Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 2 years -
Location
Point Cook, Bendigo -
Fees
$64,560 to $69,840 (2020 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
ATAR 40.65
Duration
Full-time 2 years Location
Point Cook
Overview
Your career as a professional pilot
Start your career as a professional pilot or an instructor while you work towards flying in a commercial operation or airline.
What you will study
You'll gain the practical and theoretical skills you need to achieve CASA certification as a Commercial Pilot and start your career in the sky.
We now have a new option to study at our Point Cook Campus, as well as Bendigo.
Details
You will gain the aeronautical knowledge, practical skills and appropriate behaviours required to achieve CASA certification as a Commercial Pilot, and fly an aircraft safely and reliably.
The RMIT flight training course is designed to help you meet the commercial pilot licensing requirements of Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The pathway to gaining a Commercial Pilots Licence, you’ll also develop the necessary and knowledgeskills to apply for the Recreational Pilots Licence (RPL), the Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) and required knowledge for the Air Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL).
RMIT Flight Training has successfully trained over 3,000 pilots since 1994. You will be well-situated for employment given the continuing shortage of pilots and flight instructors in Australia and in the Asia-Pacific region.
This course meets the requirements of the CASA Part 61 Flight Crew Licencing and involves both classroom theory and practical flight training.
You will be trained in the following single- and multi-engine aircraft: Cessna 172S, Cessna 182T, Decathlon 8KCAB and PA-44 Piper Seminole (multi-engine).
Flight instruction includes the required pre- and post-flight briefing time, Private Pilot Licence Theory, Commercial Pilot Licence Theory, Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory, and Instrument or Instructor Rating Theory.
Subjects are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, online reading, workshop, practical and interactive sessions.
You'll have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal. Ongoing assessments include examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, and practical assignments.
After the Commercial Pilot’s Licence, you have the option to undertake Instrument or Instructor rating training.
You will have access to a twin-engine PA44-Piper Seminole and Flight Training Devices including the Frasca 242 flight simulator and FM210 - Touch Trainer.
Training and facilities
Our Point Cook campus provides easy access to airspace, terrain and urban development, maximising your navigational experiences.
Flight training is conducted at Point Cook Airfield, 25 kilometres south-west of central Melbourne. Flight training facilities consist of a modern, purpose-built pilot training complex at the former home of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) No. 1 Flying Training School.
The 4,500 feet of airspace over the airfield allows unrestricted training manoeuvres, minimising congestion and delays, and enabling more take-offs and landings per hour than many other airfields.
The Point Cook Airfield training environment is ideally situated with access to all types of airspace nearby and variable weather conditions. This enables you to develop the confidence and capability to handle command under a variety of operational conditions.
Students will attend the city campus one day per week for a select number of non-flying related subjects. This will enable you to access RMIT Student Services and other facilities.
Student experiences
RMIT's Flight Training course prepares students for to become professional pilots.
Full-time study of this course typically comes to approximately 35 hours per week.
This includes two or three days of theory classes at the Bendigo or Point Cook Campuses, one day of theory classes at the City Campus, and one or two flying days. Weekend flying may be available.
Students should also budget three hours of independent study each night.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: AD023
Career
Qantas Future Pilot program
Qantas and RMIT have partnered to offer an exciting career path to aspiring pilots.
Qantas and RMIT have partnered to offer an exciting career path to aspiring pilots.
The Qantas Future Pilot Program provides aviation students with access to experienced pilots during their degree, and selected students will be invited to complete an intensive 12-week airline transition course.
Upon successful course completion, graduates will transition to employment with QantasLink and complete their training under the supervision of QantasLink's experienced training team, and become qualified as first officers flying the airline's Dash 8 200/300 or Q400 fleet.
To be eligible to be considered for the course, students will need to be enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation) or Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilot), and be actively undertaking flying training in one of these courses. Students also need to have an equivalent GPA score of 4.0 (based on a seven point scale) or above for the duration of their degree and Australian work rights.
Note: This course is only available to students studying AD023 from the Point Cook Campus.
Career outlook
If you successfully complete this course, you will be eligible to apply for a CASA Commercial Pilots Licence, plus either Command Instrument Rating (multi-engine) or Flight Instructor Rating (single engine).
Roles you may find immediately after graduation may include charter and freight operation, air-work/agricultural operations, major and regional airlines, emergency services, flight training organisations, seasonal bushfire spotting and beach patrols
As an RMIT Flight Training graduate, there are a variety of paths you can take. You may choose flight instructor training and work as an instructor while you complete further studies. This can be a rewarding way to build your hours or even become a long-term career.
With further experience (typically more than 200-300 flight hours), you may find work in multi-engine charter operations flying high-performance aircraft with regional airlines, or within high-performance general aviation activities such as the Royal Flying Doctors Service or Border Protection Command services, and in the role of first officer in major airlines.
Major airlines typically require approximately 1,500 hours total time for direct entry first officers. With further experience and managerial qualifications, you'll be able to seek positions within major airlines as a:
- chief pilot
- fleet manager
- flight operations manager or inspector.
Admissions
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Immunisation and professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in 2019.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian certificate IV or above (or equivalent)
- demonstrated proficiency equivalent to Year 12 subject prerequisites of units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Important! You must also complete additional requirements for admission to this program. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional requirements for admission'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent)
- demonstrated proficiency equivalent to Year 12 subject prerequisites of units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Important! You must also complete additional requirements for admission to this program. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional requirements for admission'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program.
Important! You must also complete additional requirements for admission to this program. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional requirements for admission'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
CASA Class 1 Medical Examination
Those offered a place in this program are required to 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.
Please refer to VTAC for full details on semester 1 selection requirements.
Note: In most cases having minor vision problems, such as those requiring you to wear glasses, will not prevent you getting a licence. The medical examination ensures that there are no conditions that prevent you from operating an aircraft safely.
More about the aviation medical examination
Students are expected to source and arrange their own Aviation Medical through a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner. Although not required at the commencement of training, the student must hold a valid aviation medical certification in order for them to progress through the various tests associated with different licence levels and in order to exercise the rights and privileges associated with certain licences.
There are two levels of aviation medical certification applicable to pilots. These are:
Class 1 – required for the issue and the exercising of rights and privileges of the Airline Transport Pilot Licence and Commercial Pilot Licence
Class 2 – required for the issue and the exercising of rights and privileges of the Private Pilot Licence and the Flight Radio Operators Licence. This class of medical is also required to exercise the rights and privileges of the Student Pilot Licence at certain levels of training, but is not required for initial issue.
A valid aviation medical certification is obtained by undergoing a medical examination performed by a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME). You must specify to the DAME which class of medical certification you are applying for. The DAME will advise you of tests etc required to complete the examination.
Students are expected to source their own medical examiner.
In RMIT’s Aviation program, we recommend that students apply for a Class 1 medical, prior to commencing the program.
Obtaining this level of certification will give the student confidence that there is no existing ailment that could prevent them from completing their Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training or continuing their flying career to a higher level.
Visit CASA for more information and the location of your nearest DAME.
Available only to current or recent Year 12 applicants
Subject adjustments
Satisfactory completion in Physics equals 1 aggregate point.
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to Year 12 applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree and degree level programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Aptitude test and interview
You may be invited to attend an aptitude test and interview session conducted at RMIT Flight Training, Point Cook. You will be contacted by the College of Science, Engineering and Health to arrange an appointment.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. You must meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
Personal statement
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Mathematics; or VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematics (any), with a study score of at least 20.
If successful, you must obtain a Statutory Class 1 Medical Clearance prior to course commencement. Fees include all flying tuition and theory delivery. Additional practicum may be required to meet regulatory standards. Fees exclude books, ancillary equipment and CASA exams.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.0 (with no individual band below 5.5)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 550 (TWE 4.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 60 (with minimum of 10 in Reading, 9 in Listening, 16 in Speaking and 19 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 50 (with no communication band less than 42)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 169 with no less than 162 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Graduates are guaranteed entry with credit of 12 courses (equivalent to 144 credit points) into the pilot stream of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation).
Previous flying experience may be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis. You’ll need to supply an up-to-date log-book once you begin training for review.
Students with international pilots' licences can request to have these converted to Australian equivalents. The Chief Flight Instructor will evaluate your licence and current flying experience against CASA regulations and make an assessment of any additional training required before a conversion can take place.
When you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots) you are guaranteed entry in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation) Piloting major with 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 144 credit points).
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.
Fees
2020 fees
- The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$67,200.
- The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$136,320.
The tuition fee includes the program's allotted flight hours. If students need more flight hours these will be incurred as additional costs.
A guide to tuition fees
Theory fees 2020 |
Practical fees 2020 |
Total program fees 2020 |
|
| Year 1 | $18,000 | $46,560 | $64,560 |
| Year 2 | $14,400 | $55,440 | $69,840 |
| Total | $32,400 | $102,000 | $134,400 |
Note: Fees are indicative and will vary based on individual study load. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees apply to the year indicated only. (e.g. you will be charged at the 2020 rate for any courses taken in 2020, and at the 2021 rate for any courses taken in 2021.)
There are also materials and additional fees that are charged on top of the tuition fees.
Read below for a full breakdown of the tuition, materials and other fees for this program.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Materials fees and other expenses (detailed below)
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Tuition fees
The Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots) is only offered as a full-fee paying program. You are required to pay a tuition fee that covers the full tuition costs of your program.
A guide to fees (full-time)
Theory fees 2020 |
Practical fees 2020 |
Total program fees 2020 |
|
| Year 1 | $18,000 | $46,560 | $64,560 |
| Year 2 | $14,400 | $55,440 | $69,840 |
| Total | $32,400 | $102,000 | $134,400 |
Note: Fees are indicative and will vary based on individual study load. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees apply to the year indicated only. (e.g. you will be charged at the 2020 rate for any courses taken in 2020, and at the 2021 rate for any courses taken in 2021.)
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of your tuition fees up to a maximum amount.
Subject to the passage of legislation, students undertaking eligible aviation courses, with census dates after 1 January 2020, that lead to a commercial pilot licence qualification will be able to access an increased lifetime HELP loan limit of $150,000.
If this legislation does not pass, the lifetime FEE-HELP limit of $106,319 (2020 indexed rate) will apply.
You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your student services amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Program plan AD023A
You will be charged a specific fee for each course, with practical flying-oriented courses attracting higher fees and theory-oriented courses attracting lower fees.
To graduate you need to complete 192 credit points, which includes 48 credit points from one of three specialised streams (Instrument, Instructor or Academic).
Program plan AD023HA
This is for students enrolled under the Hartwig Air plan.
You will be charged a specific fee for each course, with practical flying-oriented courses attracting higher fees and theory-oriented courses attracting lower fees.
To graduate you need to complete 192 credit points.
Annual fee adjustment
All fees are quoted in Australian dollars and should only be used as a guide. Fees for all program plans apply to the specified year only. You will be charged at the 2020 rate for any courses taken in 2020, and at the 2021 rate for any courses taken in 2021.
RMIT reserves the right to adjust fees on an annual basis by an amount that will not exceed 7.5% each year (subject to rounding). For higher education fees, tuition fees are rounded up to the nearest $10 per credit point increment, and so the actual fee increase may exceed 7.5%.
These are tuition fees only and do not include any additional fees that may apply, such as materials fees, the student services and amenities fee and any additional flight hours required beyond the allocated amount.
To graduate you need to complete the following core courses, which total 144 credit points. You also need to complete 48 credit points from one of three specialised streams (Instrument, Instructor or Academic). Fees for these streams are detailed in the sections below.
The fee charged will depend on the year you take the course (e.g. if you take a course in 2020 you will be charged the 2020 course fee, and if you take a course in 2021 you will be charged the 2021 course fee).
If you fail a course, you will be required to repeat it in order to be accredited and you will be charged the fee for that course again.
Course name |
Credit points |
2020 course fee |
| Introduction to Aviation | 12 | $3,600 |
| Mathematics | 12 | $3,600 |
| Theory to Recreational Pilot Licence | 12 | $3,600 |
| Flying to Recreational Pilot Licence | 12 | $22,800 |
| Semester 1 fees | 48 | $33,600 |
| Human Factors in Aviation | 12 | $3,600 |
| Theory to Private Pilot Licence | 12 | $3,600 |
| Flying to Private Pilot Licence | 12 | $14,160 |
| Introduction to Commercial Pilots Licence | 12 | $9,600 |
| Semester 2 fees | 48 | $30,960 |
| Aviation Industry Environment | 12 | $3,600 |
| Aviation Quality Systems | 12 | $3,600 |
| Commercial Pilot Licence Theory | 12 | $3,600 |
| Commercial Pilot Licence Flying | 12 | $29,280 |
| Semester 3 fees | 48 | $40,080 |
| Total for Semesters 1, 2 and 3 | 144 | $104,640 |
Complete the following three courses:
Course name |
Credit points |
2020 course fee |
| Theory to Instrument Rating | 12 | $3,600 |
| Air Transport Pilot Licence 1 & 2 | 24 | $7,200 |
| Flying to Instrument Rating | 12 | $18,960 |
| Semester 4 fees | 48 | $29,760 |
| Plus Semester 1, 2 and 3 fees | 144 | $104,640 |
| Total program fees | 192 | $134,400 |
Complete the following three courses:
Course name |
Credit points |
2020 course fee |
| Student Elective | 12 | $3,600 |
| Theory to Instructor Rating | 24 | $7,200 |
| Flying to Instructor Rating | 12 | $18,960 |
| Semester 4 fees | 48 | $29,760 |
| Plus Semester 1, 2 and 3 fees | 144 | $104,640 |
| Total program fees | 192 | $134,400 |
Complete the following three courses:
Course name |
Credit points |
2020 course fee |
| Student Elective | 12 | $3,600 |
| Airport/Airline Operations | 12 | $3,600 |
| Air Transport Pilot Licence 1 & 2 | 24 | $7,200 |
| Semester 4 fees | 48 | $14,400 |
| Plus Semester 1, 2 and 3 fees | 144 | $104,640 |
| Total program fees | 192 | $119,040 |
Course name |
Credit points |
2020 course fee |
| Theory to Recreational Pilot Licence | 12 | $3,600 |
| Flying to Recreational Pilot Licence | 12 | $22,800 |
| Theory to Private Pilot Licence | 12 | $3,600 |
| Flying to Private Pilot Licence | 12 | $14,160 |
| Semester 1 Fees | 48 | $44,160 |
| Introduction to Commercial Pilots Licence | 12 | $9,600 |
| Commercial Pilot Licence Theory | 12 | $3,600 |
| Commercial Pilot Licence Flying | 12 | $29,280 |
| Semester 2 Fees | 36 | $42,480 |
| Introduction to Aircraft | 12 | $3,600 |
| Mathematics | 12 | $3,600 |
| Human Factors in Aviation | 12 | $3,600 |
| Aviation Industry Environment | 12 | $3,600 |
| Aviation Quality Systems | 12 | $3,600 |
| Semester 3 Fees | 60 | $18,000 |
| Theory to Instrument rating | 12 | $3,600 |
| Flying to Instrument rating | 12 | $18,960 |
| Air Transport Pilot Licence 1 & 2 | 24 | $7,200 |
| Semester 4 Fees | 48 | $29,760 |
| Total | 192 | $134,400 |
If you successfully complete the first 8 core subjects of the Associate Degree of Aviation (Professional Pilots) plan AD023A and gain your Private Pilot Licence, you may be eligible to apply for the Diploma of Flying (Private Pilot Licence).
This diploma is offered only as an exit award, for students who do not wish to complete the full AD023A associate degree.
DP016, Diploma of Flying (Private Pilot Licence)
To graduate you must complete the following:
Course name |
Credit points |
2020 course fee |
| Introduction to Aircraft | 12 | $3,600 |
| Theory to Recreational Pilot Licence | 12 | $3,600 |
| Flying to Recreational Pilot Licence | 12 | $22,800 |
| Mathematics | 12 | $3,600 |
| Theory to Private Pilot Licence | 12 | $3,600 |
| Flying to Private Pilot Licence | 12 | $14,160 |
| Human Factors in Aviation | 12 | $3,600 |
| Introduction to Commercial Pilots Licence | 12 | $9,600 |
| Total program fees | 96 | $64,560 |
2020 fee information will be available October 2019.
RMIT Code |
Item |
2019 fee |
| M1499 | David Clark Headset (H10 13.4) | $595 |
| M1498 | Flight Computer CR3 - $62, Protractor - $17, Scale Ruler 120 NM - $17 | $96 |
| M1518 | Knee-board (GFPT, PPL, CPL) | $79 |
Textbooks and handbooks are required at the start of each licensing level: General Flying Progress Test (GFPT), Private Pilot Licence (PPL), and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
Some materials can be used across multiple licensing levels. Students who elect to obtain their Instructor rating as an elective can use the CASA-approved Aviation Instructor's Handbook, which is available without charge for this portion of their training.
2020 fee information will be available October 2019.
RMIT Code |
Item |
2019 fee |
| TBA | Avionics Manual - Seminol PA44 POH Glass | $95 |
| M1496 | Avionics Manual - Cessna 172S POH Glass (172SIMBUS) | $100 |
| M1497 | Avionics Manual -Cessna 172S POH Analogue (172SIM) | $100 |
| M1494 | GFPT The Complete Student Pilot Manual by Val Dyson-Holland | $103 |
| M1495 | Manual of Aviation Meteorology | $79 |
| M1514 | The Human Being Pilot - book | $87 |
| M1508 | PPL/CPL VFR Meteorology (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
| M1509 | PPL/CPL Aerodynamics, Maths & Physics (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
| M1510 | PPL/CPL Aircraft General Knowledge (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
| M1511 | PPL/CPL Aeroplane Performance & Operation and VFR Flight Planning (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
| M1512 | PPL/CPL VFR Navigation and NAV Computer Handbook (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
| M1513 | PPL/CPL Human Performance and Limitations (Dyson-Holland) | $48 |
| M1515 | Victorian Country Airstrip Guide (PPL & CPL) | $60 |
| M1516 | Avionics Manual - Cessna 182T POH Analogue (182TIM) (PPL & CPL) | $88 |
| M1517 | Avionics Manual -Cessna 182T POH Glass (182TIMAUS) (PPL & CPL) | $88 |
| M1519 | Instrument Rating Study Guide (Bob Tait) | $110 |
| M1650 | Radiotelephony, Radio Systems Equipment & VFR Flight Rules & Air Law (PPL/CPL) Dyson Holland | $81 |
2020 fee information will be available October 2019.
RMIT Code |
Item |
2019 fee |
M1612 |
Replacement RMIT branded epaulette |
$35 |
M1616 |
Replacement RMIT branded tie |
$35 |
The uniform items below are available directly from the supplier. Contact RMIT Flight Training for more information.
Item |
2019 fee
|
Short sleeve shirt, white epaulette |
$28 |
Long sleeve shirt, white epaulette |
$29 |
Epaulette jumper |
$73 |
Trousers, navy (poly/viscose) |
$52 |
Trousers, navy (poly/wool) |
$100 |
RMIT branded bomber jacket |
$79 |
| RMIT branded soft shell jacket (women's) | $106 |
2020 fee information will be available October 2019.
In some situations, students who require training above the maximum allotted flight hours for their course may be charged for any additional flight hours to achieve the required competencies.
Each fee is for one additional hour of flying time. It will only be charged if additional hours above the standard number of flying hours are required.
RMIT Code |
Item |
2019 fee |
| M1444 | C172S solo hire | $260 |
| M1445 | C182T solo hire | $440 |
| M1446 | PA-44 solo hire | $505 |
| M1447 | Aero 8KCAB solo hire | $310 |
| M1520 | Flight Simulator dual hire | $250 |
| M1521 | C172S dual hire flying cost for per 1 hours for students who withdraw prior to census date | $430 |
| M1651 | C182Tdual hire flying cost for per 1 hours for students who withdraw prior to census date | $600 |
| M1652 | PA-44 dual hireflying cost for per 1 hours for students who withdraw prior to census date | $660 |
| M1653 | Aero 8KCABdual hire flying cost for per 1 hours for students who withdraw prior to census date | $470 |
2020 fee information will be available October 2019.
This fee is for one additional hour of flying time. It will only be charged if additional hours above the standard number of flying hours are required.
RMIT code |
Item |
2019 fee |
|---|---|---|
M1448 |
Flight Instructor Hourly Rate |
$170.00 |
2020 fee information will be available October 2019.
These fees are paid to bodies outside of RMIT but will be necessary for students wishing to pursue the program. The prices given below relate to 2019 and are indicative only. Students should ensure they remain up to date with current pricing.
Licences
Item |
2019 fee |
|---|---|
Class 1 Medical Exam (First Issue only) |
Approx $420 |
Processing of medical exam results (Civil Aviation Safety Administration – CASA) |
$77 |
Aviation Security Identity Card (CASA) |
$204 |
Private Pilot Licence – licence issue, processing and consideration of application (CASA) |
$61 |
Private Pilot Licence – exam (CASA and ASL) |
$178 |
Commercial Pilot Licence – 7 exams (CASA and ASL) |
$1075 |
Commercial Pilot Licence – licence issue, processing and consideration of application (CASA) |
$81 |
Air Transport Pilot Licence – 7 exams (CASA and ASL) |
$1060 |
Instrument Rating Examination (CASA and ASL) |
$178 |
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2020 is $308.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA‑HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
HELP loan increase effective 2020
Subject to the passage of legislation, students undertaking eligible aviation courses, with census dates after 1 January 2020, that lead to a commercial pilot licence qualification will be able to access an increased lifetime HELP loan limit of $150,000.
If this legislation does not pass, the lifetime FEE-HELP limit of $106,319 (2020 indexed rate) will apply.
For more information, visit the Australian Government’s Study Assist web page.
FEE-HELP loans
You may be eligible to apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme.
FEE-HELP loans are available to eligible Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots) students, such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa. A FEE-HELP loan can be used to defer payment of up to $106,319 (2020 indexed rate) of your tuition fees over the course of your total tertiary education.
FEE-HELP is subject to annual government indexation.
For more information visit Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
SA-HELP loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to $106,319 (2020 indexed rate) of your tuition fees and/or your SSAF. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this applies even if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
- The Piers K Fowler Scholarship is for final year students in this program.
- The Sarah's Dream Scholarship is available for final year students in this program.