Becoming an airline pilot does not have to begin after university or even after high school.
For students who already know that aviation is their preferred career, one of the fastest pathways is to begin flight training while completing secondary school. By working progressively towards a Recreational Pilot Licence and Private Pilot Licence before finishing Year 12, students can enter full-time commercial pilot training with a significant head start.
Under the right training plan, a motivated student could:
- Begin flight training at 15
- Obtain a Recreational Pilot Licence at 16
- Obtain a Private Pilot Licence at 17
- Complete Year 12 and VCE
- Enter a AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane)
- Obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence at approximately 18
- Complete a Flight Instructor Rating before turning 19
- Begin working, teaching and building flying experience
- Prepare for airline applications over the following two to three years
This is not a guaranteed schedule. Progress depends on competency, weather, aircraft availability, medical eligibility, theory examinations and individual circumstances. However, starting early and training consistently can significantly reduce the time between finishing school and beginning a professional flying career.
The Fast-Track Airline Pilot Pathway
AGE 15 – Begin RPL training while attending high school
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AGE 16 – Complete the RPL flight test
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AGE 16–17 – Continue into PPL training
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AGE 17 – Complete the PPL flight test
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AGE 17–18 – Complete VCE and Year 12
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AGE 18 – Enter the AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation
Apply for Recognition of Prior Learning
Complete CPL theory and flight training
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APPROX. AGE 18–19 – Obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence
Complete Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)
Complete a Flight Instructor Rating
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AGE 19+ – Work as a flight instructor and build experience
Study ATPL theory and complete additional ratings
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APPROX. AGE 21+
Apply for suitable airline and commercial pilot opportunities
CASA requires pilots to be at least 16 to obtain an RPL, 17 to obtain a PPL and 18 to obtain a CPL. A pilot must be at least 21 to obtain an ATPL, although airline recruitment opportunities may arise before the pilot is eligible to hold the full licence.
Airline Pilot Training Timeline
| Approximate age | Training stage | Main objective |
| 15 | Begin flight training | Develop basic aircraft handling and prepare for solo flying |
| 16 | Recreational Pilot Licence | Pass the RPL flight test |
| 16 – 17 | Private Pilot Licence training | Complete navigation, controlled-airspace and advanced private pilot training |
| 17 | Private Pilot Licence | Pass the PPL flight test |
| 17 – 18 | Complete Year 12 | Focus on VCE while maintaining flying proficiency |
| 18 | Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) training | Apply for credit and complete commercial pilot training |
| 18 – 19 | Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) | Obtain multi-engine and instrument flying qualifications |
| Around 19 | Flight Instructor Rating | Qualify to provide flight training |
| 19 – 21 | Flight instructor employment | Build hours, experience and professional competencies |
| 21+ | Airline pathway | Apply for suitable airline roles and continue towards a full ATPL |
Step 1: Start Flight Training at 15
Students do not need to wait until they finish high school to begin learning to fly.
Starting at 15 gives a student time to develop foundational flying skills before becoming eligible for their first pilot licence. CASA requires a student to be over 15 before flying solo and at least 16 before obtaining an RPL.
The first stage of training normally includes:
- Aircraft familiarisation
- Basic aircraft handling
- Straight and level flight
- Climbing and descending
- Turning
- Take-offs and landings
- Circuit training
- Emergency procedures
- First solo preparation
- RPL theory and examination preparation
For a secondary-school student, one or two lessons per week can provide steady progress without placing excessive pressure on school commitments.
Consistency is important. Long gaps between lessons may result in additional revision, while regular training helps students retain procedures and continue building confidence.
The objective is to have the student trained and prepared for the RPL flight test when they become eligible at 16.
Step 2: Obtain an RPL at 16
The Recreational Pilot Licence is the first Australian pilot licence available to most young pilots.
An RPL allows the holder to act as pilot in command of eligible light, single-engine aircraft under specified conditions. The licence initially has operational limitations, but these can be expanded through additional training and endorsements.
Obtaining an RPL at 16 gives a student several advantages:
- Their training is spread across the high-school years
- They gain confidence before beginning more advanced navigation training
- They can progress into PPL training and avoid completing all their initial flight training after Year 12
At this stage, the student should continue treating school as the priority. Flying once or twice per week can allow aviation training and secondary education to progress in parallel.
Step 3: Progress from RPL to PPL
After obtaining the RPL, the next objective is the Private Pilot Licence.
PPL training introduces broader operational skills and prepares students to conduct longer flights. Training generally develops competencies in areas such as:
- Cross-country navigation
- Flight planning
- Controlled-airspace procedures
- Radio navigation
- Diversion procedures
- Basic instrument flying
- Passenger management
- More advanced decision-making
- Operations at different aerodromes
A PPL provides significantly broader privileges than an initial RPL. CASA states that a PPL holder can fly throughout Australia, subject to holding the appropriate ratings, endorsements and aircraft qualifications. A person must be at least 17 to obtain a PPL.
The ideal target is to complete the required training and be prepared for the PPL flight test at or shortly after turning 17.
Step 4: Complete Year 12 and VCE
After obtaining the PPL, students should place greater focus on completing Year 12 and preparing for their VCE examinations.
At this point, the student has already achieved something many aspiring professional pilots do not begin until after high school. They hold a pilot licence, have completed navigation training and have developed practical aviation experience.
During the final year of school, the student can reduce the intensity of flight training while maintaining reasonable continuity. This may involve:
- Occasional proficiency flights
- Maintaining required flight review and recency standards
- Continuing aviation theory study
- Improving aviation English
- Researching commercial pilot training
- Preparing medical and security documentation
- Planning for full-time training after Year 12
This approach prevents major flight training from competing with final school examinations while keeping the student connected to aviation.
Step 5: Enter the AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) After Year 12
Once the student has completed Year 12 and meets the applicable entry requirements, they can apply for the AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane).
This nationally recognised qualification is designed to develop the knowledge and practical competencies required for commercial aeroplane operations. It forms part of the pathway towards obtaining a CASA Commercial Pilot Licence.
Learn To Fly Melbourne delivers the AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation through its integrated CASA Part 142 training program at Moorabbin Airport. Students completing the full program progress through RPL, PPL and CPL training and may become eligible to receive both the Diploma qualification and Commercial Pilot Licence.
However, a student entering the program with an existing PPL has already completed a substantial amount of relevant training.
Step 6: Apply for Recognition of Prior Learning
A PPL holder may apply for a Recognition of Prior Learning or credit assessment when entering the Diploma program.
This is especially important because the abbreviation “RPL” can refer to two different things:
- RPL: Recreational Pilot Licence
- Recognition of Prior Learning: An assessment of training and competencies already completed. Recognition of Prior Learning is not automatic. The flight school and RTO must review factors such as:
- The student’s current pilot licence
- Training records
- Logbook experience
- Previously completed theory
- Recency
- Current knowledge and flying competency
- Alignment between previous training and the approved course syllabus
- Applicable CASA and vocational education requirements
CASA allows approved flight training operators to assess previous training and determine what additional knowledge, experience and competencies a student must complete. Operators providing integrated training may decide whether and how credit can be applied within their approved course.
Where credit is approved, the student may be able to enter the diploma program at the appropriate stage of the CPL syllabus rather than repeating every RPL and PPL lesson from the beginning.
This can substantially shorten the student’s remaining training period.
Step 7: Complete the Commercial Pilot Licence
A Commercial Pilot Licence allows a pilot to conduct commercial flight operations within the privileges and limitations of their licence, ratings and endorsements.
To obtain a CPL, a student must:
- Be at least 18
- Meet aviation English requirements
- Complete the required CPL theory examinations
- Complete training with an approved Part 141 or Part 142 operator
- Meet the applicable aeronautical experience requirements
- Receive a flight-test recommendation
- Pass the CPL flight test
- Meet the applicable aviation medical requirements
For a PPL holder who receives appropriate credit within the Diploma program, the remaining CPL component may potentially be completed in approximately six months.
However, the actual duration will depend heavily on:
- How quickly the student completes the CASA CPL examinations
- The amount of credit approved
- Flying competency
- Training frequency
- Weather disruptions
- Aircraft and instructor availability
- Flight-test availability
- Whether any lessons need to be repeated
Students who want the fastest possible result should prepare for full-time training and begin their CPL theory study early.
Step 8: Complete the AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)
After obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence, the next recommended stage is the AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating).
Commercial pilot training is generally completed in a single-engine aircraft under visual flight conditions. However, most professional airline operations involve multi-engine aircraft operating under the Instrument Flight Rules.
The AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation provides the next level of professional pilot training by combining multi-engine aircraft training with instrument flight training.
At Learn To Fly Melbourne, the course is designed to allow successful students to obtain:
- An AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)
- A Multi-Engine Aeroplane Class Rating
- A Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating
- Multi-engine aircraft operating experience
- Instrument flight experience in aircraft and an approved flight simulator
The national AVI50519 qualification forms part of the requirements associated with obtaining an instrument rating under CASA Part 61. Its units cover areas including IFR flight planning, instrument navigation, instrument approaches, threat and error management and multi-engine aircraft operations.
Why Is a Multi-Engine Class Rating Important?
Most students complete their initial RPL, PPL and CPL training in single-engine aircraft.
A Multi-Engine Class Rating allows a pilot to operate eligible multi-engine aeroplanes. To obtain the rating, the pilot must complete approved training and pass a flight test with an authorised flight examiner.
Multi-engine training introduces important new skills, including:
- Operating and monitoring two engines
- Managing more complex aircraft systems
- Understanding multi-engine aircraft performance
- Responding to an engine failure
- Controlling the aircraft during asymmetric flight
- Managing higher speeds and increased workloads
- Making safe decisions during abnormal and emergency situations
This experience is particularly valuable for pilots preparing for charter, corporate, regional airline and airline operations.
Why Is an Instrument Rating Important?
An Instrument Rating allows a suitably qualified pilot to operate under the Instrument Flight Rules rather than relying entirely on external visual references.
Instrument-trained pilots learn to control and navigate an aircraft by reference to its flight instruments and avionics. Their training includes departures, en-route navigation, arrivals and instrument approaches.
To obtain an instrument rating, a pilot must hold an appropriate pilot licence, pass the Instrument Rating Examination, complete the required flight training, meet the applicable experience requirements and pass a flight test.
Instrument training develops skills in areas such as:
- Aircraft control by reference to instruments
- Instrument departure procedures
- En-route IFR navigation
- Navigation-aid tracking
- Standard instrument arrivals
- 2D and 3D instrument approaches
- Missed-approach procedures
- Holding procedures
- Instrument flight planning
- Abnormal and emergency procedures
- Single-pilot workload management
These competencies are highly relevant to airline flying, where pilots routinely operate sophisticated aircraft under IFR.
What Is a Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating?
A Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating, commonly referred to as a MECIR, allows a pilot to act as pilot in command of an appropriately rated multi-engine aircraft under the Instrument Flight Rules, subject to meeting all applicable rating, endorsement, recency and proficiency requirements.
This combines two major professional qualifications:
- The ability to operate eligible multi-engine aircraft
- The ability to conduct flights under IFR
Learn To Fly Melbourne’s AVI50519 course begins with Multi-Engine Class Rating training before progressing into instrument training in an ALSIM AL42 flight simulator and practical training in single-engine and multi-engine aircraft. Successful students can obtain the Multi-Engine Class Rating, Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating and Diploma qualification.
How Long Does the AVI50519 Diploma Take?
Learn To Fly Melbourne’s full-time AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation is scheduled over approximately 17 weeks, with training milestones subject to weather, student progress and flight-test availability. Applicants must already hold a Commercial Pilot Licence before commencing the course.
The program includes a combination of:
- Instrument theory
- IREX preparation
- Flight-simulator training
- Single-engine instrument training
- Multi-engine aircraft training
- Multi-engine instrument training
- Navigation exercises
- Flight-test preparation
Eligible domestic students may also be able to apply for a VET Student Loan for the AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation. Learn To Fly Melbourne is an approved VSL provider for both the AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) and the AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating).
Why Complete the Instrument Diploma Before the Flight Instructor Rating?
Completing the AVI50519 Diploma before beginning Flight Instructor Rating training allows the student to continue developing as a professional pilot immediately after obtaining their CPL.
By this stage, the student will have progressed from basic single-engine visual flying into more advanced multi-engine and instrument operations.
This can help the student:
- Develop stronger aircraft-management skills
- Improve instrument interpretation and scan techniques
- Build confidence in complex aircraft
- Strengthen navigation and flight-planning knowledge
- Improve workload and threat-management skills
- Gain qualifications relevant to professional aviation
- Become a more knowledgeable future flight instructor
- Prepare more effectively for later airline training
After approximately three months of full-time instrument training, the student can progress into the Flight Instructor Rating with a broader range of knowledge and flying experience.
Step 9: Complete a Flight Instructor Rating
After completing the CPL and AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation, one of the most practical ways to begin working as a pilot is to complete a Flight Instructor Rating.
A Flight Instructor Rating teaches a commercial pilot how to deliver safe and effective flight training. Students learn how to:
- Prepare and deliver long briefings
- Conduct pre-flight briefings
- Demonstrate flying exercises
- Identify and correct student errors
- Plan structured flight lessons
- Apply principles and methods of instruction
- Manage safety during instructional flights
- Conduct post-flight debriefings
- Adapt instruction to different learning styles
CASA requires applicants to complete the relevant theory, aeronautical experience, flight training and flight test requirements. Pilots completing an integrated aeroplane CPL course and passing the CPL flight test may be exempt from the usual pre-course requirement of 200 total hours and 100 pilot-in-command hours.
Learn To Fly Melbourne’s full-time Flight Instructor Rating training can be completed in approximately 12 weeks, subject to student progress and operational conditions.
Under an efficient pathway, a student could potentially complete the CPL and Flight Instructor Rating before turning 19.
Step 10: Work as a Flight Instructor and Build Experience
A newly qualified commercial pilot may not yet have the experience required for their preferred airline role.
Working as a flight instructor can provide an opportunity to:
- Earn an income from flying
- Build total flight time
- Develop pilot-in-command experience
- Improve communication and leadership
- Strengthen theoretical knowledge
- Gain experience in controlled airspace
- Manage different aircraft and operational situations
- Develop professional decision-making
- Learn from senior instructors and examiners
- Build an employment record within aviation
Teaching also requires instructors to explain flying concepts clearly and consistently. This often improves their own technical knowledge and reinforces disciplined operating habits.
Flight instructor employment is not guaranteed simply because a pilot has completed the rating. Recruitment will depend on vacancies, performance, professionalism, training results and the requirements of individual flight schools.
Step 11: Prepare for Airline Applications
Over the next two to three years, the pilot can continue building experience while preparing for airline recruitment.
This stage may include:
- Completing ATPL theory examinations
- Completing Multi-Crew Cooperation training
- Maintaining a Class 1 medical
- Developing instrument proficiency
- Preparing for aptitude and psychometric testing
- Practising technical interviews
- Preparing for simulator assessments
- Building strong professional references
An approved Multi-Crew Cooperation training is required for pilots who want to participate in multi-crew operations unless another recognised pathway applies.
CASA requires a person to be at least 21 to obtain an ATPL. The full licence also requires a CPL or MPL, ATPL theory examinations, appropriate experience, approved multi-crew training and other regulatory requirements.
However, pilots do not necessarily need to hold a full ATPL before applying for every airline position. Some entry-level, regional and cadet opportunities may accept candidates holding a CPL, ATPL theory credits and the required ratings and experience.
Every airline sets its own recruitment criteria. Meeting the legal minimum does not guarantee selection.
Why Starting During High School Can Save Time
A student who waits until after Year 12 to begin flying must complete their entire RPL, PPL, CPL and employment preparation after leaving school.
A student who begins at 15 could finish Year 12 already holding a PPL.
That means the first two major stages of pilot training have been completed during a period when the student would otherwise have been waiting to begin their professional qualification.
The time advantage can be significant:
Conventional pathway
Finish Year 12
→ Begin learning to fly or Study a 3 year Bachelor of Aviation
→ Complete RPL
→ Complete PPL
→ Complete CPL at the age of 21 – 22
→ Complete Flight Instructor Rating at the age of 21 – 23
→ Begin building professional experience
Early-start pathway
Complete RPL and PPL during high school
→ Finish Year 12
→ Enter the Diploma of Aviation at the CPL stage, subject to assessment
→ Complete CPL
→ Complete Flight Instructor Rating
→ Begin building professional experience
Starting early does not remove any competency or regulatory requirements. It simply allows the student to complete the early stages while still attending school.
How Parents Can Support a Young Student Pilot
Parents play an important role in helping young students balance aviation training with school.
A practical plan should include:
- A realistic weekly flying schedule
- Sufficient time for schoolwork and examinations
- A budget for each training stage
- Allowance for weather cancellations
- Early medical assessment
- Regular progress reviews with the flight instructor
- Clear career and training milestones
- Flexibility if the student needs additional training
It is also advisable to arrange an aviation medical assessment early. Discovering a significant medical issue after completing extensive training could affect the student’s future commercial flying options.
Choosing the Right Flight School
The fastest pathway is not necessarily the school promising the lowest number of hours or the shortest advertised duration.
A suitable flight school should provide:
- Structured training syllabuses
- Reliable aircraft availability
- Access to qualified instructors
- Regular progress monitoring
- Clear training records
- Theory support
- Controlled-airspace experience
- Full-time commercial training options
- Instructor-rating training
- Instrument and multi-engine pathways
- Career preparation support
Learn To Fly Melbourne is based at Moorabbin Airport, one of Australia’s busiest general aviation airports. Students gain experience operating in controlled airspace and around a high volume of training and commercial traffic.
The school offers training from beginner level through to:
- Recreational Pilot Licence
- Private Pilot Licence
- AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane)
- Flight Instructor Rating
- Multi-engine training
- Instrument rating training
- Multi-Crew Cooperation training
- Airline interview preparation
This allows students to follow a connected pathway from their first flight through to professional career preparation.
What Good Airline Pilot Training Schools Do Differently
Strong schools create structure without hiding reality. They explain that training is rewarding, but they also explain that students will face plateaus. Landing consistency may take time. Radio work may feel stressful at first. Theory subjects may require repeated practice. Good schools normalise these challenges while still maintaining high standards.
They also track progress carefully. Lesson records, debrief notes and instructor feedback help students see patterns. For example, if a student repeatedly struggles with airspeed control on final approach, the solution is not just “fly more”. The instructor should identify whether the issue is trim use, power management, visual aiming point, workload, anxiety or misunderstanding.
Moreover, good schools use scenario-based learning. Instead of only asking students to memorise procedures, they ask them to apply judgement. What would you do if the weather dropped below plan? What if the destination runway closed? What if you became uncertain about fuel? This style of thinking is essential for future airline operations.
They also encourage professional behaviour from day one. Turning up prepared, checking NOTAMs and weather, respecting start times, asking good questions and accepting feedback are all part of becoming employable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start learning to fly at 15 in Australia?
Yes. A student can begin dual flight training at 14 or 15. They must be over 15 before flying solo and at least 16 before obtaining an RPL. Progress to solo is based on competency, not age alone.
What is the minimum age for an RPL?
You must be at least 16 to obtain a Recreational Pilot Licence in Australia.
What is the minimum age for a PPL?
You must be at least 17 to obtain a Private Pilot Licence.
What is the minimum age for a Commercial Pilot Licence?
You must be at least 18 to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence.
Can a PPL reduce the duration of a Diploma of Aviation?
Potentially. A PPL holder can apply for a Recognition of Prior Learning or credit assessment. The approved credit depends on the student’s records, competency, recency and the requirements of the flight school’s approved course. Credit is not automatic.
Can I become a flight instructor before turning 19?
It may be possible. A student who starts early, completes a PPL during high school, obtains a CPL after Year 12 and completes a full-time Flight Instructor Rating could potentially qualify before 19. Individual progress and employment outcomes will vary.
Is a Flight Instructor Rating required to become an airline pilot?
No. It is one pathway for gaining professional experience and flight hours. Pilots may also build experience through charter, aerial work, regional operations or other commercial flying roles.
How quickly can I become ready to apply for an airline?
A student following this pathway may be in a position to apply for suitable opportunities in their early twenties. The exact timing depends on airline recruitment requirements, qualifications, ratings, total hours, pilot-in-command experience and market conditions.
Start Planning Your Pilot Career Early
For students who are serious about becoming airline pilots, the fastest pathway is not to rush through training. It is to begin early, train consistently and complete each qualification in the right sequence.
By beginning at 15, obtaining an RPL at 16 and a PPL at 17, a student can complete the early stages of flight training while still attending high school.
After Year 12, they can apply for the AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation, seek Recognition of Prior Learning and work towards their Commercial Pilot Licence. They can then complete the AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) to obtain their Multi-Engine Class Rating and Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating.
From there, a Flight Instructor Rating can provide a pathway into paid flying, professional development and experience building.
With another two to three years of structured flying, ATPL theory study and professional development, the pilot may be ready to pursue suitable airline opportunities.
Your airline career does not have to begin after high school. With the right plan, your flight training can begin while you are still there.
Speak With Learn To Fly Melbourne
Learn To Fly Melbourne can help students and parents develop an age-appropriate training plan covering RPL, PPL, the AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation, Commercial Pilot Licence training and the Flight Instructor Rating.
Contact our admissions team to discuss your current age, school commitments and long-term aviation career goals.
Training durations and career timelines are estimates only. All licences, ratings and endorsements are subject to CASA requirements, competency standards, medical eligibility, theory examinations, flight-test availability and individual progress. Recognition of Prior Learning is subject to formal assessment. Completion of training does not guarantee employment or airline selection.
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