Australian Commercial Pilot?

Question

i am still in school and i would like to have a career in commercial aviation, i want to fly planes, i live in Australia. can you please tell me like how much this is going to cost me and if i need certain uni degrees also do i have to get a regular pilot licence before i can get a commercial one????? pls help

Answer 1

Its a pity you just missed The 7.30 Report on Channel two. If you are interstate of NSW and in a different time zone watch it. It was on pilot training and pilots leaving Aussie for Overseas.

Answer 2

Any university degree will be an asset, though technically speaking, most commercial aviation companies do not require one, they prefer experience.

How much is it going to cost? To get your commercial license you'll have to set aside roughly $35,000 AUD - that's absolute minimum. When I did it, you had to have 150 hours before you could sit the commercial exam.

First up you get a restricted (or trainee) license - after that you get your regular private pilots license - from there you have to build up your experience.

You can't just hit 150 hours and start applying for a job at Qantas - you'll need anything upward of 1500 hours for that - to get there you fly anywhere and everywhere. Get your instructors rating and start teaching others to fly - get night VFR and your instrument rating.

Build up your endorsements - have experience in both single engine and twin engined planes. More does not strictly mean better, but pick a relatively complex aircraft when doing twin engined work.

Be persistent when applying to the airlines. Never, ever burn your bridges in aviation, it's such a small community, everyone knows everyone, so make friends and network!

Above all, have fun and be safe!

Qantas may still do direct intake but you will definitely need a uni degree for that (aviation related) and the competition is fierce. You'll also need flight experience too.