If you're dreaming of flying for Qantas, Rex, or Virgin, your career won’t start in a jet — it begins much closer to the ground, through General Aviation. For many aspiring pilots, this is the essential first chapter in a long and rewarding career in aviation.
At Holmes Institute Aviation, we equip students with the practical skills, hours of flight time, and real-world exposure they need to launch their journey. From flight operations in remote areas to internships with charter operators in Darwin, our training program is built for those who want to fly professionally.
Key Summary
- General Aviation is the entry-level sector for those pursuing a career in aviation.
- It includes charter pilots, tourism, aerial freight, and more.
- Holmes Institute offers practical, full-time pilot training with immersive work experience.
- Our internships give students flight operations experience and exposure to real aircraft types.
- You don’t need an ATAR — our training program is designed for international students, career-changers, and school-leavers alike.
- You’ll graduate with a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), real-world experience, and a pathway to commercial airlines.
- All training aligns with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) standards and includes obtaining your CASA Class 1 medical certificate.
General Aviation: Your First Step to the Airlines
In Australia, General Aviation is the first real proving ground for any professional pilot. It’s where you gain confidence, build your logbook, and understand how the aviation industry truly operates.
Before you can fly for major commercial airlines, you need to prove yourself in smaller aircraft and real-world conditions — and that's exactly what General Aviation offers.
What Is General Aviation?
General Aviation refers to all civil flight activity outside scheduled airline services. It includes:
- Charter pilots transporting passengers or goods
- Scenic flights and tourism operations
- Emergency services and aerial medical transport
- Surveying, photography, and agricultural support
- Flight operations for private or small commercial use
If your goal is to become a professional pilot, this is where your career in aviation begins — and where you’ll earn most of your early hours of flight time.
Why General Aviation Matters in Australia
Australia’s geography demands a strong aviation industry, especially in remote and regional areas. General aviation operates where major airlines can’t — and that creates opportunities for aspiring pilots to develop real skills.
At Holmes, our students gain hands-on experience in diverse environments like the Northern Territory, helping them master weather, terrain, and complex flight operations early in their careers.
From General Aviation to the Airlines: How the Pathway Works
The typical career path looks like this:
- Study a full-time pilot training program like the Bachelor of Aviation.
- Obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
- Build flight hours through General Aviation internships and charter work.
- Progress into commercial airlines as a First Officer or enter cadet programs.
All students must also obtain a CASA Class 1 medical certificate — a key requirement for any professional pilot working in commercial operations.
Holmes Institute Aviation: Real-World Flight Training
We don’t just offer a classroom — we offer a state-of-the-art experience. Our Melbourne campus features modern simulators, planning rooms, and briefing spaces. But it’s the real-world training that sets us apart.
“At Holmes Institute, we believe a great pilot isn’t just made in the classroom. They’re shaped by real-world flying experience.”
Our industry-aligned training program meets Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) standards and prepares students for operational aviation — not just exams.
Flight Standards & Kakadu Air: General Aviation Internships in Australia
Through our internship in Darwin, students join Flight Standards & Kakadu Air, getting immersed in day-to-day flight operations.
“We went out to a remote island in the North-East,” says Holmes student Jack.
“It was my first time in a multi, which was a great experience.”
Students gain exposure to aircraft types used in charter and tourism — plus learn aircraft dispatch, safety, and operational skills first-hand.
Read the full internship story →
Tristar Aviation: Fly, Learn, and Get Job-Ready
Our partnership with Tristar Aviation focuses on making students industry-ready through practical experience.
This includes:
- Flyaways to Darwin and beyond
- Time in multi-engine aircraft types
- Mentoring from instructors with commercial airline and charter experience
- Training that aligns with aviation safety authority CASA standards
“It’s not just about getting hours. It’s about becoming a safe, capable, and confident pilot,” says Leo from Tristar.
Flight Training in Darwin: Build Real Pilot Experience
Through our internships and training programs, students gain valuable flight hours in Darwin — a region known for its challenging weather, regional routes, and varied airspace.
It’s a learning environment that prepares you for anything — from flight operations in rugged terrain to adapting to dynamic flight plans.
Careers in General Aviation and Beyond
Many graduates go on to become:
- Charter pilots in Australia
- Flight instructors
- Medical evacuation pilots
- First Officers with commercial airlines
- Regional or freight operators
Our strong industry network means students graduate with not only a licence, but a long-term career pathway.
FAQs
Do I need a CASA Class 1 medical certificate?
Yes — it’s required for all commercial pilots in Australia. Holmes Institute assists students in applying for their CASA Class 1 medical early in their training.
Is this a full-time training program?
Yes — our Bachelor of Aviation is a full-time, immersive course designed for fast-track career outcomes.
Can international students enrol?
Absolutely. Holmes Institute welcomes international students to join the Bachelor of Aviation.
What aircraft types will I fly?
At Holmes Institute Aviation, we don’t just teach students to fly - we train them to think, act, and succeed as professional pilots. We provide access to a carefully chosen fleet of aircraft.
Read more about our aircrafts →
What makes your program different?
Our emphasis on real flying, General Aviation internships, and CASA-aligned safety standards makes our program uniquely industry-focused.
Conclusion
At Holmes Institute Aviation, we believe pilot training should be practical, hands-on, and focused on what matters most: safety, skills, and real career outcomes.
Through our partnerships with Tristar Aviation, Flight Standards, and Kakadu Air, we give students everything they need to succeed in the aviation industry — including flight hours, operational exposure, and clear steps toward the airlines.
Whether you’re an international student, recent school-leaver, or career changer — your future as a professional pilot starts here.
Explore our aviation training programs →
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