THE ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN AVIATION STUDIES (AEROPLANE)

Course Aim

The Advanced Diploma has been designed to provide the highest possible training for a Commercial Pilot. As well as covering the Civil Aviation Safety Authority syllabus for the Commercial Pilot Licence, other essential training includes ancillary subjects which not only provide a higher level of education but undoubtedly improve the graduate's prospects for employment.

The Advanced Diploma in Aviation has been developed in consultation with the aviation industry. The question was put, "What qualities and training would make a graduate commercial pilot more employable?" The Advanced Diploma award was then prepared with the responses of industry in mind.

The College graduate will have gained an Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority Commercial Pilot Licence and hold theory credits for the Command Instrument Rating. Also included will be current certificates for First Aid, Pilot Maintenance and Dangerous Goods. Theoretical training for the Air Transport Pilot Licence is also provided.

Course Structure

The theory courses and practical training are conducted at the College which is based at Jandakot Airport. The course is designed for a 52 week program of approximately 30 hours per week on average. Modules include theory training followed by modules of flight training. This is followed at intervals by examination preparation, examinations and flight tests. Some modules have prerequisites which are noted at each stage.

The Advanced Diploma in Aviation is a one year full time course. The course revolves around the syllabus for the issue of an Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority Commercial Pilot Licence and theory training for an Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
Other subject areas include:

• Maths and Physics Principles for Pilots (This module is approved by QANTAS for the purpose of direct entry pilot recruitment)
• Practical Pilot Aircraft Maintenance Training
• First Aid
• Dangerous Goods
• Command Instrument Rating Theory Subjects

Entrance Requirements

Applicants are required to prove they hold a current medical certificate demonstrating their fitness to hold an Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). The minimum age at the commencement of training is 17. An adequate performance in both spoken and written English is essential to be able to attempt the course. The College assesses each student's application by interview and written aptitude test independent of high school results. Year 12 or mature age entry available.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Students who already have flight training experience may apply for exemptions for that portion of the Advanced Diploma course. Students with training from other institutions, including the Australian Defence Force or overseas bodies will also be able to apply for exemptions. Exemption applications are dealt with individually according to the level of prior training and the CASA recognition of that training.

Financial Assistance

Australian resident students who qualify for Austudy are able to apply for financial assistance.

Requirements for Awarding the Diploma

Prior to being awarded the Advanced Diploma in Aviation students must successfully complete:

• All theory examinations required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence
• The 150 hour Commercial Pilot flying training course
• The flight test for the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence
• The West Australian Aviation College examinations for the Air Transport Pilot Licence
• The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Command Instrument Rating theory examination
• The Senior First Aid Certificate
• The examination for the carriage of dangerous goods
• The Pilot Aircraft Maintenance assessment
• All Western Australian Aviation College required module exams
• Morse Code testing

International Recognition

An Advanced Diploma in Aviation from the Western Australian Aviation College certifies that graduates have achieved the licence category of Commercial Pilot as well as the theoretical requirements for the Command Instrument Rating. These are granted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the only licensing body in Australia, and are recognised world-wide by ICAO, the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

University Recognition

Although the Advanced Diploma in Aviation is an academic qualification, it is also an industry qualification, as it encompasses Civil Aviation Safety Authority exams and licences in preparation for a career as a pilot. At course completion, students are ready to enter their first position as a paid commercial pilot. Some graduates however, are now choosing to continue their studies and move on to university.

The Western Australian Aviation College is proud to hold university acknowledgement of the Advanced Diploma and consequently there is now a progressive path available. Murdoch University has given the Advanced Diploma in Aviation such recognition, that a graduate may spend 2 further years at university and also gain a Bachelor of Commerce in Management. This new dual qualification is appealing to many as it offers complementary and supportive skills; it also caters for career contingency. If for some reason, flying ceases to be an option (i.e. medical reasons), the possibility of a management position within aviation is an option.

The award of the Advanced Diploma in Aviation will also entitle a student to entry to Year 2 of the Degree of Bachelor of Science (Aviation) at Edith Cowan University on the basis of recognition of prior learning.

Facilities

The modern training facilities cater for students without any overcrowding. The college provides all the modern technology and hardware necessary for efficient learning from lecturer to student.

All briefing rooms are designed to enable the student to study without interruption. They are fitted out with white boards, aircraft models, modern comfortable fittings and furniture, and they are all air conditioned to ensure that students study in a most congenial atmosphere.

The ground lecture theatres also incorporate all the above facilities. In addition these facilities can be structured to cater for groups ranging from 10 to 200 depending on the need. Lecture theatres have multi-media overhead projectors, audio equipment, videos, internet and individual aircraft instruments and components.

Uniforms

It is most important that your training and personal image is correct from the first lesson. Students are required to purchase, before the commencement of the course, the professional uniform that will be worn once training commences. The following are required:

• Five white epaulette shirts
• Two pairs of navy blue shorts or trousers or skirts
• Long white socks to be worn with shorts
• Black shoes

The College supplies:

• Pullover/jumper for cool weather
• Tie
• Epaulettes
• Winter Jacket
• Cap

Course Fees

Course Fees for the Advanced Diploma in Aviation Studies (2008) are $9590 and include the following:

• Diploma Registration
• Aviation Induction Course
• Basic Aeronautical Knowledge
• Private Pilot Licence
• VFR Flight Planning
• Commercial Pilot Licence Theory
• Command Instrument Rating Theory
• Air Transport Licence Theory
• Maths and Physics for Pilots
• Dangerous Goods Training
• Morse Code
• Pilot Maintenance Training
• St. John's Ambulance First Aid Training
• Learning Skills Development
• Site Visits
• Specified Uniform items
  

Total Advanced Diploma Course Fees (GST exempt) $9590

A non-refundable application fee of $290 applies to this course.

The costs of CASA publications and examinations are additional to the above. The exams should total  approximately $2100, however CASA reserve the right to vary examination costs.

The student must provide their own navigation equipment and Civil Aviation Safety Authority documents as required by a pilot for all his/her flying career. It is also the student's responsibility to ensure all CASA documents are kept up to date.

  FLYING TRAINING

The cost of flight training will vary, dependent on the student's rate of progress, but the following is a  guide for the Advanced Diploma which includes a CASA Commercial Licence:

Flying Training in a C152 dual/solo (33.4 hours)	$AU7378.39
Flying Training in a C172 dual (33.5 hours)	$AU8466.45
Flying Training in a C152 PIC (2 hours)	$AU318.18
Flying Training in a C172 solo consolidation (20.5 hours)	$AU3820.38
Flying Training in a M20J solo consolidation (38.5 hours)	$AU8679.82
Flying Training in a M20J dual (36.3 hours)	$AU11055.17
Landing fees	$AU2553.77
Air Nav Charges	$AU726.00
Briefings	$AU947.70
In-house exams	$AU22.00
Student licence	$AU200.00
Licensing paperwork	$AU50.00
Student Manual	$AU25.00
Navigation Study Guide	$AU25.00
CPL Manual	$AU25.00
Handling Notes & Checklists	$AU44.50
Log Book	$AU17.50
CASA Class One medical	$AU350.00
Pilot Headset	$AU420.00
Navigation equipment	$AU150.00
Away Trip Levy	$AU190.00
Membership fees	$AU166.00
Advanced Diploma Course Fees	$AU9590.00
Total Investment for CPL Career (Theory & Flying)	$AU55,220.86