International Students at Royal Queensland Aero Club

RQAC is known worldwide for the quality of its flight training. This is clearly reflected in the many students who travel to Australia to train with us.

This recognition extends to the highest levels in the international aviation industry as China Airlines, have selected RQAC to train their Cadet Pilots. These students spend 11 months with us achieving the level of Australian Commercial Pilot Licence and Command Instrument Rating. China Airlines demands the highest standards of flight training for their cadets. This level of training is provided to all our students.

Students from many overseas destinations train with us including Canada, Malaysia, India, Colombia, Japan, San Salvador, Taiwan, Singapore, and Macau to name just a few of the diverse locations.

We specialise in tailoring the student’s training requirement to meet the various licencing requirements of the student’s home country. Talk to us about your career aspirations and we can advise on the recommended training courses.

Entry Requirements

Language

If English is not your first language, in order to gain entry to this program you will need a minimum English Language level of 6.0 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or equivalent TOEIC or TOEFEW.

If your English proficiency does not meet these standards, we are able to provide English Language training.

For information on obtaining assessment of your English Language proficiency, check with the Australian Embassy in your home country or visit the International English Language Testing System web site at www.ielts.org

Medical

Before you commence your course, you are required to undertake a medical examination to Class One Standard as required by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This examination can only be carried out by one of the CASA Designated Aviation Medical Examiners (DAME). A list of the DAMEs that are approved internationally can be obtained online at www.casa.gov.au.

Age

The minimum age at the time of enrolment is 18 years.

Course Outline

At RQAC we offer a number of different training options. You may choose to enroll in any of our fully approved courses including:

Course 69869 Diploma in Aviation (Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating)
This course covers Commercial Pilot Licence and Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating

Course 69868 Advanced Diploma in Aviation (Airline Transport Pilot Licence)

This course includes Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating and Airline Transport Pilot Licence theory subjects

Course 69867 Advanced Diploma in Aviation (Flight Instructor Rating)

This course includes Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating and Flight Instructor Rating

We also have a variety of other Non award courses available to suit your specific needs.

The choice of which course would be the most appropriate for you will be made in conjunction with your Flight Training Manager, who will assist you to plan a flying program which best assists you to meet your career aspirations.

At RQAC all of our courses are tailored to the individual. All students have a personalized timetable: this allows for your personal commitments.

Course Components

After you complete your medical you will be issued with your Student Pilot Licence, which is very much like a learner’s permit.

The SPL allows you to train for your first formal Pilot Licence, the General Flying Progress Test (GFPT). Training for your GFPT is one of the most exciting phases of flight training that you will ever undertake.

This is where you actually learn to fly the aircraft in all its many configurations. You will learn all the basics such as climbing, descending, turning, and stalling before starting to fly the aircraft in the circuit area where you will practise takeoffs and landings. Once your instructor is confident that you are able to competently handle any situation that you might encounter, you will be sent for your very first solo flight. This is a flight that you will relive for the rest of your life. Even the most experienced Airline Captains with years of airline flying time will vividly recount their first solo flight!

After consolidating your circuit procedures, you will then return to the Archerfield training area for a series of flights where you will learn some more advanced skills including forced landings, advanced stalling, compass turns, and instrument flying. Throughout this time you will see your skill level steadily improving and your confidence growing. You will also undertake your first solo flight to the training area. This spectacular area includes flying over the beautiful coastal areas of Moreton Bay along the beaches of Stradbroke Island, as well as the picturesque rural areas surrounding Beaudesert.

You will learn to land the aircraft in different wind conditions and on shorter runways. This training prepares you for your future flights to locations away from our home base at Archerfield.

Flight Test

Once your instructor believes that you have attained the required standard you will be recommended for a flight test for the issue of your GFPT. This flight test is normally conducted by one of our Approved Test Officers, who you will have met during the course of your training.

On the successful completion of your GFPT, you are now licensed to carry passengers within the confines of the Archerfield training area.

Private Pilot Licence

This phase of your flight training covers the navigation techniques that are used to fly visually throughout Australia. Flights are initially conducted outside controlled airspace, with an introduction to the principles of radio navigation. As your confidence develops, training progresses to flights into controlled airspace such as Coolangatta, Brisbane and Maroochydoore.

Commercial Theory and Navigation Consolidation

During this phase of training, the students consolidate the training gained at PPL level with navigation exercises to many varied destinations. It is possible during this time to fly extended trips away from the home base at Archerfield to destinations such as Alice Springs, Mt Isa, Cairns, The Great Barrier Reef or other locations of interest to you. These trips will be planned in conjunction with you Flight Training Manager.

The theory component at this level incorporates all the relevant theory required for the seven written examinations required for the Australian Commercial Pilots Licence. These examinations cover Aerodynamics, Navigation, Human Factors, Air Law, Meteorology, Flight Planning and Systems.

Commercial Pilots Licence

Navigation exercises that simulate actual commercial operations are an important feature of this block. Students will also receive instruction on a more complex aircraft type completing a constant speed unit/ retractable undercarriage endorsement on the Cessna 172RG.

Students who wish to only complete a Commercial Pilot Licence will exit the program at this point.

Command Instrument Rating

The art of flying an aircraft solely by reference to instruments is one of the most challenging training programs than can be undertaken by a pilot. The CIR allows pilots to fly in full Instrument Meteorological Conditions at all phases of the flight, both during the day and at night.

The training for the CIR includes a significant amount of flight simulator training, in addition to your initial multi-engine endorsement on a Beechcraft Duchess.

On completion of the CIR training, you will have achieved a Diploma in Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence).

Other optional training programs available at RQAC

Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory (ATPL)

The ATPL is the highest pilot licence qualification available in Australia. This intensive course covers upper level meteorology, global navigation, jet aircraft flight planning, gas turbine theory, Boeing 767 systems and human performance subjects relevant to heavy jet operations.

At the end of the course there are seven separate exams that are conducted by CASA.