CL17 - Graduate Diploma of Aviation (Flight Operations)

Overview

Compulsory Residential School

Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.

Course Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Aviation (Flight Operations) will provide you with the aeronautical experience required for a career as a commercial pilot.

You will build your skills as a pilot, starting with short flights constrained within the aerodrome training area and circuit area right through to the commercial pilot licence level. You will conduct long-distance flights, visiting multiple aerodromes in regional and outback Australia. You will be required to attend a flight training provider approved by the Head of Course in order to complete this course.

You will develop your critical reflection and self-analysis skills as well as analytic, communication and presentation skills. During your study, you will gain the aeronautical experience required to apply for a Recreational Pilot Licence, Private Pilot Licence, Command Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot Licence.

To enrol in the Graduate Diploma of Aviation (Flight Operations) you must have successfully completed Term 1 of the first year of the Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations) or Associate Degree of Aviation (Flight Operations), passed a Class 1 Aviation Medical, hold an Australian Security Identification Card and have the approval of the Head of Course. In order to gain both aeronautical knowledge and aeronautical experience, you must study the Graduate Diploma of Aviation and the Bachelor of Aviation or Associate Degree of Aviation concurrently. When you graduate from the Graduate Diploma of Aviation you would normally hold a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and a Command Instrument Rating (CIR).

Career Information

This course prepares you for aviation careers in the air transportation industry as a commercial pilot. When you graduate with the Graduate Diploma of Aviation (Flight Operations) you will meet the aeronautical experience requirements for careers as a commercial pilot in the air transportation industry. When studied in conjunction with CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations) or Associate Degree of Aviation (Flight Operations) you would normally be legally qualified to work as a commercial pilot and have access to aviation careers in the air transportation industry, or a cadetship/traineeship offered by some airlines. You may also be eligible to apply for the Australian Defence Force which recruits potential pilots for all services. With additional flight training you can explore opportunities in general aviation such as; flight instructing; tourism operations, and agricultural operations such as mustering and crop spraying.

Course Details
Duration 1 years full-time or 3 years part-time
Credit Points that Must be Earned 48
Number of Units Required CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in postgraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24).
Expected Hours of Study One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term.
Course Type Postgraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) GradDipAvFlightOps
AQF Level Level 8: Graduate Diploma
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $133,188
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $129,300

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
Not Applicable
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Not Applicable
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 3 - 2023

Cairns
Online

Term 2 - 2023

Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2023

Cairns
Online

Term 3 - 2022

Cairns
Online

Term 2 - 2022

Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2022

Cairns
Online

Term 3 - 2021

Cairns
Online

Term 2 - 2021

Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2021

Cairns
Online

Term 3 - 2020

Please note that this course is only available for part-time study.
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online

Term 2 - 2020

Please note that this course is only available for part-time study.
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2020

Please note that this course is only available for part-time study.
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Show All

International Availability

Term 3 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2020

Please note that this course is only available for part-time study.
Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2020

Please note that this course is only available for part-time study.
Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2020

Please note that this course is only available for part-time study.
Sorry, no international availabilities found.
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Requirements

To be eligible for entry into this course, applicants must supply:

  • Current Aviation Reference Number (ARN), and
  • Current Australian Security Identification Card (ASIC), and
  • Aviation English Language Proficiency (ELP) level 6, and
  • Current Class 1 Aviation Medical, and
  • At a minimum, a passing grade in both AVAT11002 Basic Aeronautical Knowledge and AVAT11003 Basic Aeronautical Practice, and
  • Completed Student Checklist - to be signed and submitted with the application (as per instructions on the checklist).

Note: The Graduate Diploma of Aviation (Flight Operations) is available to current CQUniversity Bachelor/Associate Degree of Aviation (Flight Operations) students only. Students completing the Graduate Diploma must be enrolled concurrently in either the CQUniversity Bachelor/Associate Degree of Aviation (Flight Operations) to maintain their place in the Graduate Diploma.

All other prospective students for this course will be assessed by the Head of Course on a case by case basis, and require, at a minimum:

  • Completion of an equivalent Bachelor of Aviation, and
  • Current Australian Security Identification Card (ASIC), and
  • Current Class 1 Aviation Medical, and
  • Aviation English Language Proficiency (ELP) level 6, and
  • Evidence of passing the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Commercial Pilot Licence, and
  • Evidence of passing Command Instrument Rating examinations.

English Language Proficiency Requirements:

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University. Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:

· A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or

· An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or

· Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years full time with a minimum overall GPA 4.0

Completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you do not satisfy any of the above you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores as below:

· An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 overall with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or

· Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall & minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or

· Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or

· An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study and must appear on a single result certificate.

International Students should visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information.

Each student will be assessed individually.

Security Requirements

Students are required to hold a current Australian Security Identification Card (ASIC)

Health Requirements

Students are required to hold a current Class 1 Aviation Medical

Assumed Knowledge

No recommended study.

Fees and Charges
Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards Not applicable
Exit Awards Not applicable
Accreditation
  • : Core

    N/A

Residential School Requirements

Compulsory Residential School There is a compulsory residential school which will allow students to deliver all of their assessable presentations.
Click here to view all Residential Schools

Practicum/Work Placement

Not applicable

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2022 137
2021 131
2020 109
2019 56
2018 17
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.

If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.

Ethical Behaviour

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Demonstrating respect for cultural and professional diversity as well as individual differences and capacities in the aviation industry.
  • Complying with the requirement under the Aviation Act to be a fit and proper person.
Behavioural Stability

Examples are:

  • Successfully processing your own emotions and behaviour when dealing with stressful situations that can arise in the aviation environment.
  • Maintaining behavioural stability through successfully distinguishing your own personal behaviours, experiences and emotions from others and situations in a professional setting.
  • Being reflective with personal behaviours appropriate to professional performance and being positive and receptive to processing constructive supervisor/lecturer/peer feedback or criticism.
  • Complying with the behavioural requirements to be a fit and proper person under the Aviation Act.
Legal Compliance

Examples are:

  • Complying with the relevant workplace policies and practices in the aviation industry.
  • Complying with university and workplace policy with the use of social media, online discussion forums, email and other electronic forms of communication.
  • Complying with the policies and practices of organisations in which you may be placed or find employment.
  • Complying with the Aviation Act and Regulations.
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are:

  • Verbally communicating in English your aviation knowledge with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in a wide variety of contexts.
  • Actively participating in discussion and course activities with appropriate use and command of language to the context.
  • Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual, group or workplace.
  • Establishing rapport with all stakeholders in the delivery of aviation practice and responding appropriately to stakeholders and other professionals.
  • Using appropriate facial expressions, body movements and gestures, being mindful of space boundaries.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course and in aviation practice.
  • Adopting non-threatening body language during challenging and/or stressful situations with others.
  • Competently and appropriately producing written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar and punctuation to the required academic standards.
  • Expressing complex and detailed information and knowledge in logical and legible formats, in a timely manner that meets professional standards and clearly communicates the intended message.
  • Accurately conveying and documenting information in a written form to develop and execute a case or cohesive argument that meets academic, professional and aviation practice requirements.
  • Competently using a desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X.
  • Using a computer with sufficient computer skills to engage in online learning, reading, initiating and responding to emails and other forms of electronic communication, and completing relevant assessments for the course. This includes being able to regularly access the Internet for coursework and research.
  • Competently using productivity software such as Microsoft Office, and operate associated electronic technologies in the contemporary academic and aviation environment.
  • Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information using a variety of specific programs relevant to aviation practice.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are:

  • Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge and evidence in response to academic assessment items and in the aviation organisation in which you may be placed or find employment.
  • Completing academic learning activities and assessment tasks, and perform aviation skills within reasonable set time-frames.
  • Constructing written text proficiently, in English, using appropriate vocabulary, correct grammar and conventions of speech, including being able to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic and professional conventions.
  • Competently reading, writing and accurately interpreting information to convey language effectively in aviation practice.
  • Completing documentation that is accurate, clear and concise.
  • Demonstrating competency in applying mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills to accurately read and interpret various measurements.
  • Demonstrating effective use of mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills in the application of aviation practice.
  • Demonstrating effective use of physics in the application of aviation practice.
  • Demonstrating competency in manipulating and analysing numerical data
  • Demonstrating competency in operational intelligence such as information acquisition and integration, objective development and balancing, action planning and decision-making, and self-management in complex aviation environments.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

Examples are:

  • Having sufficient visual acuity to accurately measure and assess.
  • Having sufficient visual acuity to work in a team-based aviation environment.
  • Having sufficient visual acuity to identify hazards to self and others.
  • Perceiving fine detail on a computer screen and/or mobile/portable device.
  • Discerning an object from its background.
  • Having sufficient auditory capacity to hear verbal communication from other professionals in the delivery of aviation practice.
  • Having sufficient auditory capacity to work in a team-based aviation environment where verbal and non-verbal communication is essential to practice.
  • Having sufficient auditory capacity to capture auditory warning circumstances, movements or signals where other senses may not detect such stimuli.
  • Interacting with a computer through input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
  • Correctly and successfully interacting with electronic and fixed position devices to perform aviation requirements.
Relational Skills

Examples are:

  • Having sufficient relationship skills to undertake flight training on aircraft and in flight simulators.


Reflective Skills

Examples are:

  • Having sufficient reflective skills to be able to analyse and reflect upon flight and theory lessons.


Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Actively participating safely and effectively in intensive aviation tasks that require sustained level of physical energy and concentration over a long duration.
  • Actively participating in a variety of aviation tasks in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)

Examples are:

  • Incorporating a range of gross motor skills while participating effectively in aviation activities.
  • Moving with ease while undertaking aviation activities.
  • Working safely and effectively in a variety of physical environments applicable to aviation practice.
  • Using a variety of fine motor skills in various aviation activities.
  • Interacting with a computer through input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
  • Correctly and successfully interacting with electronic and fixed position devices to perform aviation requirements.
Interpersonal Engagement

Examples are:

  • Respectfully and successfully interacting with flight providers, airport staff and other aviation professionals.


Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

Examples are:

  • Correctly and successfully interacting with computers and associated devices to perform aviation requirements.


Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Review and analyse technology and procedures related to a range of aircraft
  • 2. Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills whilst functioning as a member of a flight crew on a simulated commercial flight
  • 3. Exercise a high level of judgement in the cockpit and on the ground when conducting and planning a simulated commercial flight
  • 4. Reflect critically upon the professional and ethical responsibilities of a commercial pilot from a national and international perspective when conducting a flight as pilot in command
  • 5. Analyse critically and solve complex problems encountered when performing the duties of a commercial pilot
  • 6. Operate an aircraft to the level of a commercial pilot.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6
1. KNOWLEDGE Have advanced knowledge within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge that may include the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills in a new or existing discipline or professional area
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and identify and provide solutions to complex problems
3. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to think critically and to generate and evaluate complex ideas
4. SKILLS Have specialised technical and creative skills in a field of highly skilled and/or professional practice
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of theoretical concept
6. SKILLS Have communication skills to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to make high level, independent judgements in a range of technical or management functions in varied specialised contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to initiate, plan, implement and evaluate broad functions within varied specialised technical and/or creative contexts
9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for personal outputs and all aspects of the work or function of others within broad parameters
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
Number of units: 7 Total credit points: 48

First Year

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
AVAT20001 Aeronautical Practice 1
AVAT20002 Aeronautical Practice 2

Second Year

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
AVAT20003 Aeronautical Practice 3
AVAT20004 Aeronautical Practice 4
AVAT20005 Advanced Aeronautical Practice 1

Third Year

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
AVAT20006 Advanced Aeronautical Practice 2
AVAT20007 Advanced Aeronautical Practice 3
More Details

Credit for Prior Learning – CL17 Graduate Diploma of Aviation (Flight Operations)

The course allows the recognition of students' appropriate previous study and experience gained from working in industry, through 'Recognition of Prior Learning' (RPL).

Students will be assessed for credit transfer on a case-by-case basis and will need to supply the following supporting documentation:

·                  Verified Flight Logbook

·                  CASA Pilots Licence

·                  CASA Class 1 Medical

·                  Previous Flight Provider Information

 

How to Apply:

Students applying for credit transfer from another CQUniversity course, external institution or recognition of prior learning are required to submit a Credit Application Form.

The credit calculator may assist by providing an estimate of credit you may be eligible to receive towards your CQUniversity course.

For further information regarding credit and how to apply please visit the Credit Transfers and RPL website.

 

Additional costs not included in the course fee:

 

Additional enrolment costs

Before you can enrol in the course you must obtain the following:

·                  An Aviation Reference Number (ARN) from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority CASA)

·                  An Australian Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate from a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME), or proof that you have recently held a Class 1 medical certificate

·                  An Australian Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)

·                  An Australian Aviation English Language Proficiency assessment at level 4 or higher.

 The cost of these items is approximately $1,000* and is not included in the course fee.


Additional study costs

You will be required to purchase the following:

Navigation equipment and a headset

$700

Books

$500

Uniform

$400

Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP)

$1,000

 The cost of these items is approximately $2,600* and is not included in the course fee.

 

Additional flight training costs

The course fee for the GradDipAv (Flight Operations) includes flight training up to 227.3 hours total time (207.3 hours flight time and 20 hours simulator time). This includes 100 hours of pilot in command time and 46 hours of instrument time. This should be sufficient to obtain your Australian Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and a Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR).

 

CASA examination costs

The cost of the CASA theory examinations is not included in the GradDipAv (Flight Operations) course fee. The cost for each CASA Examination is approximately $160* per attempt.

 

Further requirements for enrolment.

Your enrolment in the GradDipAv (Flight Operations) will only be approved if you are also enrolled in Term 2 of the BAv (Flight Operations) or ADAv (Flight Operations) in the units Aviation Physics and Aviation Law, or if you have previously completed a BAv or similar degree and have passed the CASA CPL examination. Your continued enrolment in the Grad Dip will depend on satisfactory progress through the BAv or ADAv.

 

You will need to have passed the following CASA theory examinations before you can enrol in the unit Aeronautical Practice 4 (AP4):

·                  PPL

·                  Aerodynamics CPL

·                  AGK CPL

·                  Meteorology CPL

·                  Navigation CPL.

 

You will need to have passed all the CASA CPL theory examinations before you can enrol in the unit Advanced Aeronautical Practice 1 (AAP1):

 

You will need to have passed the CASA Instrument Rating examination (IREX) before you can enrol in Advanced Aeronautical Practice 2 (AAP2).

 

Flight providers

CQUniversity currently has approved flight providers in the following locations:

 

Queensland:

·                  Cairns

·                  Townsville

·                  Mackay

·                  Rockhampton

·                  Bundaberg

·                  Sunshine Coast

·                  Redcliff

·                  Gold Coast

 

New South Wales:

·                  Sydney

 

Victoria:

·                  Melbourne

 

South Australia:

·                  Adelaide

 

Western Australia:

·                  Perth

·                  Bunbury

 

Flight Practical Work Order Validity:

“Where a work order to a Flight Provider requires a student to undertake flight training pursuant to the order and that flight training is not completed within a 12 month period from the date of the work order, then the flight provider will allocate a Non Completion grade to the student for that unit which will result in a Fail (F) grade at CQUniversity for the particular flight unit”.

 

The definition of Flight Provider is:

“Flight Provider is an organisation contracted to CQ University to provide flight training to students undertaking the CL17 Graduate Diploma of Aviation (Flight Operations) and the Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations). The flight training is to be specified in a document referred to as a ‘Work Order’”.

 

*These additional costs are an estimate only, and government charges and fees, and industry costs may change over time.