Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
This page provides you with a detailed breakdown of the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Course. For general information about learning to fly with Airborne Aviation visit our Learn To Fly section.
A Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is essential if you wish to obtain work as a pilot in commercial operations.
Career opportunities for a Commercial Pilot Licence holder can include:
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The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) has three main components:
- Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Course
- CPL Flight Training and Experience
- CPL Theory Examinations
Flight Training and Experience Requirements
Aeronautical experience requirements for the issue of an Commercial Pilot Licence for a student undertaking an integrated course are detailed in Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR) 5.111. The requirements are as follows:
150 hours total flight time, which includes:
- 70 hours total as pilot-in-command (PIC)
- 20 hours cross-country PIC
- 10 hours instrument flight (5 hours may be in a simulator)
The Private Pilot Licence component of this course will contribute approximately 60 hours total time, 10 hours PIC,
5 hours cross-country PIC and 2.5 hours instrument time towards your CPL requirements.
In addition to flying training for the Private Pilot Licence additional training is undertaken to ensure operations meet or exceed the commercial standard specified in the Day VFR Syllabus. This syllabus incorporates the Australian National Competency Standards for Commercial Pilots.
Commercial flying training will have you demonstrate:
- High standards of knowledge and the practical application of that knowledge
- Accurate and expeditious flight planning
- Safe and accurate operation of the aircraft
- Operational decision making
- Sound navigation techniques - visual and navaid based, diversions
- Operation in both complex airspace and to/from remote aerodromes
The skills and experience gained during your training and command building time will put you in a good position to provide your services to an employer as a professional pilot.
In order to gain the required 70 hours of PIC time you can explore the countryside with friends and family. Many students will offer acquaintances flights on a cost-sharing basis, meaning you can legally split the costs equally between you and passengers - saving you up to 75% on your flying hours in a 4 seater.
In addition to the in-flight experience requirements you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age to be issued a CPL
- Pass a Class 1 medical examination - refer to the CASA web site
- Be part of an integrated CPL course, otherwise minimum requirements are 200 hours with 100 hours PIC.
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Exam Structure
The examinations comprise seven separate examinations for aeroplanes:
- CPL Navigation (CNAV)
- CPL Meteorology (CMET)
- CPL Human Factors (CHUF)
- CPL Flight Rules & Air Law (CLWA)
- CPL Aerodynamics (CADA)
- CPL Aircraft General Knowledge (CSYA)
- CPL Operation, Performance & Flight Planning (CFPA)
These examinations are based on the Day (VFR) Syllabus Aeroplanes provided by CASA.
The pass mark for each CPL examination is 70%, except for Flight Rules & Air Law where the pass mark is 80%.
All examinations must be passed within a 3-year period, from the date of the first attempt, successful or otherwise, for a candidate to be awarded an CPL theory pass.
Examinations are booked through and delivered by Assessment Services Pty Ltd.
Airborne Aviation does not typically run scheduled CPL theory classes. Most students prefer to self-study at home at their own pace, or in our facilities able to liaise available instructors as required. A number of organisations provide regular scheduled part/full time theory courses for the commercial pilot licence and we can provide recommendations when required.
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Course Estimate
Below is an estimate based on list pricing current at 28th October 2011.
Courses typically run on a one-to-one basis and are designed to fit in to both your schedule and budget constraints.
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To maximise your employment opportunities as a newly qualified commercial pilot the following courses are recommended:
Why Airborne Aviation?
Selecting a flying training organisation is an important step when making the decision to learn to fly or when upgrading your qualifications.
Visit our Why Airborne page to see what differentiates us from the competition.
Questions?
Most commonly asked questions can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions page.
If you have any questions or would like to get started please do not hesitate to contact us.
