FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FACILITY ENQUIRIES, ACCOMODATION AND Enrolment
Non-award
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When we receive confirmation of your intent to enroll, you will be asked to submit an enrolment form. Our HoO will then reach out to you and discuss a tailored training plan, ensuring that our course is the right fit for you.
Once a training plan is in place, we may schedule your initial lesson, which will typically consist of 2-3 briefings prior to your first flight.
After your initial lesson, our management team will discuss a payment plan suited to you. This typically involves one of the following:
- Upfront payment – Total course fee paid up front, which will cover the minimum hour requirements and theory components for your enrolled course.
- Reoccurring deposits – A lump sum will be deposited to your training account, all flight lessons/briefings and purchases will be deducted from this account.
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Between both locations, we operate the following aircraft:
SEA
Cessna 172SP
Cessna 172N
Cessna 172M
Diamond 40
MEA
Diamond 62
Piper Commanche
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Each student has a unique training journey and unfortunately, we can only provide a course cost minimum. Course fees will vary pending aircraft type, training schedule and intended training outcome etc.
For a course cost estimate, please complete the enquiry form below!
Commercial Pilot License
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All enrolled students have access to White Star Aviation student accommodation.
We offer student accommodation at White Star Aviation Armidale – Please see Student Accommodation for more information.
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In June 2023, we officially opened our newest training facility at Armidale Regional Airport, NSW. Armidale is a regional training hub, it has become renowned for the lifestyle, community, training opportunities and resources within the area.
Both locations are fully operational with the ability to deliver non-award and Diploma courses whilst boasting dedicated simulator and exams spaces, accommodating kitchen, dining and lounge areas and immersive study rooms.
We take pride in delivering an immersive training experience, brought to you from the Ballina/Byron Gateway and Armidale Regional Airports.
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All pilots must acquire a medical certificate or declaration and ASIC.
As a student pilot looking to start their journey under a non-award RPL, PPL or CPL course, there are no prerequisites. However, a willingness to learn, apply dedication and a passion for aviation is a must!
If you wish to apply for AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation – Commercial Pilots License, the following prerequisites are required:
- Australian Year 12 Certification
- Application
- ADAPT Screening
- Interview
- SIM Check
- CASA Class 1 Medical
- ASIC
Applications for AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation – Instrument Rating must have completed their CPL prior to applying for this Diploma and hold a current:
- CASA issued Commercial Pilots License
- Class 1 Medical
- ASIC
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Unfortunately, there are no scholarship/funding options for the non-award courses.
We do have various funding options for AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation – commercial pilot license and AVI50519 Diploma of Aviaton – instrument rating. Please enquire below for more details.
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Please refer to the CASA website where you can learn about the requirements to achieve your desired license.
More info here.
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RPL – Recreational License; Flying for Fun (<25nm of departing aerodrome)
PPL – Private License; Flying for fun and/or for private operations without personal or financial gain. (>25nm of departing aerodrome)
CPL – Commercial License; Flying for fun, private operations and most importantly Commercial operations – more specifically General Aviation ops within a single engine aircraft.
*Please note that finding the right license for you requires research and discussion with your training providers.
Additional Training may include:
MEIR – (Multi-Engine and Instrument Rating) Endorsed to operate ME aeroplane under instrument flight rules.
ATPL – Airline transport Pilot License; required to work under airline operations.
Type Rating; required to operate specific types of aircraft (these are additional ratings on your license.)
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Between both locations, we operate the following aircraft:
SEA
Cessna 172SP
Cessna 172N
Cessna 172M
Diamond 40
MEA
Diamond 62
Piper Commanche
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White Star Aviation does not offer recognition of prior learning at this time. Don’t hesitate to enquire if you have questions surrounding this.
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We refer to the Non-award Commercial Pilot License as our “standard” course. This course, along with our non-award courses (RPC, RPL & PPL) are self-funded and allow students to customise their training experience. In comparison, the Diploma of Aviation – Commercial Pilot License (AVI50222) is undertaken with additional study requirements to achieve a diploma certification. The standard CPL and the Diploma alike, follow the same training syllabus and competencies.
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Absolutely not. If you have not completed Year 12 as an Australian citizen or have completed Year 12 internationally, you may refer to the below:
- Australian Year 12 Certificate of Education; or
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB); or
- successful completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework certificate IV or higher qualification, or
- Completion of the bksb English and Math assessments, achieving an Exit Level 3
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Cadetship applications are accepted upon completion of unit 1 and 2 of the Commercial Pilots License (including AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation – Commercial Pilots License.)
White Star Aviation will request expression of interest as you near the completion of these units.
Candidates are then selected for Torres Strait Air and HM Air.
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We currently have 4 Torres Strait Air Cadet positions and 2 HM Air Cadet positions available.
If your Cadet application is unsuccessful, there is no need to fear. Your enrolment under the Commercial Pilots License (inclusive of AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation – Commercial Pilot License enrolments) will remain.
Our Cadet program is one of many pathways White Star Aviation can offer to boost your commercial career.
Employment upon completion of training is our highest priority, and the training conducted under our syllabus will ensure you have the ideal experience to be a promising candidate for employers.
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Yes, under most degree programs you are able to complete your training with White Star Aviation, you will then receive credit for your studies with us. Please seek further information from your university on the terms surrounding this.
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Believe it or not. A CPL will not authorise you to fly a commercial airliner.
A Commercial Pilots License will allow you to operate under commercial flight operations for the purpose of employment.
Commercial Pilots typically begin their career in charter, cargo or scenic flight operations before advancing into multi-engine aircraft. Your initial employment will allow you to gain essential logbook hours and experience to assist in the advancement of your pilot career.
In order to obtain an Airline Transport Pilots License (ATPL) there is additional training involved along with a minimum hour requirement. White Star Aviation does not offer ATPL training.
Renewal, proficiency or upgrade
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Flight Instructor Ratings are conducted on a reoccurring basis – pending the demand for training.
At this time, we do not have any upcoming FIR courses. If you wish to be notified of any upcoming deliveries, please complete the enquiry form below!
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Absolutely! Before we can conduct an IPC, the following must apply:
- Participant has flown and/or conducted a sim session in the last 4 years.
- Participant holds current logbook.
- Participant has operated this aircraft or similar model in the past 4 years.
An IPC will typically involve 1-2 simulator sessions, a general brief on legislation amendments and a dual IPC flight. The required training will vary largely on your recency and will be determined by our CFI upon enquiry.
The cost of your IPC will also be variable upon the above factors.
Please contact Chantelle on 1300 435 997 as our ability to conduct an IPC is based on aircraft and examiner availability.
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RAAus to CASA – Yes! At White Star Aviation we can help Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) holders convert their license to a CASA RPL. If you wish to find out more, please contact us via the Enquiry Link below!
International License to CASA License – In order to convert your international License to a CASA issued License you must first complete the initial steps found here.
At this time, White Star Aviation does not offer International License Conversions, however if you wish to convert your license, please let us know and we can connect you with the right person!