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University of South Australia (UNISA)

Adelaide , South Australia ,Australia

Bachelor of Aviation (Flight)

Take the first steps towards becoming a pilot and get 15-20 hours of flight experience with the option to concurrently obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).*
Fly in your first year with our partner Flight Training Adelaide (FTA).
Study theory and practice at the same time.
Gain fundamental knowledge in aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, flight planning, and aircraft power plants and systems.
Access flight simulators and work with the latest industry software.

Make your dreams of becoming a pilot reality with an innovative aviation degree for international students that includes flight training. The Bachelor of Aviation (Flight) provides a great foundation in the field of aviation practical flight experience. Whilst some airlines prefer you to have a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), other airlines prefer to train you fully via a pilot cadetship program.

The flight training component is offered in your first year of study through an elective course, Flight Experience. In this course you will log approximately 15-20 hours of dual flight time in a single engine airplane with the possibility of a solo flight for those who meet the competencies. Flight training is offered by our partner Flight Training Adelaide (FTA).

In your studies you will also learn aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation and flight planning in ultra-modern facilities.We work in close partnership with industry to ensure you will graduate ready to meet the growing global demand for pilots1.

For the flight training component of this degree, you must hold a minimum of a Class II Medical with at least 6 months validity. You must also remain compliant with the Aviation Academy’s Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP).

You will undertake general studies in aviation including an introduction to human factors and safety management systems. You will do Flight Training Theory 1 and 2, taught by instructors from the flight training provider. These courses prepare you for CASA Commercial Pilot Licence theory examinations.

As your studies progress you will explore more advanced and theoretical areas including meteorology, law, human factors and aspects of the flight and performance of large aircraft systems. You will also study communication and aviation management. Your technical studies will include aerodynamics, heavy aircraft systems, navigation and risk and safety management.

Flight Experience is part of this degree. If you don’t take up Flight Experience, this course will be replaced by two electives.

For further information, download the Bachelor of Aviation (Flight) flyer which provides greater detail about the flight experience course and CPL program entry requirements.

Campus Information

Mawson Lakes

In the progressive area of Mawson Lakes just 12km north of the city, you can study civil aviation, education, engineering, environmental studies, information technology, science, and sport and recreation management.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 14

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Within the next 20 years, it is predicted there will be a demand of 837,000 new personnel required in the Asia-Pacific region. Although the aviation industry is currently experiencing a downturn driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-term need remains robust with anticipation of growth to the sector in coming years.1

With this growth, it is an exciting time to be planning a career in the aviation industry. Here are some careers to consider:

  • Professional airline Pilot
  • Charter pilot
  • Military careers
  • Aircraft maintenance
  • Aircraft manufacturing
  • Remote pilot
  • Air traffic management

PSW Opportunity

Bachelor Degree or Masters by Coursework Degree - 2 years - 3 years (Adelaide)

Masters by Research - 3 years - 4 years (Adelaide)

PhD qualification - 4 years - 5 years (Adelaide)

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education

  • Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
    AND
  • Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
  • Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE,
    or
  • Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

  • Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
  • Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
    OR

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma level or above
    OR

Work and life experience

  • Qualify for Special Entry, or
  • Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
  • Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past.