Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

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Launch your Professional Pilot Career

The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is your gateway to a professional career in aviation. Whether you aspire to fly for airlines, charter services, or specialized operations, the CPL qualifies you to be remunerated for your flying skills.

At RVAC, you may complete the CPL part-time or join the AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane), an integrated course designed to take you from foundational training through to commercial proficiency.

Why Choose RVAC for your CPL?

Over A Century of Excellence

Established in 1914, RVAC is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected flight training institutions.

Comprehensive Training Pathway

From ab initio to commercial proficiency, RVAC offers a structured and supportive learning environment.

Experienced Instructors

Learn from seasoned professionals dedicated to your success.

Modern Fleet and Facilities

Train on a diverse range of aircraft equipped with contemporary avionics.

Your Aircraft

Choose from a diverse fleet of aircraft to complete your Recreational Pilot Licence.

smooth and spacious

Piper Warrior

The Piper Warrior is a foundational aircraft used in the first phase of CPL training. Its low-wing design provides a different aerodynamic feel compared to the Cessna 172, giving students valuable experience across aircraft types. With a comfortable cabin and solid cruise performance, the Warrior is excellent for advanced navigation flights and fine-tuning aircraft control—key skills needed before transitioning to complex aircraft operations.

versatile and reliable

Cessna 172

The Cessna 172 is one of the most trusted training aircraft in the world, and a key part of the early stages of RVAC’s CPL program. Its stable handling, reliable performance, and high-wing configuration make it ideal for mastering flight fundamentals, navigation exercises, and cross-country operations. Equipped with modern avionics and a forgiving flight envelope, it helps students build confidence and consistency in their flying before progressing to more complex aircraft.

advanced complex training

Piper Arrow

The Piper Arrow is introduced in the second half of CPL training as students prepare for the flight test and meet CASA’s requirement for complex aircraft experience. With retractable undercarriage, a variable pitch propeller, and higher cruise speeds, the Arrow offers the systems and performance characteristics required for commercial-level competency. It’s ideal for teaching advanced procedures, performance calculations, and managing higher workload—all essential for safe and effective commercial flying.

Flight Training Fees

At RVAC, we believe in clear and fair pricing. Your flight training investment includes not just aircraft time and instruction, but access to a rich learning environment and club community.
This fee does not include the cost of completing the RPL and PPL Syllabus, which is required for the issue of a CPL.

What’s included?

Flight training hours (43 hours dual, 90 hours solo, 4 hours simulator)

Briefings and debriefings before and after each flight

Airservices Maps & Publications

Student support and guidance throughout your training

CPL Theory Course and Exams (7 Subjects)

Access to student resources and Library

CPL Flight Test and Licence Issue

Pay as you Go

RVAC uses a pay-as-you-go model, so you only pay for the training you complete. This flexible structure allows you to manage your costs and progress at your own pace.

$56,015

Based on Piper Warrior and Piper Arrow. Training is competency-based, so the actual number of hours needed may vary depending on individual progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about our PPL Training Program.

Still have questions?

Do I need a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) before starting CPL training?

Yes. For non-integrated training, you must already hold a PPL before beginning CPL training. Your logged flight hours from PPL will count toward the CPL minimum requirements.

How many flight hours do I need to get a CPL?

For a student not in one of our Diploma courses, you need a minimum of 200 total flight hours, including:
• 100 hours as pilot in command (PIC)
• 20 hours of cross-country as PIC
• 10 hours of instrument flying

The requirements for the issue of a CPL as a Diploma student are less.

Can I do the theory and flight training separately?

Yes, this is also what happens in our Diploma Course, You can study for and sit the CPL theory subjects separately from your flight training, but you must pass all theory exams before attempting the CPL flight test.

What are the CPL theory subjects?

There are seven CASA theory exams:
• Aircraft General Knowledge (CSYA)
• Meteorology (CSYM)
• Human Factors (CSYH)
• Navigation (CSYN)
• Flight Rules & Air Law (CSYL)
• Aerodynamics (CSYA)
• Operations, Performance & Planning (CSYA)

What medical certificate do I need?

You need a valid Class 1 aviation medical certificate to exercise the privileges of a CPL.

What kind of aircraft will I fly during CPL training?

At RVAC, you’ll train in:
• Cessna 172 and Piper Warrior for core flight time
• Piper Arrow for complex aircraft experience (retractable gear and variable pitch prop)

Can I work as a pilot once I have a CPL?

Yes. A CPL allows you to be paid to fly. Common jobs include:
• Charter and scenic flights
• Flight instruction (with further training)
• Aerial photography and survey work

Is there any financial assistance available?

Eligible students can defer their tuition fees under the VET Student Loans Scheme when enrolled in a full-time Diploma of Aviation course. Read More

What comes after the CPL?

The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) allows you to be employed as a professional pilot and fly for hire or reward under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). With a CPL, you can act as pilot in command of aircraft in a wide range of commercial operations including charter, flight instruction (with additional training), and aerial work.
To maintain your licence, you must meet recency and proficiency requirements, and your flying privileges can be further expanded with additional training.

After obtaining your CPL, many pilots continue to build their skills and qualifications by completing:

Instrument Rating (IR)

Multi-Engine Class Rating (MEA)

Night VFR Rating (NVFR)

Flight Instructor Rating (FIR)

ATPL Theory

Design Feature Endorsements (DFE)

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Interested in a career in aviation?

The Diploma of Aviation is your pathway to a Commercial Pilot Licence.
Complete the Commercial Pilot Licence as part of our next full-time Diploma course!
Eligible students may access financial support through the VET Student Loans program.

Begin your Aviation Journey

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Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

Launch your Professional Pilot Career

Why Choose RVAC for your CPL?

Your Aircraft

Piper Warrior

Cessna 172

Piper Arrow

Flight Training Fees

$56,015

Frequently Asked Questions

What comes after the CPL?

Interested in a career in aviation?

Begin your Aviation Journey

Call +61 3 8586 7777