CPL A Course Information

Full time Integrated CPL study with National Aviation Academy:

Gain your CPL from scratch in approx. 9 months directly with NAA.

• Takes approximately 8-9 months - 4 intakes per year
• Integrated 150 hours (minimum) flight training
• All theory conducted onsite (12 weeks covering 7 CPL subjects)
• Paid as you go, in blocks of 10 hours flight training, in advance
• Least expensive option but no funding available

Part time Non-Integrated CPL study with National Aviation Academy:

Although full time study is recommended, we understand that is not always possible. NAA allows non-integrated students to study at a pace that suits them.

• Start whenever you are ready – best to aim for 12-18 months to complete
• Theory subjects can be self-studied, or; sit in class for individual subjects
• Non-integrated 200 hours (minimum) flight training
• Paid as you go, in blocks of 10 hours flight training, in advance – no funding available
• Regular training recommended for continuity and to minimise chances of going over on flight training hours to reach competency

AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) through TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275)

National Aviation Academy provides training and assessment of this accredited qualification on behalf of TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275) who will award the qualification upon successful completion. 

• Same course structure as above (classes are combined) – all training through NAA
• Course length is 9 months full time – 4 intakes per year
• 150 hours flight training included in course
• Theory conducted onsite (12 weeks covering 7 CPL subjects)
• On successful completion, students receive a Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence) and a CASA Commercial Pilot Licence
• Contact TAFE Queensland for enrolment guide and questions about eligibility. Please contact the Aviation Liaison Officers at [email protected] or fill out our enquiry form here and we'll have TAFE get in touch!

CL09 - Bachelor of Aviation through CQUniversity

Study a degree in aviation with CQUniversity while completing flight training in Townsville or Cairns with National Aviation Academy.

The Bachelor of Aviation with a major in Flight Operations is designed to prepare students for a career as a professional airline pilot. In this major, you will study the academic and aeronautical knowledge requirements of the Air Transport Pilot License and Multi Engine Instrument Rating.

National Aviation Academy provides instruction for the practical flight training components of the Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations) and associated qualifications including training towards Recreational, Private and Commercial Pilot Licences, Multi-Engine Class Rating and Multi-Engine Instrument Rating.

Upon successful completion of your flight training, you should meet the academic requirements to obtain your Australian Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and a Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating (MEIR).

• Details on course structure available from CQUniversity
• 3 years full time - 2 intakes per year
• Study theory through CQU - online lectures & self-directed study
• Flight training conducted through NAA
• Flight training over 3 years - RPL through to CPL (with MEIR)
• Contact CQUniversity for course prices, entry requirements & payment options

Our upcoming CPL intake dates are:

2025 dates:

• 7th April 2025
• 7th July 2025*
• 29th September 2025*

We can take enrolments for any upcoming CPL intakes. 

*TAFE Queensland have not started advertising for these intakes yet, but CPL & Diploma courses are run concurrently, with the same intake dates. 

For the Bachelor of Aviation - please contact CQUniversity for more details about the academic calendar for this course.

Register for an Upcoming Intake

While there is no strict weight limit for flight training in an aeroplane, students over 110kg will need to have a discussion with National AViation Academy directly regarding their suitability. 

National Aviation Academy uses specific text books and flight training materials for our CPL & Diploma of Aviation course. These can be purchased directly through Townsville Flight Training, and be ready onsite for your course start date. Alternatively, the CPL text book pack can be purchased through AFT (for the same price). 

• CPL Textbook Pack & Flight Training Induction Pack $2,180

These will need to be organised and paid for at least 1 month out from your course start date.

Textbook packs can be purchased online through our store and can be paid by credit card, bank transfer or using Humm (buy now, pay later).

Click here to visit the store

TAFE students: please be aware that book packs cannot be covered under your payment arrangement with TAFE Queensland and will need to be purchased upfront

Bachelor of Aviation students: theory studies are conducted directly through CQUniversity - they will advise students of required study materials

The following prerequisites are documents you are required by CASA to hold in order to obtain an Australian Commercial Pilot Licence. You will need to obtain (or be in the process of obtaining) these before your course begins:

1. Aviation Reference Number (ARN)
2. Class 1 Aviation Medical
3. Aviation Security ID Card (ASIC)

You will need your ARN before you can start your other applications. We recommend starting these processes around 3 months out from the course start date to allow enough time for everything to be finalised. 

For late enrolments: please note that we can accept enrolments while these are still in process.

A full step-by-step guide will be provided once you have decided to proceed with an enrolment.

Would you like to experience flying before you start a course? National Aviation Academy conducts Trial Introductory Flights (TIF) out of our bases in Townsville and Cairns where you get to fly the aeroplane. This also gives you an opportunity to see our facilities and chat to an instructor about the course. 

Find our more and book your TIF here

Pricing and payment options for the course depend on which course type you choose:

AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) through TAFE Queensland:

• TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275) will provide information on pricing & payment options directly

CL09 - Bachelor of Aviation through CQUniversity:

• CQUniversity will provide information on pricing & payment options directly

CPL training directly through National Aviation Academy:

• Full time: prices start from approximately $73,400 (under an integrated course - minimum 150 hours flight training - including hours, theory course and flight test attempt)
• Part time: prices start from approximately $93,450 (under a non-integrated course - minimum 200 hours flight training - including hours, theory course and flight test attempt)
• Training is paid in blocks of 10 hours flight training in advance

Once you have read through the course guide, please let us know which course type/s you are interested in and you will provided with detailed pricing.

National Aviation Academy also offer Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) courses to students once they have completed their CPL licence. This rating teaches students to pilot more complex, twin engine aircraft and fly under Instrument Flight Rules, and is an important next step in a career in general aviation and beyond.

Find out more here!

Bachelor of Aviation students: the 3 year degree through CQUniversity includes training for your Multi-Engine Class Rating and Instrument Rating as standard

If you have prior Aeroplane or Helicopter flight experience or have passed any of the CPL theory subjects, please contact National Aviation Academy to discuss your options. You may be eligible to join a course as an 'accelerated student'.

National Aviation Academy is not directly involved in organising student accommodation but are happy to pass on details of providers to students.

Most students organise their own rental properties close to the city for the duration of their course. We have a couple of real estate contacts we'd recommend starting with - we'll provide details once your application has commenced. 

We also have a Facebook group set up where enrolled students can reach out if they have a room available or are looking for someone to share with for the duration of the course. We will provide you with a link for this once you have started the enrolment process.

Get to know us a bit better and keep up to date on the latest news and reminders of upcoming courses on social media:

Facebook  Instagram

If you have decided on a timeframe or specific intake that you are interested in, please let us know and we'll make sure to contact you at the right time to start getting organised.

Just looking for now? We'll send occasional course reminders and invitations to open days etc to keep you in the loop.