VET In School

Diploma of Aviation (Partial) - Commerical Pilot Licence

Why not study to be a pilot while doing your VCE/TCE?

PRE-REQUISITES:

Minimum 15 years of age

DURATION:

2 Years

Victoria

Host School:

  • Xavier College Senior Campus Kew
  • Mordialloc College
  • Brentwood Secondary College

DATE & TIME:

  • 1st Year: Wednesday 1.30pm-4.30pm
  • 2nd Year: Wednesday 1.30pm-4.30pm

Tasmania

Host School:

  • St Brendan-Shaw College Devonport
  • Scotch Oakburn College

DATE & TIME:

  • St Brendan-Shaw College: Tuesday 8.30am-2.30pm
  • Scotch Oakburn College: Wednesday 8.30am-4.00pm

NOTES:

Satisfactory completion of this two year program entitles the student to a partial Diploma of Aviation, AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence — Aeroplane).

Tristar Aviation Co Pty Ltd is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) based in Melbourne and Launceston Australia.

For enrolments, please contact VETiS Co-ordinator Nick Soulsby. Ph: 03 9580 6200, Email: vetis@tristaraviation.com.au

VETiS Expression of Interest form

VETiS Flyer 2026 (Victoria)

VETiS Flyer 2026 (Tasmania)

Watch the Information Evening for 2026 (prerecorded)

PROGRAM COSTS & OUTCOMES

1st Year $11,950 (2026)
2nd Year $11,950 (2027)

Possible career pathways: Emergency Services Pilot, Airline Pilot, Flight Instructor, Air Force Pilot, Licence Aeronautical Engineer, Airline Program Manager, Agricultural Pilot (Cropduster).

Students will recieve approximately 25 hours flight time in their first year and 25 hours flight Time for their second year.

This course will provide opportunities for students to complete a Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) and work towards or complete a Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

Students are required to have a CASA medical before being able to go solo.

Please note: the prices estimated above are based on the CASA minimum hour requirements; however the amount of training time required varies on the individual.

STUDY PATHWAYS


✈ Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) Completion
✈ Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Completion
✈ Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
✈ Diploma of Aviation
✈ Advanced Diploma of Aviation
✈ Bachelor of Aviation
✈ Various other Bachelor Courses

COURSE STUCTURE

The units of competency delivered are part of the Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence Aeroplane):


UnitsUnit Codes
Maintain aircraft radio communicationsAVIE0006
Manage Pre-and post-flight actionsAVIW0029
Control aeroplane on the groundAVIY0054
Take off aeroplaneAVIY0055
Control aeroplane in normal flightAVIY0056
Land aeroplaneAVIY0057
Operate in class G airspace *AVIY0035
Operate at non-towered aerodromes *AVIY0036
Operate at a controlled aerodrome *AVIY0037
Manage aircraft fuel *AVIY0058
Manage safe flight operations *AVIF0030

* Unit delivered 2nd year only.



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will I have a pilot licence at the end of the course?

Our aim is for students to achieve a Recreational Pilot Licence in the second year of the course. There is no guarantee that a student will successfully obtain a flight crew licence as part of this course.

Can I start in the middle of the year?

It is possible to start mid-year if the student has previous experience. They would need to catch up on work missed in Semester 1 which requires a substantial commitment.

Does the fee include the cost of the flying lessons?

The fee covers of the cost of 25 hours flying in Year 1 and 25 hours of flying in Year 2.

What if I already have some flying hours?

If you already have some flying hours this may assist you; however it will depend on the level of competency already achieved, in both flying and theory. In some cases Recognition of Prior Learning may be applicable.

Can I start in Year 10?

You can start in Year 10 with the approval of your school. Keep in mind the CASA requirement that a student must be at least 15 years of age to fly solo.

What if I have a medical condition and/or am taking medications?

We recommend you seek the advice of a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) prior to enrolling in the course. Use the CASA online DAME directory to find a DAME near you.

Is there government funding for this course?

There is no funding for Year 11 & Year 12 students, however students transitioning into the degree course at Holmes Institute may be able to access a FEE-HELP loan. Some schools also provide financial assistance for their students.

What happens to my hours at the end of the year?

For students continuing in the first year transitioning into their second year, you may continue to use your first year hours through to the end of your second year.

For students completing their second year, you have until the end of February after graduation to complete your hours.

Does this course count towards my ATAR? (Victorian students)

This course may count towards your ATAR, depending upon your circumstances. Our course has been structured to be counted as a Block Credit at the Diploma level in both Year 11 and 12. VCAA has further details about Block Credits, but you should contact your school's VET Coordinator to confirm if this will apply to you.

Does this course count towards my TCE? (Tasmanian students)

Yes, this course may count towards the "Participation and Achievement Standard" component of the TCE. TASC has further details about the TCE standard, including a course planner. You should contact your school's VET Coordinator to confirm if this will apply to you.