How you can apply to join Qantas pilot academy
FUTURE pilots can now apply to study at Toowoomba's Qantas pilot academy, with the school to welcome its first intake of students in September this year.
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FUTURE pilots can now apply to study at the Qantas pilot academy, with the Wellcamp Airport-based school to welcome its first intake of students in September this year.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said Qantas had been progressing the development of the academy's facilities, together with the Wagner Corporation and support from the Queensland Government.
"More than 22,000 people have so far registered their interest in the academy so we expect there to be some exceptional talent amongst them, putting their hand up to commence their pilot training," Mr Joyce said.
"We've partnered with Flight Training Adelaide, a leading training provider, and will offer purpose-built facilities and student accommodation. The Toowoomba site will be a world-class training school for future pilots.
"We look forward to welcoming the first students to the academy later this year."
Construction is expected to start on classrooms, hangars and student accommodation in coming months. The first intake of students will be accommodated at the University of Southern Queensland while construction occurs.
Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) will be the training provider for the Wellcamp Airport school.
FTA will bring a mix of modern single and twin-engine aircraft with glass cockpits to support the training with a mentoring program that will involve of some of Qantas' most senior pilots.
The academy course has been designed to train students with little to no flying experience and includes both theory and practical components. Students will graduate with a number of qualifications including a commercial pilot licence, ready to commence a career in commercial or general aviation.
State Development Minister Cameron Dick said the Qantas pilot academy would open up new aviation career pathways in regional Queensland.
"The (State) Government's $105 million Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund has supported this exciting project, and I'm delighted a training provider has been appointed and applications are now open for the first intake of students," Mr Dick said.
"Now, it's time for take-off, and we're excited to keep working with major project partners Qantas, Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport and Toowoomba Regional Council to deliver and maximise this project."
Qantas will offer a scholarships program to make a number of grants available. These range from covering the cost of accommodation through to full training.
The pilot academy was announced by Qantas in September last year.
About 790,000 more pilots will be required globally over the next 20 years with about one third of them in the Asia Pacific region.
The national carrier said addressing the gender imbalance among pilots - which globally stands at just five per cent women - will be key to meeting market demand for aviators.
About 17 per cent of the 22,000 people who have registered their interest in the Toowoomba-based academy are female.
A Qantas spokeswoman said the location for the second academy would be announced soon.
Budding pilots can apply at qantas.com/pilotacademy.
Information for students:
The application process consists of a pilot aptitude test, core skills test and an interview. Testing will be held in selected cities, including Toowoomba and Adelaide. A $200 fee will be payable and any travel will be at the applicant's own expense.
The following training programs will be offered at the Toowoomba site:
- AVI50215 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)
- AVI50415 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)
- AVI60216 Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command)
All three qualifications can be completed in 52 weeks (and may be extended if weather conditions affect flying hours).
On successful completion of the qualifications above, students will also qualify for the following CASA licences and ratings:
- CASA Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL)
- CASA Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (ME IR)
- CASA theory credits for an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and
- CASA Multi-Crew Cooperation Certificate
No minimum academic qualifications are required, however a strong understanding of maths and science at a senior high school level is desirable. Students need to be at least 18 years of age to apply for a CASA Commercial Pilots Licence.
After graduation, students will automatically join the Qantas group's pilot talent pool and have access to opportunities with other partners which will help fast track placement in the aviation industry.
Students will have access to funding options and access to a range of scholarships.
Originally published as How you can apply to join Qantas pilot academy
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