilisers.

How much do pilots earn?

The median weekly earnings for a pilot in Australia are $2,496 per week*.

*Source: www.jobsandskills.gov.au 2023

Learn more about your aviation study options

Whether you're a Year 12 student weighing up your options or thinking about switching careers, RMIT's aviation courses provide a comprehensive and industry-focused education that can help you succeed as a pilot in Australia.

Explore RMIT's aviation courses

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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