How to get your commercial pilots license in Australia (step by step how I did it)

When I began learning to fly, the path to becoming a commercial pilot was clearly laid out by my college. But the journey was all but a straight road to the finish line.
In this video, I explain how I started, what colleges I went to, details about my check ride and what things I would have done differently if I was to do it again.
Of cause, Covid19 had its effects but what I learned was that the path is unique to each individual, the one I share here is uniquely mine.
Links:
My first college - www.basair.com.au/
Where I finished my training - www.flightstandards.com.au/

[@paiwa86]

Thanks for the video and insight mate, I've just started the journey to attain my CPL and it all seemed very daunting in terms of the study - a breath of relief when you told us about your challenges studying but you didn't fail any of the theory tests. All the best in your flying career and might catch you around some day !

[@tombrown737]

Thanks heaps for this mate! I’ve been following your videos for about a year now and just soloed yesterday on the way to my CPL :) goodluck with wherever you end up!

[@OliverFlying]

That’s awesome Tom! Unreal that you just nailed your solo CONGRATULATIONS 🎉 HAHA. Look forward to hearing how your flying evolves!

[@JasonRiley276]

Well done. Its always good to find what works for you, both in and out of the classroom. I need to do a heap of chair flying to get back into my PPL

[@OliverFlying]

Hell yeah mate, it doesn’t always work out the way you think it will… most of the time for the better! Love to hear that, get stuck into it 🤙

[@eggface17]

Congrats buddy, well done!

[@KamNaivalu]

Congratulations.... 🎉 Mate....a true inspiration Coming all the way from Fiji...

[@yuuki4sure]

omggg thank you SO SO MUCH for your video, and congratsss !!

[@epichourtime]

Thanks for the inspiration mate.

[@123faheemaziz]

Congrats mate! You’re an absolute legend, I’m getting my CPL in around a few weeks or so and your videos motivate me to push harder with with my studies. Well done mate you deserve this!

[@OliverFlying]

That’s awesome mate !! Where are you doing your flying ?

[@123faheemaziz]

Cheers mate! Doing my flying down in Melbourne at a small CTAF aerodrome called Bacchus marsh. Really good training there, also got a mate that moved up north and is now joining the phase C CPL intake for basair I believe, heard it’s a really good school! 💪🏽👍

[@OliverFlying]

@@123faheemaziz ah nice work mate! I’ve flown around Bacchus a bit and always noticed how busy it was for such a small AD… very cool! Well if you pop up this way shoot us a message 🤙 all the best!

[@123faheemaziz]

Haha yeah! Nice little AD, appreciate it mate will do! Such an honour and all the best with everything! 💪🏽

[@shabirkhanyousafzai6880]

@@123faheemazizhey brother! Can i get some help regarding info, i’m based in melbourne, thinking about this course

[@SauravSharma-gn2jq]

congrats Oliver! Well done!

[@OliverFlying]

Thank you!!

[@y_equals_mx_plus_c]

Congratulations Oliver!!! Such a big achievement, I'm so happy for you! ☺️

[@OliverFlying]

Thanks legend!!! 🙏🙏

[@bradthelad998]

Y=MX+C=equation of a straight line lol I'm learning this for gcse maths

[@y_equals_mx_plus_c]

@@bradthelad998 lol

[@saiyashvanth581]

thanks for the information man caus even I am thinking of coming to Australia for my cpl and congratulation for you cpl 🎉🎉

[@OliverFlying]

That’s awesome!! Two of the best things.. AUS and Flying 🤙 best of luck with it!!

[@pavan151]

Congrats mate. Working towards my CPL part-time while holding down a full-time job. Hopefully I get over the hurdles 🤞

[@OliverFlying]

It’s a mission best of luck !!!

[@bennithomas8414]

I am planning to do my PPL and CPL in Australia , But I need to get a part time job in order to finish my CPL. Could you please suggest any flying club ?

[@ashokkalluri1531]

Is it possible to become a CPL in part-time study

[@rrocketman]

Thanks very much for this mate

[@SpruceMooseAviation]

Epic! Congrats mate 🤙🏼

[@OliverFlying]

Cheers legend!!

[@bradnallyadventures]

Great vid thanks! It ties it all together well, an now the IG feed makes sense to me, I was wondering if you were already CPL when you had the Piper out west. Awesome journey :)

[@OliverFlying]

I was on the more recent trips!! not on the first one to Birdsville tho :)

[@rorycolquhoun7840]

Congrats mate!

[@OliverFlying]

Thanks Mate!!!

[@annapascamiyazaki6063]

Hey Oliver ! Great video, thanks for all the explanations and feelings. I’m planning to migrate to Australia and I’ve received already the first part of CASA validation. Now I need to do the exams, is there a book of test questions or it’s studying from books and pray? I’m a little lost here… Cheers :)

[@deanbennett229]

Epic video mate. Am checking out schools in Brizzy and the Goldie to do my CPL next year. Any schools you rate in either location ? I am self funding and maybe get VET for a bit of it.

[@climpy69]

Good work mate, you and I sound like we have a very similar story, just getting back to CPL hour building after a 10 year break and just wet hiring a c172 on the Gold Coast. How are the job prospects around Archerfield for a freshly minted CPL pilot?

[@WOLFAFGHAN_YT370]

Hi bro, Good noon! First of all congratulations!❤ I hope you are doing well! Actually I also would like to get CPL here in Melbourne. So would you let me know about the recommended steps to follow up please? ❤

[@braddallan]

Congratulations!

[@OliverFlying]

Cheers legend!!!

[@braddallan]

@@OliverFlying been enjoying your videos over the journey to cpl. Mine journey was very ad hoc over 15 years , and now looking to career change with my cpl at 40yo.

[@andrefonzar6222]

Thanks for sharing mate! Were you able to do all the studies and follow the journey to get the CPL while working? Thanks 🙏

[@jesserule2929]

Hey Oliver, thanks for the insightful videos. I noticed you have said your goal isn’t to fly for airlines. May I ask what career path you are looking towards? I know that GA pathways can be pretty low paying which sometimes worries me due to the large student debt accumulated through pilot studies. Cheers 🍻

[@halala85]

Hey Mate, I always wanted my pilot licence, i've been looking up different licences and it seems like you need to do RPL before PPL so it seems to go straight for a CPL so you have less restrictions, does that sound right ? also any recommendations for which school to look at because there seems to be so many different ones, also this is more for a hobby not for paid pilot work. Also i noticed that you need to have completed year 12 is that correct ?

[@tobyodonnell9353]

Any tips for the cpl ground component on the day of the test?

[@MrMurphdog96]

Nice vid, where to start on small planes?

[@squidcentral706]

Love this vid mate. Good on you for working your ass off. I’m only 15 and interested In getting my cpl.

[@OliverFlying]

Go for it legend !

[@nadeerahansani626]

Can you tell me please what qualifications do l need

[@assaber4073]

congratulations Oliver. well done mate. really happy for you. my question is: was the student loan enough to cover the coast of the whole course?

[@OliverFlying]

Hey Mate! I used VET FEE for my flying from ZERO -> PPL, 30hrs of command hours and the 7 CPL theory exams and their associated study time... About $60k worth then paid the rest of hours and lessons 'out of my pocket'.... If I could have made that cheap money from the government work for me further I would have... hope that helps!

[@assaber4073]

@@OliverFlying thanks mate. Also what would be the best resource to prepare the for aptitude test that most schools requires before enrolment. TIA

[@kidmakesgamesig]

just started my journey at 12

[@kalyan3792]

Hi. Are physics and Mathematics compulsory subjects for pathway to CPL in 11&12th standard? I am an international student in Australia doing masters in Accounting subjects. But I always dreamt of becoming a pilot. I hope you will reply. Thank you.

[@sryope83]

Hey do you know which license to get as a helicopter pilot? What will be the cost ? My husband is a helicopter pilot and we want to get immigration to Australia.

[@driberra]

Hi Oliver , Great video and congratulations. Could you please advise on the theory courses especially aerodynamics and materials and where I can find them. Thank you Driss from Sydney

[@OliverFlying]

Hey Driss - I did those with Basair Also used www.bobtait.com.au/books All the best!!!

[@pavelsidor]

Those extra hours you did in the 6 months with the Cherokee, you leased it ? Can I get contact?

[@tristraaf]

Congrats mate. Super inspirational. I don’t mean to pry into your finances or anything in detail, but how did you manage to fund it all?

[@OliverFlying]

I used the vet fee help to start with whilst at Basair whilst I was flying full time, then I funded the rest from excess cash and some savings… I have had a couple different businesses which I’ve been able to pull some money out of

[@JoshitReddy]

I would like to do cpl in australia which flying school acedamy will u suggest 😕??

[@visionarystyle_]

Can you become a pilot in Australia if ive only finished year 11 high school? Or do you have to have year 12 high school cert?

[@diversify885]

Hey Oliver Are u an international student ? Can an international student come to Australia for flight training is it worth it from ur experience?

[@pavelsidor]

Hey mate I just lost my job and now I’m looking to get into this, how have you been going ?

[@Rakeshgmum]

What was your total cost sir?

[@spiro5327]

Great work, maybe a twin engine rating is next

[@OliverFlying]

Some IFR & floaties next I think 😏

[@Copo08]

Im yonna do my diesel mechanic apprenticeship while in mu 3dr year ill be 18 and im gonna do my bartending course after i finsh mu diesel course im gonna start with my ppl and be a pull time bartender

[@inspiretamil6777]

Bro recommend me some affordable cadet pilot programs in Australia

[@KINGBROCOOLLplays]

Does this mean you can fly commercial planes or ?

[@hanzlakhan6990]

whats's the total cost of getting the cpl done from australia?

[@harshdeepsingh8654]

Brother I am living in india did my bsc in statistics…now how can I begin my flying career in Australia

[@Eli.horton]

how old were you when you started in 2020?

[@syedalihaidershah6468]

Hey mate much appreciate the good word. It’s very hard to get authentic aviation advice from aussie pilots compared to american and brits due to shortages. I’ve just got one question for you. You reckon the ground school would help for theory exams or self study is better. I’m scared shitless of theory exams, it’s been a while I’ve touched a stack of books that big

[@OliverFlying]

Thanks brother thats the goal of this little project :)... I was the same, being dyslexic and ADHD I thought that the theory would destroy me, I found the classroom sessions were very valuable, I honestly don't think I could have don't my PPL without the classroom support. Once I got the basics down I think I could have studied for my CPL without the classroom support, but I opted to use the classroom. Hope this helps !

[@TheTamrb26]

@@OliverFlying Thanks for the great advise mate. You said you got ADHD and did you have to take medication to study for ADHD? Im also currently studying for RPL i can't absorb information, my mind wonder around and I kept re-read the sentences.

[@OliverFlying]

@@TheTamrb26 I feel your pain brother! No medication, just deleted all my social media apps whilst studying and grinded... haha

[@TheTamrb26]

@@OliverFlying Thats a great idea to delete the distraction and im guilty of that! Im a very slow learner, i have to keep re-read over and over again! I dont know how you work your way to CPL! sounds very possible!

[@TheTamrb26]

@@OliverFlying btw. Do you have tips to learn or any other learning sources you recommend? Ive heard GoFly online ground school is good..

[@Inboundbogie]

Great vid mate cheers. INSPIRED UNEMPLOYED TOO!!! haha

[@OliverFlying]

Hahaha 😂

[@sebacuadrapilot]

HI Oliver! congrats for your achivement, i wonder if you know something about convalidation license for foreign pilot. I from chile im CPL and CFI holder and would like to move there looking for an opportunities in aviation. i appreciate any information about it. Thank you mate!

[@annapascamiyazaki6063]

Hi Seba, I’m in the same situation now .. Got the validation from CASA but now I’m lost with the exams. Did you already do the conversion?

[@johnbendekovic430]

Oliver I did my CPL and IFR multi engine instrument rating back in 1985, I did log over a 1000 hrs. It was always expensive then, just wondering how much you spent on getting your CPL. I remember hiring a Piper Seminole for $200 solo.

[@OliverFlying]

That’s awesome ! Did you fly commercially after the training ? I think expenses added up to the point of cpl would be close to $75kAUD but it’s pretty hard to put a figure on it… flights varied in costs

[@johnbendekovic430]

@@OliverFlying I did fly commercially as a charter, aerial work and safari tour guide pilot. Best days of my career. Ended up working for Airservices Australia in ATC and operations for an airline. Good luck and all the best in your pursuit! I am thinking of flying again, most likely flying friends and family. As they say it’s like riding a bike 😆.

[@OliverFlying]

@@johnbendekovic430 there are so many great avenues to take ! Glad you’re still keen to get behind the yoke 🤘if you ever want to take the yellow Cessna for a burn let me know !

[@johnbendekovic430]

@@OliverFlying That would be nice thanks 😊

[@serverlan763]

How did you afford to do it?

[@Redmia-kh5tp]

Would you mind if you tell us your over all cost to finish your flight training? Btw, your videos are the best.💜

[@OliverFlying]

All costs till my CPL roughly $75k, about 50/50 my own cash verses government funding…

[@Redmia-kh5tp]

Is it aslo include multi engine, instructor rating as well?

[@OliverFlying]

@@Redmia-kh5tp no that is CPL and about 250hrs of flight time… as mentioned in the video I have done quite a bit of other kinds of flying and hiring!

[@evayau8911]

@@OliverFlying hi! Is that including getting ur PPL or just from PPL to CPL?

[@gagankingra7757]

Hey, I am about to start training for RPL, just wondering about the exams like how hard is the study, what’s actually in the exams??

[@OliverFlying]

Difficulty varies... similar to yr12 exams maybe a bit harder...

[@roryhobden9625]

I have a quick question, do I need to finish year 12 to get my cpl?

[@OliverFlying]

That is not a requirement for a general aviation pathway... however a airline cadetship you may need yr12 ? I am not sure....

[@chanderbhanverma1967]

Hi bro I'm from India I want to enroll in pilot training Australia

[@darkill245]

Hey mate,here some spaniard whose dream has always been to work as a pilot in Australia,and im willing to pull anything in order to achieve this,im planning to move to Australia in the next 2 following years and probably wont have settled down till my early 30's,do you think the 30's is too old for someone to start taking CPL lessons?

[@321Adi123]

Go chase your dreams. Chase them as hard as you **** can. Take risks. Stand on the edge of failure and look down. Don’t live for anyone’s approval and validation besides your own. Go explore this insane world of ours. Don’t lock away your heart that’s so full of dreams but carry it out in front of you like a burning torch that lights the road ahead.

[@ashualhind900]

Did u got job?

[@Boxen_Aficionado]

Congratulations mate, roughly how much do you think it cost you all up?

[@OliverFlying]

$65k of training & flight test... $20k of hour building to get my CPL.

[@christianlarracas4592]

Is it needed or a requirement to have a bachelors degree or a diploma to be a pilot on Australia? Thank you

[@OliverFlying]

Not a requirment

[@maxyhargrave944]

hey mate, im 20 and am living on the gold coast and am looking at pursuing a career in becoming a commercial pilot. Where do i start?

[@OliverFlying]

Hey Mate, If you haven't ever done a flying lesson... start there. Air GoldCoast is where I would start...

[@jaiveerrathi2183]

How much money did you spend for each of your courses including everything?

[@OliverFlying]

$80k'ish.... that was to 250hrs....

[@davidkietzmann3901]

dude u doing those landing/takeoff performance linear graphs gave me goddamn vietnam flashbacks lmao

[@ChrisC-ny7yp]

Hi, im 44 and want to become a commercial airline pilot. Do you think someone my age can achieve this? what would be the best way to go about it? Ive just spoken to a flight school on the Gold Coast and they basically talked me out of joining their school which has left me a bit deflated to be honest. Look forward to hearing peoples opinions. Thanks

[@sgtmusic]

I'm not a pilot, but if it's your dream you must do it! Even if you never get employed by a major airline.. You'll still be a Pilot!

[@OliverFlying]

I trained with three other people who were over 40 during my CPL, I don’t know where they are now but I know it is less un common than you may think… I’d suggest getting started and then see how you progress, you’ll never know until you try !

[@ChrisC-ny7yp]

@@OliverFlying thank you Oliver I appreciate you taking the time to reply. I've recently joined a flight school on the sunny coast. they've been excellent and encouraged me to chase the dream. they say Ill make the airlines as long as I have my hours and Cpl before im 50.... im chuffed to bits thanks again

[@OliverFlying]

@@ChrisC-ny7yp great work !!! Love to hear this !! Keep me updated on your progress 🤙

[@bennithomas8414]

I am 38 years old want to get my PPL and CPL. But I need a part time job in order to complete my course , Could you please suggest any flying club in Australia which allows me to work part time while undergoing flight training ?

[@adensaid9719]

Do the ppl hours add up to getting the cpl

[@OliverFlying]

Not quite sure what you mean mate?

[@shazson3382]

How did you managed working fulltime mon-fri and studying together?

[@OliverFlying]

I flew full time uptill 100hrs and all of my CPL subjects completed, whilst working part time (6 months). then Worked full time and part time flying after that... it was hard work keeping up the commitment.

[@pavelsidor]

@@OliverFlyinghow long did it take you to fully complete it? I’m in Gold Coast and I’m in the same spot as you

[@ramjet4025]

A 3.6 hour flight test is Absurd. Students under stress cannot last 3.6 hours, this far more than twice the flight time i the US or Canada

[@vibinmonuttan5041]

Himate ! What is the total cost to obtain CPL with 200hrs flying ? I'm from india planing to join in any flyinh school in Australia so, i can improve my English speaking skills. Appreciate if you reply, thanks !

[@kfc6516]

This looks too hard, I need to just give up. It’s all a Dream

[@Julio-wf8go]

This was so fun!!! Find out the secret = P R O M O S M !!