How To Become a Pilot in Australia: A Beginner's Guide

Becoming a pilot is one of the most rewarding careers in Australia, offering strong earning potential, global opportunities, and the unique experience of flying aircraft for a living.

If you’re researching how to become a pilot in Australia, this guide walks you through requirements, licences, study pathways, costs, salaries, and timelines — whether you want to fly privately, commercially, or for an airline.

Quick Facts: Becoming a Pilot in Australia

• Minimum age to fly solo: 15
• Minimum age for a commercial pilot licence: 18
• Medical requirement: CASA Class 1
• Time to become a commercial pilot: 18 months – 3 years
• Average pilot salary in Australia: $110,000+ per year
• Highest licence: Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)

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Step 1: Understand Pilot Requirements in Australia

Before starting pilot training, you must meet requirements set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

Age requirements

• Learn to fly: any age (with instructor)
• Solo flight: 15 years
• Private Pilot Licence (PPL): 17 years
• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL): 18 years
• Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL): 21 years

Educational Requirements

In order to obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence, there is no formal requirement to have completed Year 12, however some airlines may stipulate this as a minimum requirement when hiring.

Medical requirements

There are several classes of medical certificates corresponding to licence type and the allowable actions under the licence. The medical certificate isn’t required for those who are learning with a flight instructor.

To obtain a pilot licence:

• Class 2 medical certificate – private or recreational pilots
• Class 1 medical certificate – commercial airline pilots, Multi-crew pilot, Air transport pilot

Eyesight does not need to be perfect — many pilots wear glasses or contact lenses.

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Step 2: What Subjects Are Needed to Become a Pilot?

There is no mandatory Year 12 requirement for pilot training in Australia. However, success in pilot courses is easier if you have:

• Maths (especially algebra and basic physics)
• Physics (helpful but not essential)
• Strong English communication skills

Some airlines and pilot degree programmes may request Year 12 completion.

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Step 3: Choose Your Pilot Training Pathway

There are several ways to become a pilot in Australia. The best option depends on your career goals, budget, and timeline.

Flight school (non‑degree pathway)

• Learn to fly directly through a flight training organisation
• Flexible pace
• Pay‑as‑you‑go structure
• Popular for private or modular commercial pilots

Diploma or Bachelor of Aviation

Studying aviation provides structured training, theory, and career pathways.

At Holmes Institute Aviation, students can combine:

• Practical flight knowledge
• Aviation theory
• Industry‑aligned qualifications
• Eligible programmes may offer Fee‑HELP for Australian citizens

This pathway is ideal for students seeking long‑term airline careers.

Airline cadet pilot programmes

Some airlines offer sponsored cadetships, but:

• Entry is highly competitive
• Limited places each year
• Often require self‑funding initially

Military / Air Force pilot pathway

If you’re exploring how to become a fighter pilot or Air Force pilot in Australia, the Royal Australian Air Force provides:

• Fully funded training
• Advanced aircraft experience
• Mandatory service period before civilian airline careers

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Step 4: Pilot Licence Types Explained

Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL)

• Entry‑level licence
• Fly locally with passengers
• Minimum age: 16

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

• Fly anywhere in Australia
• No payment allowed
• Minimum flight time: 40 hours

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

• Get paid to fly
• Required for airline careers
• Minimum flight time: 150–200 hours

Instrument Rating (IR)

• Fly in low visibility and bad weather
• Essential for airline pilots

Multi‑Engine Rating

• Fly aircraft with more than one engine
• Often combined with instrument training

Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)

• Highest pilot certification
• Required to be airline captain
• Requires 1,500 total flight hours

At Holmes Institute, each aircraft in our fleet is selected not just for training value, but for its relevance to the aircraft and environments you’ll encounter throughout your aviation career.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot?

Pilot Goal Typical Time Recreational / Private Pilot 6–12 months Commercial Pilot 18 months – 3 years Airline Pilot (ATPL)4–6+ years (including hours)

The timeline depends on study load, weather, funding, and training structure.

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How Much Does It Cost to Become a Pilot in Australia?

Pilot training is an investment. Costs vary by pathway.

• Training Stage Estimated Cost Private Pilot Licence$15,000 – $25,000
• Commercial Pilot Licence $70,000 – $100,000
• Full Airline Pathway $90,000 – $150,000+

Diploma and Bachelor Degree programs often are eligible for Fee-HELP for Australia citizens.

You also need to choose a career once you have your licence. Some positions are more lucrative than others, but the average pilot earns a salary of around $110,819 a year in Australia. With experienced airline captains earning above $300,000 a year.

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Pilot Salary in Australia

Pilot salaries depend on experience and aircraft type.

• Pilot Role Average Salary Entry‑level commercial pilot $70,000 – $90,000
• Airline First Officer $120,000 – $180,000
• Airline Captain$250,000 – $300,000+

International airline pilots may earn higher salaries depending on region and aircraft.

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How to Build Flight Hours After Your Licence

After gaining your CPL, pilots typically build hours by:

• Flight instructing
• Charter operations
• Scenic flights
• Aerial survey or skydiving flights

These roles prepare you for airline recruitment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a degree to be a pilot?

No — but a degree in aviation can improve employability, structure training, and support airline career progression.

Is it hard to become a pilot?

Pilot training is demanding but achievable with discipline, maths skills, and good decision‑making.

Can international students become pilots in Australia?

Yes. International students can complete approved aviation degrees and pilot licence training in Australia.

How do you become an airline pilot in Australia?

Complete a CPL, build flight hours, pass ATPL theory exams, and meet airline recruitment standards.

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Start Your Pilot Career with Holmes Institute Aviation

If you’re serious about becoming a pilot in Australia, Holmes Institute Aviation offers industry‑aligned aviation education designed to support long‑term careers in commercial and airline flying.

With expert educators, practical aviation knowledge, and flexible study pathways, we help students move confidently from classroom to cockpit.

Contact Holmes Institute Aviation today and take the first step towards your pilot career.

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