About Darling Downs Aero Club

The Darling Downs Aero Club has provided professional pilot training since 1946, training thousands of recreational and commercial pilots. The Club has built a reputation based on vision, leadership, commitment, empathy, teamwork and flexibility, giving the leading edge in the competitive job market by focussing on you and your individual needs. Our mission is to provide the highest quality aviation training available. All flight training is logged in aircraft, as opposed to the use of flight simulators. We believe a hands on approach provides the best testing ground for pilots of the future. [ More... ]

Career Training: Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL)

Turn your dreams into reality…

If you are looking for a new and exciting career as a professional pilot, the Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL) is the basis for your career in aviation. A Commercial Pilot's Licence will allow you to operate an aircraft commercially, enabling you to seek employment in various fields of general aviation, or even a Flight Instructor. Darling Downs Aero Club Instructors are highly qualified with substantial relevant industry experience that ensures integrity in all our courses. The Club gives you the leading edge in the competitive job market by focussing on you and your individual needs. We will assist you to work out a personal goal orientated program that maximises your flying aspirations and gives you the skills needed to achieve your goals.

When learning to fly, everyone has to begin at the same point. First you will apply for yourStudent Pilot's Licence. As a student pilot, your first goal is to complete your General Flying Progress Test (GFPT), then gain your Private Pilot's Licence (PPL). This training will prepare you to commence your Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL), consolidating and building upon the knowledge and skills already obtained at Private Pilot's Licence level. Our professional flight instructors will ensure you are well prepared for any aviation role offered to you as a Commercial Pilot. Career opportunities include charter, freight, surveying, air ambulance, joy flights, and scenic flights, mission or station pilot, fisheries, coast watch, corporate pilot, commuter airlines and more. A multi-engine command instrument rating may be required for some career paths.

You can start your training on any day of the year, and you can train full time or at your own pace. It's your choice.

Requirements to complete Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL)

Completion of General Flying Progress Test (GFPT) and Private Pilot's Licence (PPL)
Must be at least 18 years old at the time the licence is issued
Be able to speak, read, write and understand the English language
Pass a Class 1 Medical
Pass a CPL Theory Exam
Pass in the CPL Flight Test
Must have a minimum of 150 hours of flying training experience that includes 70 in command, 20 of navigation as pilot in command and 10 of instrument flying

Training Structure

Flight Training

Your flight instruction will be consolidating, and building upon the knowledge and skills acquired at PPL level. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has strict requirements for competency and minimum number of flight time hours required for all stages of flight training. CASA require a minimum number of 150 hours of total flight time before a Commercial Pilot's Licence can be issued. If you have held a private fixed wing licence for a period of time, then the requirements are different. Please contact the Darling Downs Aero Club for more details.

Theory

Qualified Instructors with substantial industry experience deliver theory lessons that build upon the knowledge gained at PPL level to ensure you are prepared for any aviation role offered to you as a Commercial Pilot. You will learn about:

Principles of flight
Engines, systems and instrumentation
Meteorology
Navigation and flight planning
Aeroplane performance and operation
Air Law

These enjoyable and thorugh lectures will also prepare you for a multi-choice examination you must pass to obtain your Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL).

Aircraft

Piper Tomahawk

The Piper Tomahawk has a proven track record in the field of basic training and is utilised to gain your GFPT Licence. It has a side by side seating configuration with dual controls, and has well proven reliability.

Piper Warrior

The Warrior PA-28 is an ideal and popular touring aircraft for the longer cross-country navigational exercises utilised to gain your PPL. It is comfortable, stable in flight, and has good visibility while turning.

Cessna 172

Alternatively, Cessna 172 can be used to complete your navigational exercises to gain your PPL. It is comfortable, stable in flight, and has good visibility while turning.

Cessna 182RG

The Cessna 182RG will allow you to experience variable pitch propellers and constant speed units. The Cessna 182RG is an excellent choice to complete your Commercial Pilot's Licence. Use of the 182RG requires a Constant Speed Endorsment & Retractable Undercarriage Endorsment.

Where Next...

As with all Darling Downs Aero Club Training Programs, you will have been trained to the highest possible standards in regard to safety, skill and attitude. Your Commercial Pilot's Licence is internationally recognised, and has prepared you for any aviation position offered to you in general aviation. As your hours, confidence and experience continue to build, you will become more proficient in your flying, and be prepared to progress to the next stage of your career, such as a position with the regional airlines, and eventually, a position with an International Airline.

If you choose to obtain your Instructor Rating you are able to teach others the magic and wonder of flight, and at the same time continue to build your hours and experience. Your Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL) allows you to operate within the limitation of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) but you may now consider completing Special Flight Training such as Command Instrument Rating, or a Night VFR Rating to enhance your aviation employment prospects and increase your skills as a Commercial Pilot.

Whatever you choose, Darling Downs Aero Club will maximise your flying aspirations and give you the skills required to turn your dreams into reality.