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The Qantas Group draws on nearly one hundred years of the highest standards of training to ensure that our pilots are some of the world’s best. And now we’re looking to the next generation.
Estimates suggest that 790,000 more pilots will be required globally over the next 20 years with around one third of them in the Asia Pacific region.
To help meet the increasing need for skilled aviators in one of the fastest growing global industries we've launched the Qantas Group Pilot Academy. The Academy is part of our plans to build a long-term talent pipeline not just for Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar, but for the industry more broadly.
As the national carrier, we have a history of attracting the best and brightest to fly for us, so we’re hoping to see passionate men and women training with us at our new Academy.
The Academy has opened its doors at our new site in Toowoomba. If you’re ready to start your career as a pilot, applications are now openOpens external site in a new window.
Qantas has appointed Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) as the training provider for the Toowoomba site.
FTA is a world-class training provider for the Australian aviation industry and some of the world’s leading airlines. Since its founding in 1982, FTA has been focused on producing future airline captains, rather than simply training students to obtain a licence.
In partnership with the Qantas Group, FTA offers a full range of services, including student selection, ab initio and advanced training courses, as well as management of accommodation facilities onsite at Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport. FTA’s highly trained and committed staff ensure that the training environment and content of the courses not only exceed student expectations but also contribute to the creation of a truly world-class pilot school.
The Qantas Group Pilot Academy is committed to providing a high standard of training delivered in an inclusive and supportive environment. The goal of the academy is to produce industry-ready pilots with a strong focus on safety. Training is facilitated by FTA with support from the Qantas Group to provide an outstanding student experience.
Academy students will live and study in Toowoomba. Wagner Corporation have designed and built brand new, purpose-built classroom facilities, student accommodation and a hangar, providing the best possible learning environment for the next generation of pilots.
Students will have the option to join the Qantas Group Future Pilot Program, which provides access to career development support and mentors. As part of the program, students will learn what it’s like to be a commercial airline pilot, the career paths available and how to achieve their career aspirations.
Whether students dream of one day flying on our international network, connecting communities in regional Australia or giving back to aviation through a career as an instructor, the Qantas Group Future Pilot Program will assist students to better understand the pathways available to them.
Graduates can opt to join the Academy Alumni group and stay connected to both the Academy and Qantas Group. Members will have access to opportunities in the Qantas Group and can use it as an avenue to stay in touch with their peers.
On successful graduation from the Academy, students will qualify for the following CASA licences and ratings:
The CPL is the first part of the journey to becoming a pilot. It involves integrated ground theory and practical flying delivered over five modules of training. The course provides students with the required hours and CPL theory credits to achieve a CASA CPL-A.
Read more about the CPLOpens external site in a new windowThe ME-IR allows pilots to fly in full Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) at all phases of the flight, both during the day and at night in any operation permitted by the grade of pilot’s licence held.
Read more about the MECIROpens external site in a new windowCompletion of the ATPL theory allows you to gain an ATPL. An ATPL authorises you to conduct private and commercial operations, however this can only be achieved after reaching a required level of flying experience later down the track. The theory exam includes seven subject exams. A Private Pilot License (PPL) is not included in the training program.
Read more about ATPL theoryOpens external site in a new windowThe MCC training covers units of knowledge and practical skills that are used when pilots are part of a multi-crew operation and is not specific to an aircraft type.
For more information see our Student HandbookOpens external site in a new window.
For more information on course fees, please read the schedule of feesOpens external site in a new window, payment optionsOpens external site in a new window and tuition assuranceOpens external site in a new window.
| Course | Applications open | Applications close | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| QG13 | 20 January 2021 | 23 May 2021 | 20 September 2021 |
| QG14 | 10 March 2021 | 4 July 2021 | 1 November 2021 |
| QG15 | 14 April 2021 | 5 September 2021 | 4 January 2022 |
The Qantas Group Pilot Academy Scholarship Program aims to provide equity-based grants to support diversity in the pilot population. Our first scholarships were granted to current students at the end of last year, and the Program is expanding in 2020. We're drawing on the expertise of highly talented women within the Qantas Group to offer Woman in Aviation scholarships to several female students to help them achieve their dreams. Additionally, in our centenary year we will provide three scholarships for Indigenous students, each valued at $85,000, supporting them with their cost of living and studies.
Due to the impacts of Coronavirus on the Qantas Group, Academy scholarships are suspended until further notice.
Home to Australia’s newest airport, Wellcamp and offering over 300 days of sunshine each year, Toowoomba is the perfect place for students to learn how to fly. A great place to live, work and study, Toowoomba is a thriving regional city with connections to major cities and the rest of the world.
Wellcamp Airport offers state-of-the-art navigation aids and access to uncongested airspace – perfectly suited to students as they progress from ab initio through to advanced training.
FTA’s training aircraft for the Academy is the Diamond DA40 single engine and the DA42 multi-engine aircraft.
The new accommodation facilities are now complete, with many Academy students living on-site. Residing on campus is not compulsory, however there are major benefits to living on campus. The training program is very intense and demanding, and residing on campus will allow you to be fully immersed in an aviation training environment. Our full board facilities are designed to ensure that you can concentrate on your training and best dedicate your free time to study and revision as well as allowing you to connect with other students at different phases of training. Campus living includes:
Note: the cost of accommodation isn't included in the course fees.
Scholarships may be available to assist with the cost of on-site accommodation (refer to FAQ question 16).
If you’re born to fly and serious about a career in aviation, take the first step and apply by completing our online form.
Applicants will be required to submit their education history, flying experience, confirmation of health status and availability to commence training.
All applications will be evaluated by FTA and applicants who are successful through pre-screening will be asked to complete approximately 10 hours of mandatory computer based training on abbreviated aviation theory. You'll then be invited to meet with FTA and Qantas where you'll be required to complete the assessment for this computer based training, participate in a pilot aptitude test, core skills test and an interview.
Before commencing at the Academy, you'll also be required to obtain a CASA Class 1 medical certificate.
Make sure you read the FAQs before submitting your application form.
Read the latest news about the Qantas Group Pilot Academy.
March
In celebration of International Women's Day on 8 March 2021, the Qantas Group Pilot Academy opened their doors to the next generation of women in aviation, to encourage girls to get involved in the industry.
The event, in collaboration with the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Project (AGISP) and the Royal Aeronautical Society’s STEM outreach program Cool Aeronautics, brought female students from Years 7 to 10 across south-east Queensland and provided them with a sense of what they could achieve in the aviation industry first-hand, and visualise themselves in the variety of roles that are available to them.
Female speakers and industries presented to the students included Air Traffic Control, Aeronautical and aircraft engineering along with flight instructing and airline pilots.
Qantas Airways' Captain Lisa Norman – B787 Fleet Manager, provided an inspirational talk to highlight her own achievements and what each of the next generation of young female aerospace professionals could achieve. The students who attended enjoyed the day and the Qantas Group Pilot Academy looks forward to encouraging and supporting more females into the industry.
Aviation High students will have access to a direct pathway to the Qantas Group Pilot Academy in Toowoomba as part of a new partnership.
Aspiring pilots in Year 12 at Aviation High in Brisbane will automatically enter the selection process and, if successful, students will undertake their flight training at the Qantas Group Pilot Academy after graduation. Upon entry into the Academy, these students will also automatically enter the Qantas Group Future Pilot Program, where they'll be mentored by senior Qantas pilots and gain access to career development support during their flight training.
Aviation High joins three universities around Australia offering students a preferred pathway into the Qantas Group Pilot Academy.
January
After 12 months of study and mentorship, our second cohort of Qantas Group Pilot Academy students successfully graduated on 29 January. The graduates should be proud of this achievement against the backdrop and challenge of a global pandemic. Their ability to be agile, adaptable and most importantly resilient, ensured their success.
The graduation ceremony was attended by guest speaker Captain Danica Henderson - Assistant Flight Training Manager, QantasLink. Danica provided words of wisdom for the new graduates and shared many of her career learnings. This year's Qantas Flying Award was awarded to Peter Biondic for achieving the highest scores in flight training. Lachlan Brock achieved the Qantas Group Award for his exceptional leadership skills as course leader for QG02 along with his academic achievement and exceptional flight standards. The second dux of the Academy went to Jordan Vieira. All graduates of QG02 now enter the Academy's Alumni joining their colleagues from QG01.
October
Friday 16 October saw the first cohort of 11 students graduate from the Qantas Group Pilot Academy. Despite the challenges the industry has faced, all student’s demonstrated remarkable attitude and resilience throughout the year to graduate. They now enter the Alumni and will pave the way as pioneers from the Academy.
The Qantas Flying Award for achieving the highest scores during flight training was achieved by Ben Swart and the Qantas Group Award for inclusive leadership, academic achievement and exceptional flight standards was presented to Sophie Percival. The inaugural overall course dux was Holly Wheaton. All 11 students graduated with their Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi-engine instrument rating and ATPL theory subjects. Throughout the year they also completed phase 1 of the Qantas Group Future Pilot Program which included being mentored by various Qantas Group pilots.
September
In collaboration with Aerospace Gateway to Industry schools project, we welcomed secondary school teachers and guidance counsellors from around south-east Queensland to a forum focused on supporting the next generation of aviation professionals.
Hosted on Friday 18 September, 26 teachers and counsellors met at the Academy to discuss aviation careers beyond the flight deck, including various career pathways, as well as the industry outlook. Attendees engaged with students, toured the facilities and spoke with various industry representatives with an aim to support and encourage students who are interested in a career in aviation.
More than twenty Year 12 students from Brisbane’s Aviation High travelled to the Academy for a day that many described as “one they will never forget.” Many of the students are currently enrolled or participating in various aviation subjects as part of their secondary school studies.
Throughout the day students learnt about the various opportunities available at the Academy, and listened to first-hand accounts of student life from current students. Students toured the Academy, various industry representatives were available to discuss career pathways and students were invited to fly the Academy’s simulator.
The Academy is committed to supporting the next generation of future aviation professionals.
August
On Saturday 22 August, the first group of students visited the Brisbane Base as part of the Qantas Group Future Pilot Program (QFPP), an experience they'll never forget.
They were able to meet with various Pilot mentors and staff, and Airservices Australia, and listened to guest speakers, including Captain David Evans (A380 Training and Check Captain on flight QF32) who spoke of his own experience and wisdom in the industry.
The highlight for many of the students was being up close to a B787 and Q400 including sitting in the flight deck. Further visits are planned for students of the Academy as a component of QFPP.
July
The Academy is proud to announce the arrival and installation of its Jet Fixed Training Device. This device will be used during the Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) phase of the AVI 60219 Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command).
The training is delivered in the ALSIM ALX-97 Fixed Training Device. Students will fly 24 hours in the device, broken down as 12 hours Pilot Flying (PF) and 12 hours Pilot Monitoring (PM).
June
A major milestone was achieved with the first Qantas Group Pilot Academy students successfully completing their AVI50219 Diploma in Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence Aeroplane).
These students are now studying for their AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating). During this more complex phase of training, they'll fly the Academy’s DA42 aircraft, and will be exposed to multi engine operations flying under instrument conditions.
September
Qantas Group Pilot Academy to land in ToowoombaOpens external site
August
Qantas Group commits to second Pilot Academy siteOpens external site
June
Qantas announces shortlist of regional cities for new Pilot AcademyOpens external site
May
Qantas Group announces next step to select home of new Pilot AcademyOpens external site
February
Qantas Group announces the Pilot AcademyOpens external site
For any queries unanswered in our FAQs, email QGPA@flyfta.com
There are some exciting employment opportunities available at the Academy. Refer to Flight Training AdelaideOpens external site in a new window for more information on these opportunities.
