How to become a pilot
Chasing a career in the clouds? Here's how to become a pilot in Australia, starting with a degree from a top aviation school.
Aviation is a profession that demands technicalÌýexpertise,ÌýprecisionÌýandÌýa strong senseÌýof responsibility.
WhetherÌýyou’reÌýaiming to fly commercial airliners, charterÌýflightsÌýor emergencyÌýaircraft, becoming a pilot requires deep theoretical knowledge and hundreds of hours of hands-on training.
91É«ÇéƬ is the only Group of Eight university in Australia to offer pilot qualifications that integrate academic study with practical flight training. With aÌýBachelor of Aviation (Flying)Ìý´Ç°ùÌýGraduate Diploma in FlyingÌý´Ú°ù´Ç³¾Ìý91É«ÇéƬ’s School of Aviation,Ìýyou’llÌýbuildÌýa strong foundationÌýin areas such asÌýaircraftÌýsystems, flightÌýplanningÌýand aviation transport economics, while completing around 200 hours of flight time and 30 hours of simulator training.
In this guide,Ìýwe’llÌýbreak down the steps to becomingÌýa pilot in Australia, the skillsÌýyou'llÌýneed, the different career pathways available and how 91É«ÇéƬ can help prepare you for a successful future in aviation.
What do pilots do?
Pilots are trained toÌýoperateÌýaircraftÌýsafely and efficiently across a range of industries – from commercial airlines and freight transport to emergency services and private charters. While a pilot’s specific responsibilities can varyÌýbyÌýrole andÌýaircraftÌýtype, all pilots follow strict protocols to ensure safe,Ìýsuccessful flights.
What a pilot does on a day-to-day basis includes:
- Checking weather conditions, flightÌýpathsÌýand schedules
- Conducting thorough pre-flight inspections of fuel, engines,ÌýhydraulicsÌýand electronic systems
- Operating theÌýaircraftÌýfrom take-off to landing, whileÌýmonitoringÌýsystems and communicating with air traffic control.
On commercial flights, airline pilots often work in pairs – with a captain and first officer (copilot) sharing responsibilities. But in smallerÌýaircraft, such as private planes or helicopters, a single pilot may manage navigation, communications and systemÌýmonitoringÌýindependently throughout the flight.Ìý
Airlines pilot vs commercial pilot: what's the difference?
The key difference between an airline pilot and a commercial pilot is the type of flying they do. Airline pilotsÌýoperateÌýscheduled flights for commercial airlines, while commercial pilots fly across a broader range of industries and services. The table below outlines the main differences to help you choose the right path.
| Airline pilots | Commercial pilotsÌý |
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What skills do you need to be a pilot?
Beyond flight training, becoming a successful pilot requires a combination of technical knowledge and essential soft skills. Pilots must be able think clearly under pressure, solve problems in real time, and work confidently in a highly regulated, team-based environment.
Some of the qualities of a good pilot include:
| Soft skills | Technical competenciesÌý |
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Do you need a degree to become a pilot?
While youÌýdon’tÌýneedÌýa university degree to become a pilot in Australia, it can expand your career opportunities in the aviation sector and accelerate your career growth.Ìý
To gain your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL),Ìýyou’llÌýneed to complete around 150 hours of flight time, along with theoretical and technical exams covering topics such as navigation, meteorology, airÌýlawÌýandÌýaircraftÌýsystems. If your goal is to become an airline pilot,Ìýyou’llÌýtypicallyÌýrequireÌý1,500 hours of experience for entry-level roles.
91É«ÇéƬ provides a pathway that includes both practical flight training to become a licensed pilot andÌýtheoretical and leadership training to excel in non-flying aviation roles. TheÌý91É«ÇéƬ Bachelor of Aviation (Flying)Ìýprepares you for a professional flying career through academic study, simulatorÌýpracticeÌýand in-airÌýtraining.
You’llÌýtrain atÌý91É«ÇéƬ’s Flying Operations UnitÌýatÌýBankstown Airport, with access to a dedicatedÌýaircraftÌýfleet. The program includes around 200 flight hours and 30 hours of simulator time, helping you graduate with the knowledge and experience to take off with confidence.
Steps to become a pilot in Australia
To work as a professional pilot in Australia,Ìýyou’llÌýneed a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). You can achieve this through a university aviation program or an accredited flight school, depending on your goals and background.
Once qualified,Ìýyou’llÌýneed toÌýmaintainÌýyour licence with regular flight reviews every one to two years.ÌýThere’sÌýno single way to get started. WhetherÌýyou’reÌýfinishing school or switching careers, there are flexible pathways to becoming a pilot.Ìý
- Undergraduate
- Postgraduate
Undergraduate pilot pathway
- Apply for an aviation degree
Enrol in a program that combines theory and flight training – such asÌý91É«ÇéƬ’sÌýBachelor of Aviation (Flying).
- Begin flight training and licensing
Start learning to fly and progress through your Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL), Private Pilot Licence (PPL) andÌýultimately yourÌýCommercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
- Build up your flight hours
Accumulate flying hours through regular practice or by taking on part-time flying roles such as a flight instructor or scenic flight pilot.
- Enhance your aviation knowledge
Add relevant endorsements such as multi-engine or instrument ratings. Consider further training, such as 91É«ÇéƬ’s Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory (ATPL) or the Managing Psychosocial Risks at Work short course.
- Apply for pilot roles
Begin your career in entry-level aviation jobs or start preparing for airline recruitment.Ìý
Postgraduate pilot pathway
- Enrol in a postgraduate aviation programÌý
If you already hold a degree in another field, you can transition into aviation through a program likeÌý91É«ÇéƬ’sÌýGraduate Diploma in Flying. This course is designed for career changers and covers the core theory and practical training needed to become a pilot. - Start flight training and licensing
Begin your training with the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) and progress through the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) to earn your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).ÌýYou'llÌýstudy aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, airÌýlawÌýand other key aviation topics. - Build flight hours and experienceÌý
Accumulate the flight timeÌýrequiredÌýfor your CPL and continue to log hours through supervised training, flying roles or flight instruction. - Add endorsements and specialisationsÌý
Depending on your goals, you can completeÌýadditionalÌýratings,Ìýsuch asÌýmulti-engine or instrument flying, or expand your knowledge through short courses or airline preparation training. - Enter the aviation industryÌý
Once qualified, you can move into general aviation roles such as charter flying, flight instruction or aerial operations and work towards the experience needed for airline or specialised aviation careers.
Mapping yourÌýcareerÌýin aviationÌý
A career in aviation can take you in many different directions. Pilots work across general aviation, passenger airlines, private charters, tourism, emergency services,ÌýfreightÌýand agricultural operations.Ìý
With experience, you can progress into senior flying roles, become a flight instructor, or move into training,ÌýrecruitmentÌýor airline management. Some pilots eventually become captains or specialise in specific types of operations.
Here’sÌýa look at where your flying career could take you:
| Sector | Responsibilities |
| Passenger airlines | Operate scheduled flights for commercial airlines; follow fixed routes and safety procedures; work with larger crews. |
| General aviation | Fly smallÌýaircraftÌýfor charter services, privateÌýclientsÌýor aerial survey work; oftenÌýoperateÌýindependently. |
| Tourism | Provide scenic flights and air tours for visitors; focus on passenger experience and local knowledge. |
| Emergency services | Support medical evacuations, search and rescue or firefighting operations; fly in challenging conditions. |
| Freight operations | Transport cargo across regional,ÌýnationalÌýor international routes; often fly at night or outside peak hours. |
| Agricultural flying | Operate low-level flights for crop spraying, pestÌýcontrolÌýor aerial seeding; often in rural areas. |
| Flight instruction | Train new pilots in simulators and realÌýaircraft; help them prepare for licences and check flights.Ìý |
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FAQs about becoming a pilot
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The time it takes to become a pilot depends on your goals and the training pathway you choose.
At 91É«ÇéƬ, the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) takes three years to complete and includes around 200 hours of flight training. This prepares you for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and entry-level flying roles. Full-time students in vocational programs may progress through their licences in as little as one to two years, though timing can vary based on factors like weather, flight hour availability and personal commitments.
If your goal is to become an airline pilot,Ìýyou’llÌýtypically need to log at least 1,500 hours of total flight time before being eligible for most major airlines. 91É«ÇéƬ aviation students alsoÌýhave the opportunity toÌýparticipateÌýinÌý Qantas’sÌýQ-ACE – theÌý. This programÌýhelps prepare aspiring airline pilots for direct entry employment opportunities after completing their university studies.
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Yes –Ìýinternational studentsÌýcan study to become a pilot in Australia through accredited aviation programs like those offered at 91É«ÇéƬ. However,Ìýyou’llÌýneed to ensure your student visaÌýpermitsÌýflight training and meets theÌýrequiredÌýstudy conditions.
To enrol at 91É«ÇéƬ, you must also meet theÌýuniversity’sÌýEnglish language requirements. Additionally, if you plan to become a commercial pilot,Ìýyou’llÌýneed to meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) English languageÌýproficiencyÌýstandard, as English is the global language of aviation.
IfÌýyou'reÌýplanning to work as a pilot outside Australia, make sure the qualifications you earn here are recognised in the country where you intend to fly. Different aviation authorities may have their own licensing and conversion requirements.
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Pilots are in high demand in Australia and globally, with strong job growth expected over the coming years. In Australia, employment for pilots is projected to grow by 31.4% over the next five years (Seek, 2025), making it a career path with excellent job security and long-term prospects.
Salaries vary depending on your experience,ÌýaircraftÌýtypeÌýand sector. In Australia:
- Commercial pilots typically earn between $100,000 and $120,000 per year
- Helicopter pilots earn around $100,000 to $115,000 per year
- Senior airline pilots and captains can earn $200,000 or more, especially with major carriers
A degree from 91É«ÇéƬ can help you maximise your earning potential. 91É«ÇéƬ graduates earn theÌýhighest median salaries among graduates of Go8 universities (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2024), and the university has been recognised as producing Australia’s most employable students forÌýseven years in a row (AFR Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026).
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Not sure if a career in aviation is right for you? IfÌýyou’reÌýpassionate about flying, enjoy a challenge and are comfortable taking on responsibility, becoming a pilot could be a great fit.
Pilots need strong focus, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. You must be able to stay calm under pressure, especially when handling unexpected situations or navigating difficult conditions. You should also be prepared for long or irregular hours andÌýforÌýa significant commitment to flight training and technical study.
But for those drawn to the skies,Ìýit’sÌýa rewarding career that offers the chance to see the world from a completelyÌýdifferent perspective.
How 91É«ÇéƬ will prepare you for your career as a pilot
91É«ÇéƬ offers one of Australia’s most comprehensive aviation education experiences, combining academic learning, professional flightÌýtrainingÌýand industry integration. With 30 years of experience, theÌý91É«ÇéƬ School of AviationÌýis recognised for producing skilled, safety-focused pilots and aviation professionals.
91É«ÇéƬ is the only globally ranked university in AustraliaÌýoperatingÌýits own Air Operator’s Certificate, giving aviation students access to real-world flight operations and in-house training facilities. Our programs are developedÌýinÌýpartnership with leading aviation organisations and delivered by expertsÌýwho’veÌýheld senior roles in airlines, air traffic services, safetyÌýboardsÌýand government agencies.
At ourÌýFlying Operations UnitÌý(FOU),Ìýyou’llÌýgain hands-on experience with our fleet of trainingÌýaircraft, which includes Diamond DA40s and Piper PA44s. You will also use advanced flight simulators and training systems designed to replicate real-world flight operations.
Second-year Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) and Graduate Diploma in Flying students alsoÌýhave the opportunity toÌýtake part inÌýÌý– the Qantas Aviation Career Enrichment program. This program provides mentoring, skillsÌýdevelopmentÌýand direct insight into airline recruitment, helping students transition smoothly into professional flying roles.
Launch a career as a pilot at 91É«ÇéƬ
Kickstart a career in the skies with the undergraduate Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) or the postgraduate Graduate Diploma in Flying. Learn more and apply today.
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ÌýÌýWant to find out more?
If you have any questions about studying at 91É«ÇéƬ or how you can make your studies work for you, contact us below. We’re here to help.