Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots)

2 years full-time

Learning and teaching

The Associate Degree's flying component is conducted at RMIT Flight Training, located at Point Cook Airfield and offers you various types of airspace terrain and environments to maximise navigational experience.

At least 5 theory modules within this program will be delivered at the City campus.

Classes are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, online reading, workshop, practical and laboratory sessions. These are primarily in English.

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Program structure

You'll be trained in the following single- and multi-engine aircrafts:

• Cessna 172S
• Cessna 182T
• Decathlon 8KCAB
• Frasca 242: Simulator
• PA-44 Piper Seminole (multi-engine).

Dual flight instruction includes unlimited pre- and post-flight briefing time, Private Pilot Licence Theory, Commercial Pilot Licence Theory, Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory, and Instrument Rating Theory.

Total syllabus for Commercial Pilot Licence is 160 hours flying (minimum).

This program exceeds the minimum 150-hour CASA requirements.

The following program structure(s) is an example of what students are currently studying in this program.

The flight training in this program meets CASA standards and will be undertaken in current model single ending Cessna aircraft with either analog or glass cockpits.

You can undertake industry-supported project work within the aviation industry while studying the theory modules. The program has been endorsed by a range of aviation industry experts consisting of senior pilots/operations personnel from Australia's major airlines and aerospace organisations.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

You'll graduate with a CASA Commercial Pilots Licence plus either Command Instrument rating (multi-engine) or Flight Instructor rating (single engine).

Additional ratings or endorsements may be necessary for initial employment, therefore graduates should research and understand employment opportunities for newly graduated pilots.

Graduate roles can involve relocating to areas for:

• charter
• outback station flying
• sightseeing flights
• seasonal fire spotting
• seasonal beach patrols
• instructing (with an Instructor Rating).

With further experience you may find work in multi-engine charter operations flying high-performance aircraft, regional airlines or high-performance general aviation activities such as The Flying Doctor or Coast Watch services and in the role of First Officer in major airlines.

With significant experience and managerial qualifications you'll be able to seek positions within major airlines as a:

• Chief Pilot
• Fleet Manager
• Flight Operations Manager
• Flight Operations Inspector.

Professional recognition and accreditation

This program meets all the CASA requirements.

All flying activities are conducted under RMIT University's CASA-approved Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

You must meet the University entry requirements for this type of program.

Program entry requirements

Prerequisites

Current Year 12 prerequisite units 3 and 4—Mathematics (any) and a study score of at least 25 in English (ESL) or at least 20 in any other English.

Selection tasks

You must undergo a CASA Class 1 Medical Examination by a medical practitioner known as a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME).

You will also need to attend a mandatory interview at our Point Cook site prior to enrolment.

1. Check program entry requirements and confirm you're eligible.

2. Check and complete the selection tasks (if applicable) by the relevant closing date - these tasks are listed in the program entry requirements.

3. Check the table below for how to apply.

4. Apply using the appropriate method by the closing date.

Application method

Equity access

If circumstances have interrupted or disadvantaged your access to education, RMIT offers equity access schemes that allow selection officers to give applicants extra consideration, which may improve your prospects of studying at RMIT.

Tuition fees

The Associate Degree in Aviation is only offered as a full-fee paying program.

Full-fee place

If you are offered a full-fee place you are required to pay a tuition fee that covers the full tuition costs of your program. These vary according to each program and are adjusted annually. Only students who are Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or hold an Australian permanent resident visa are eligible for a domestic full-fee place. Other students may be offered a place as an onshore international student.

FEE-HELP

FEE-HELP is an optional loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay all or part of their tuition fees. Associate Degree in Aviation applicants who are Australian citizens or holders of a permanent humanitarian visa are eligible to apply for a FEE-HELP loan.

Tuition fees vary according to program and are adjusted annually.

In a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) your tuition fee is shared between you and the Commonwealth Government - if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Fee assistance

As a Commonwealth supported student, you may be able to either:

• pay all or part of your student contribution up front and receive a 10% discount, or
• defer your tuition fees through the HECS-HELP loan scheme.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about RMIT Scholarships.

Other fees

In addition to tuition fees you will also pay the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF). You may be able to defer the fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

There may be other additional expenses and administrative fees associated with your studies.

Graduates may be eligible for exemptions from the Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation).

Learn more about pathways or if you are eligible for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.

Engineering (TAFE)

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