COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE (CPL)
The Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) – CPL(A) – is the licence required for employment as a professional pilot. The course has been developed for students who already hold a private pilot licence and aeroplane category rating – PPL(A). The CPL(A) and an appropriate aeroplane rating are the qualifications you will need to act as pilot-in-command of an aeroplane for ‘hire or reward’.
CPL REQUIREMENTS
Students should have completed at least 2.3 hours of dual instrument time have logged at least 100 hours as pilot-in-command. Students will have a good understanding of maths and physics theory and application, be fluent in the use of English, and be at least 18 years old to be tested and apply for a CPL.
CPL SYLLABUS
The CPL syllabus is focused on developing a professional pilot capable of meeting General Aviation industry’s expectations of flying accuracy, work performance levels, knowledge, operational application, and personal qualities. Safe and efficient aircraft operations, under visual flight rules, and passenger and cargo handling are emphasised. Extensive flying and written internal and external examinations will be completed before the flight test. The CPL syllabus is based on a minimum flight time of 47 hours including the CPL aeroplane category flight test. However, the actual time required to achieve competency will vary between students and training locations. Prior to commencing the course, students will undertake an assessment flight. From this assessment a training plan will be tailored to meet the CPL training needs of each student, as determined by their level of competency and prior experience. Adjustments to the standard syllabus will be made to meet the recommended training plan, where required.
CPL COURSE DURATION
The course can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Flight training lessons include general handling and navigation exercises incorporating operations at controlled aerodromes and in controlled airspace, basic and advanced manoeuvres, circuit operations, basic instrument flight and procedures in the event of abnormal situations and emergencies. Human factors and non-technical skills awareness and application are also included. Training is scenario-based to cover real-world situations and enable the graduation of an operationally ready pilot-in-command.
CPL COURSE COST
The cost of the CPL course depends on the aircraft used and each student’s training rate, ability, effort, consistency and progress. Additional costs need to be allowed for to cover a Basic Aeronautical Knowledge course and CASA exams (CPL), purchasing textbooks and equipment (headset) if required, maintaining an ASIC (security ID card), maintaining an aviation medical and logbook.
OUR FLIGHT SCHOOL
Training is conducted at Albury Aerodrome NSW in a purpose-built flight training school collocated with Oberon Aviation. The school consists of a fleet of capable training aircraft and the region’s only state-of-the-art Redbird full motion flight simulator.
I had originally started at a different school and transferred to Flight Training Centre part way through.
Flight Training Centre has since stood out to me for having excellent training focused on safety and student success, with experienced instructors who are friendly and thorough.
Jeremy W
