Bachelor of Aviation (Flying)

Launch your flying career at one of the top 50 universities in the world.^* The Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) will prepare you for a career either as a pilot or as a manager in the aviation industry.

In addition to completing the flying licences and ratings required to become a professional pilot, you’ll also receive a solid academic and theoretical grounding in aviation management and safety. The integration of academic content with flying theory and practical training will give you a competitive edge as you’ll graduate with a broader understanding of the aviation industry. In turn, you’ll be better prepared to take on more senior leadership roles.

Our graduates have a high employment rate in Australia and internationally. This is the result of our reputation in the industry, our industry partnerships and our global alumni network.

^{*QS World University Rankings 2021}

• Taught across two campuses
  You’ll spend half of the program at UNSW’s Kensington Campus where you’ll complete academic courses. The other half of the program, incorporating flying theory and flight training, is delivered at UNSW’s Flying Operations Unit (FOU), located at Bankstown Airport.

• Professional pilot program
  The Professional Pilot Program provides the flight training required to obtain your flying licences and ratings. The program includes up to 200 hours of flight training and approximately 30 hours of simulator training.

• Flying Operations Unit (FOU)
  The UNSW Flying Operations Unit is based at Bankstown Airport, and operates Diamond DA40 and Piper PA44 training aeroplanes, fitted with the Garmin 1000 flight display/navigation systems. The FOU also operates a FRASCA flight training device fitted with the G1000 system, as well as 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 aeroplanes. Our ground and flying instructors are all selected, trained and employed by UNSW to ensure that our training is of the highest quality. You’ll be expected to make yourself available on a full-time basis during flying training. Through this intense period of training, you’ll develop the necessary discipline to be successful in your career as a pilot and form life-long friendships.

Join the School of Aviation
UNSW Aviation operates as a school within the Faculty of Science. UNSW is the highest ranked global university with a stand-alone aviation school that offers aviation degrees, operates flight training under its own Air Operator’s Certificate and undertakes research. The School of Aviation has been a leading educator in the industry for over 25 years.

Learn from expert educators
Our courses are written and coordinated by experts with substantial industry experience. Our industry facilitators bring a wealth of aviation experience to their teaching, while our academic staff regularly engage with regulatory authorities, industry bodies and research collaborators. UNSW Aviation educators have come directly from leadership roles in industry, having held senior management positions within organisations such as Qantas, Airservices Australia, CASA, ATSB and the Federal Airports Corporation. 

Standards
UNSW holds an Air Operators Certificate for training issued under CASR Parts 141/142. Safety and quality of training are of first priority. All flying is managed by the University’s Head of Operations and in accordance with a precise syllabus approved by CASA. The Professional Pilot Program includes ongoing monitoring of students and instructors proficiency, with student progression being dependent on the attainment of specific achievement levels at the end of each phase.  

Gain industry connections through the Pilot Mentor Program
You’ll be assigned an airline pilot as your mentor in your final year, courtesy of the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA). The objective of this program is to provide you with career guidance and consultation about specific airline operations.

Kickstart your career with the Qantas Future Pilot Program
Our pilot recruitment program gives you the opportunity to be mentored by experienced QantasLink pilots. If successful through the selection process, you could transition to a job at QantasLink straight after graduation. New pilots are usually only considered for employment with a commercial airline after spending time flying in the general aviation market, which is most often gained by flying single-pilot charter aircraft or by seeking employment outside of Australia. This program provides a pathway to QantasLink that requires less than the minimum hours required for direct entry as a first officer. Please note the Qantas Future Pilot Program is only available for students to apply who have Australian citizenship (or New Zealand citizens with special long-term residency in Australia).