Do you have a question about pilot training in Australia? Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by student pilots before and during their flight training. If you can’t find the answer you are after, you can send us an enquiry using the form at the bottom of the page.
CAE Melbourne Flight Training is located at Moorabbin Airport in the South-Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. You can find a direct Google Maps link here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NbWJQqKHmnAowr4s6
We provide housing for both interstate and international students in our 176-bed Student Village, conveniently situated across from the CAE Melbourne Flight Training Academy. Each room includes a personal study area, and our communal amenities comprise a laundry, recreation rooms, and a BBQ area. Click here to learn more about our facilities.
Click here to find out more about our upcoming events: https://www.trybooking.com/CHAUA
For full details, visit: Converting an overseas flight crew licence | Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Yes, however, each country has its own aviation authority, and conversion requirements vary. It is strongly recommended that you contact the aviation regulator in your destination country to understand their specific conversion process. You may also consult CASA for advice on documentation and procedures. This ensures both you and your prospective training provider are clear on the requirements.
We love sharing our facilities, however, due to the demands of our active training operations, regular tours are limited. We recommend following us on social media or checking our website for upcoming Open Days and Information Sessions. If you’re unable to attend these events, we may accommodate ad hoc visits—but availability is limited and must be pre-arranged.
If you meet the entry requirements listed on our website, simply complete our online application form. You’ll be invited to attend an initial interview to discuss your training goals. If your goals align with our program outcomes, you’ll be asked to successfully complete a Pilot Aptitude Test (commonly referred to as a Skills Assessment Test) as the final step before enrolment.
While successful completion of the Flight Instructor Rating (FIR) is a strong foundation, employment is not guaranteed. All job applicants must undergo our formal recruitment process, which includes assessments and interviews to determine suitability for a role at CAE Melbourne.
Our simulators are available for bulk hire contracts through approved organisations. We do not offer hourly simulator hire to the general public.
We do not offer general scenic or joy flights. However, Trial Introductory Flights (TIFs) are available for potential students who would like to experience flying in our training aircraft and explore what flight training at CAE Melbourne is like.
CAE Melbourne is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and a CRICOS-registered provider. This means we can deliver nationally recognised training and enrol international students, providing the necessary documentation to support student visa applications in line with Australian Government requirements.
Domestic students, please refer to our “Domestic Students Training Programs” page.
International students, please refer to our “International Students” page for more information.
While flight training demands dedicated time and effort, it’s accessible to almost anyone. You don’t need formal education to begin, but meeting age, English proficiency, and medical check requirements is essential. A minimum age of 14 and English language skills are recommended for starting flight training, and some students initiate theory training at 13. Formal education in physics or math is not mandatory for obtaining a pilot license, though it can be beneficial. If aspiring to be an airline pilot, specific airlines may have additional requirements, such as physics and math proficiency. Check individual airline recruiting websites and course requirements for detailed prerequisites.
To qualify for most airlines, you need a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), a Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR), and Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). Check individual airline websites for published minimum criteria for pilot applications, as most details can be found there.
Yes, an aviation medical is mandatory before you are authorized to fly solo. It is recommended to complete this early in your training, preferably by your third lesson, to ensure there are no interruptions. If you are enrolling in a Commercial Pilot Licence Course, obtaining a Class 1 Medical before starting the course is advisable. For a Commercial Pilot, a Class 1 Medical is required, and an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) is necessary before undergoing the medical examination.
You can find a list of Designated Aviation Medical Examiners on the CASA website https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/aviation-medicals-and-certificates.
The Department of Home Affairs in Australia oversees aviation security regulations and administers the Aviation Transport Security Regulations. All student pilots are required to undergo an aviation security status check.
To obtain an aviation security status check, individuals must apply for an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC). An ASIC is necessary for flight crew operating at security-controlled airports. The ASIC grants permission to operate at any airport in Australia.
To apply for an ASIC, individuals can choose from the ASIC issuing bodies listed on the Department of Home Affairs website: https://www.auscheck.gov.au/security-card/aviation/asic-issuing-bodies. It’s important to note that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) does not issue ASICs.
CAE Melbourne Flight Training requires aspiring student pilots to undergo a Pilot Skills Assessment Test. This is designed to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for pilot training by assessing various skills and aptitudes. These assessments cover psychomotor abilities, cognitive skills, problem-solving capabilities, and decision-making skills. Airlines and pilot training organisations commonly utilise such tests to predict a candidate’s potential success throughout the training process and in their future career as a pilot.
Credit can only be granted for a CASA issued PPL(A) completed via a CASR Part 142 integrated flying program (no partial credits available). Applicants must undertake conversion training with CAE to ensure they are at the same standard / knowledge as a CAE PPL graduate. This could take candidates 10-20 hours dual training, with no FEE-HELP available (cost borne by applicant). RA-Aus RPC qualifications do not meet any RPL requirements. Contact enquiries@caemft.com for more information.
Training is split between Swinburne University of Technology (SUT) and CAE Melbourne Flight Training. This is usually 2 days a week at SUT (online/on campus), and 3 days at CAE (on campus). Training consists of classroom flight theory units, and physical flight training in the aircraft/simulators.
International students require Year 12 + advanced mathematics, and a minimum IELTS overall band score of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0. Students also need to meet specific Aviation English Language Proficiency (AELP) requirements before being eligible for a CASA issued flight crew licence.
VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent interstate/IB score.
VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any Mathematics or equivalent interstate/IB score.
Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne’s MathsLink Methods bridging program.
70 (after adjustment for special consideration and middle banding subjects, physics, specialist mathematics, psychology). If your ATAR is below 70 but above 50, you can undertake a number of Swinburne UniLink Diplomas, and at completion you require 6-unit credits.
CAE Melbourne Flight Training requires aspiring student pilots to undergo a Pilot Skills Assessment Test. This is designed to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for pilot training by assessing various skills and aptitudes. These assessments cover psychomotor abilities, cognitive skills, problem-solving capabilities, and decision-making skills. Airlines and pilot training organisations commonly utilise such tests to predict a candidate’s potential success throughout the training process and in their future career as a pilot.
Want to know more about CAE Melbourne Flight Training or make an enquiry about one of our courses? Just complete the form and we’ll be in touch.