Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot Training)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

RMIT University

Program Overview

If you dream of turning your passion for flying into a serious career, the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot Training) at RMIT invites you to learn both the art and science of aviation — from navigating aircraft to understanding how the global aviation industry works. It’s a perfect fit for anyone who wants not only to earn their commercial pilot licence, but also to build strong skills in leadership, teamwork, safety, and industry-wide thinking that prepare you for a full aviation career.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you dive into the fundamentals: courses such as Introduction to Aircraft, Introduction to Aviation, and Human Factors in Aviation help you understand what makes an aircraft fly and what it means to be part of the aviation environment. As you begin your recreational-pilot licence (RPL) training, you’ll also start to learn how human factors like communication, decision-making, and situational awareness shape safe flying. This year blends classroom learning with your first moments in the cockpit, setting the tone for the rest of your journey.

Year 2
The second year shifts gears: while you continue to build on aviation theory — for instance through Aviation Safety and Security Systems and Managing the Air Traffic Environment — you ramp up your actual flying experience. You’ll work towards your private pilot licence (PPL), deepening your understanding of air traffic, safety protocols, navigation, and aviation industry dynamics. This stage builds your confidence in the sky and strengthens your practical decision-making, teamwork, and technical skills.

Year 3
In your final year, theory and practice come together as you focus on advanced training such as the Introduction to Commercial Pilot Licence course, while preparing for your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). You’ll also engage with broader aspects of aviation — from industry operations to management challenges — equipping you to think beyond just flying: to understand how airlines, airfields, regulators, and global networks operate. By the end, you’ll be ready not only to fly professionally, but to step into operational and management roles with a full view of the aviation world.

Focus Areas
Commercial pilot training, aviation safety and operations, air-traffic environment, industry-wide aviation knowledge

Learning Outcomes
Ability to pilot aircraft commercially with CASA licence, apply safety-critical decision-making, collaborate in aviation teams, and understand aviation industry operations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
Because the program blends flight training and theory, you’ll complete the necessary training to earn your Recreational (RPL), Private (PPL), and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), enabling you to fly commercially within Australia — giving you a real, recognised credential to launch a pilot career.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)
With over 3,500 pilots trained and alumni working at major airlines around the world, RMIT’s aviation program enjoys a strong reputation for employability. Its long legacy in aviation education and industry connections make it one of the most trusted pilot-training pipelines in Australia — a launch-pad many airlines respect.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you join the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot Training) at RMIT, you’re signing up for a program that doesn’t just teach you theory — it actually lets you fly, learn how the industry works, and develop the real skills that airlines and aviation employers expect. From the moment you begin, you’ll be working through a combination of rigorous academic courses and authentic flight training, so you build confidence not only in aviation principles but also in real-world decision-making, communication, and leadership. It’s a learning journey that bridges classroom lessons with tangible, career-ready flight competencies.

Here are the real, hands-on and experiential-learning opportunities you will get in this program:

Learn to fly through the RMIT Aviation Academy with training offered at real airfields — either Point Cook Airfield or Bendigo Airfield — giving you access to genuine airspace, varying terrain and navigational contexts.
Build up actual flight hours — since RMIT holds an Air Operator’s Certificate, you graduate with more flight time than the minimum required, which boosts your employability for commercial flying roles.
Qualify for a Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL), Private Pilot Licence (PPL), and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), preparing you to fly professionally within Australia.
Learn industry-relevant theory alongside flight training — gaining a broad understanding of how the global aviation sector works: operations, safety, planning and management.
Develop problem-solving, communication and leadership skills through both solo and team-based tasks designed to reflect real aviation-industry challenges.
Benefit from industry connections and mentoring opportunities, through partnerships like the Qantas Group’s Aviation Career Enrichment program — allowing networking and guidance from experienced aviation professionals.
Gain flexibility in your training location and schedule by choosing the airfield (Point Cook or Bendigo), which can suit your lifestyle or learning preferences.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you go for the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot Training) at RMIT University, you’re setting yourself up for a real chance to take off — not just literally, but in a stable, respected career that many grads from this program step into successfully. In the past, graduates have become commercial pilots with major airlines — but also found roles in operational and management-side aviation jobs. Typical roles include: airline pilot, flight operations officer, airport operations manager, or aviation safety & operations planner.

Here’s what this means for you:

Hands-on flight training + licences — RMIT doesn’t just offer theory: you train at real airfields (Point Cook or Bendigo), earning your Recreational (RPL), Private (PPL) and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), which qualifies you to fly commercially within Australia.
Strong industry connections & mentoring — The program is linked with airlines and industry professionals; students can benefit from mentoring through initiatives like the aviation-career enrichment program with major carriers.
Broad skills beyond flying — Along with technical pilot training, you’ll build leadership, communication, problem-solving and project-management skills, which are valuable if you decide to move into airline operations, airport management, or regulatory/administration roles.
Global alumni and recognition — RMIT has trained thousands of pilots; many are in senior roles at prominent airlines worldwide. That kind of alumni network and recognition helps when applying for jobs or international opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduating, you could pursue an honours track or enter a postgraduate program at RMIT — for example, a Graduate Certificate in Transport Safety Investigation (or related aviation/engineering post-graduate studies). If you discover interests beyond piloting — say aviation safety regulation or aviation management — those paths remain open.