TAFE Queensland and Airways Aviation have partnered to give the Gold Coast’s aspiring flyers the ability to earn a nationally accredited aviation qualification while they train to become commercial pilots.

The first cohort is set to take off in April, with students completing a Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) while learning to navigate the skies out of the Gold Coast International Airport.

TAFE Queensland’s General Manager on the Gold Coast Karen Dickinson, said the partnership puts students in a very strong position when they graduate and join the aviation industry.

“TAFE Queensland is proud to deliver the Diploma of Aviation with Airways Aviation to give budding Gold Coast pilots access to world-class flight training,” said Ms Dickinson.

“Undertaking practical flight training at a busy International Airport will expose students to every aspect of aviation operations and allow them to put all the components of their qualification into practice.”

TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Aviation is a full-time, 12-month course giving students the skills and experience to take their career to new heights with a mix of theory and practical hands-on training.

Ms Dickinson said the course provides students with the skills to perform normal and emergency flying techniques while preparing them for a career as a commercial pilot.

“Students are required to complete a minimum 150 hours of practical flying, earning them their commercial pilot licence which opens up a range of career opportunities including rural operations, joy-flights, air transport charter operations and search and rescue,” she said.

Airways Aviation General Manager Helena Tierney, said the new training partnership provides domestic students with a pathway into a career as Commercial Pilot with eligible applicants able to apply for VET student loans for the tuition fees.

“Aviation Airways has been training aspiring pilots for over 30 years and is extremely proud of this partnership which will strengthen our offering to future domestic pilots by providing them with industry and VET qualifications,” said Mrs Tierney.

“With predictions, post COVID, of approximately 250,000 new pilots required between 2020 and 2039 within the Asian Pacific region alone, now is the perfect time to start a career in aviation.”

“Our Academy features a purpose built-hangar, within an International airport precinct, training rooms, student facilities and 13 fixed-wing aircraft. Our experienced instructors provide students with world-class training where they learn in a hands-on, industry based environment,” she said.

Successful completion of TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Aviation gives graduates the knowledge and practical skills needed for a successful career as a commercial aeroplane pilot in broad range of aviation pathways including air charter, aerial application, tourism, regional airlines, aeromedical, search and rescue, air freight, aerial survey and even defence.

An Open Day will be held on Saturday 27 February 2021 at Airways Aviation, Bilinga for any prospective students to check out the facility, meet teachers and ask any questions about the course.

For more information about TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Aviation or to apply visit tafeqld.edu.au or call 1300 308 233 and see where TAFE can take you.

‍