Graduate Diploma in Flying

Program Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Flying at UNSW prepares graduates for a professional pilot career by providing training and assessment for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Instrument Rating (IR). The program includes four Flying Operations courses, intensive flight training, and culminates in flight tests and written examinations. Graduates are equipped with the technical knowledge and skills necessary for successful airplane operation and have a wide range of career opportunities in the aviation industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This Graduate Diploma in Flying is designed specifically for graduates seeking a career as a professional pilot. The program provides the necessary training and assessment for obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Instrument Rating (IR), alongside academic study of the underlying theory via four courses in Flying Operations. Students acquire the technical interdisciplinary knowledge essential for successful airplane operation. All classes and training are held at the Flight Operations Unit at Bankstown Airport, beginning with a Flight Screening course in September. The Graduate Diploma in Flying can be pursued independently or concurrently with the Bachelor of Aviation (Management). Flying training occurs at the UNSW Flying Operations Unit (FOU) at Bankstown Airport. Training aircraft include Diamond DA40s and Piper PA44s, equipped with Garmin 1000 flight display
avigation systems. The FOU also operates a FRASCA flight training device fitted with the G1000 system, a Pacific Simulator PS4.5 FTD for Multi-Crew Coordination training, and an Aerosim flat-panel systems trainer for training on Bombardier DASH-8 Q400 aircraft. Ground and flying instructors are selected, trained, and employed directly by UNSW, ensuring the highest quality of training. Students are expected to be available full-time during flying training. Through this intensive training period, students develop the discipline necessary for a successful piloting career and build lifelong friendships.

Outline:

The Graduate Diploma in Flying coursework comprises four courses in Flying Operations:

AVIG5911 Flying Operations 1

AVIG5912 Flying Operations 2

AVIG5913 Flying Operations 3

AVIG5914 Flying Operations 4

Students pursuing the Graduate Diploma in Flying simultaneously with the Bachelor of Aviation (Management) should refer to the Handbook for details on the program structure. The flying training for the Graduate Diploma in Flying mirrors the syllabus for the BAv (Flying) program up to CPL and CIR ME stages, as it follows the same Operations Manual approved by CASA under CASR Part 141/142.

Assessment:

The Graduate Diploma in Flying program culminates in several flight tests conducted by a CASA Flight Training Examiner (FTE) or a CASA-Approved Testing Officer (ATO), including:

• Recreational Pilot License (RPL)
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane
Written examinations are also required for licensing:
• Pre-Solo Air Legislation
• Pre-Area Solo
• Recreation Pilot License Aeroplane (RPLA)
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL) (Seven Examinations)
• Instrument Rating (IREX)

Teaching:

The Graduate Diploma in Flying is taught by expert educators and industry professionals. Courses are developed and coordinated by specialists with substantial industry experience. Industry facilitators bring a wealth of aviation knowledge to their teaching, while academic staff engage regularly with regulatory authorities, industry bodies, and research collaborators. UNSW Aviation educators have held leadership roles in industry, working in senior management positions for organizations such as Qantas, Airservices Australia, CASA, ATSB, and the Federal Airports Corporation.

Careers:

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Flying have a wide range of career opportunities in the aviation industry, including:

• Pilot
• Flying Instructor
• Cabin Crew Manager
• Fleet Planner
• Flight Crew Scheduler
• Airfreight Manager
• Airport Planner
• Aviation Safety Manager