Qantas Group Pilot Academy in partnership with FTA

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 are launching 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 brand new site in Toowoomba. If you’re ready to start your career as a pilot, applications are now open.

Qantas Group Pilot Academy Official Opening No Description

Training with the Qantas Group Pilot Academy

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 Academy Experience

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.

Mentoring and Career Planning

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.

Qantas Group Pilot Academy Alumni

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.

Course information

On successful graduation from the Academy, students will qualify for the following CASA licences and ratings:

Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL)

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.

Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating (ME IR)

The 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.

Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL) theory

Completion 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.

Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC)

The 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.

Course fees

For more information on course fees, please read the schedule of fees, payment options and tuition assurance.

Qantas Group Pilot Academy Scholarships

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 are 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.

Candidates will be invited to apply for relevant scholarships when they progress through the first round of the Academy’s selection process. Scholarships will be granted in conjunction with an offer for a place at the Academy.

Facilities

Location - Toowoomba

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.

Airport

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.

Aircraft and simulators

FTA’s training aircraft for the Academy is the Diamond DA40 single engine and the DA42 multi-engine aircraft.

Accommodation

Our brand new accommodation facilities are now complete, with many of our 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. 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 will include:

Three meals per day & snacks (all medical and religious needs are catered for)
Free WiFi
Linen and towels provided, and rooms are cleaned on a weekly basis
Access to numerous sporting and recreational facilities free of charge
Ideal location – no additional transport to/from the training facilities
Welfare services
On-site security

Please note that the cost of accommodation is not included in the course fees.

Scholarships may be available to assist with the cost of on-site accommodation (refer to question 16).

Applications

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 will then be invited to meet with FTA and Qantas where you will be required to complete the assessment for this computer based training, participate in a pilot aptitude test, core skills test and an interview.

Prior to commencing at the Academy, students will be required to obtain a CASA Class 1 medical certificate.

Please make sure you read the FAQs here before submitting your application form.

Apply now