VET Delivered to School Students (VDSS)
VET Delivered to School Students (VDSS) flight training
Study to become a pilot while doing your VCE
The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) allows students to include studies in Vocational Education and Training Qualifications within their senior secondary certificate. Students undertake nationally recognised training from either accredited state curriculum or national training packages which may contribute to their VCE. The VCE Commercial Flight Training program is drawn from a national training package and offers portable qualifications which are recognised throughout Australia. These qualifications provide students with a broad range of knowledge and skills to pursue further training and a career in the aviation industry.
Students who undertake Vocational Education and Training (VET) in the AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilots Licence-Aeroplane) qualification may be eligible for credit towards their VCE through block credit recognition.
Students may wish to discuss this option with their schools’ careers and subject counsellor.
Josh and Dilini – former VDSS Students, now RVAC Instructors
How does it work?
Completion of the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) and Private Pilot Licence (PPL) units of study in the Aviation Diploma may contribute to 2 of your unit 3 /4 sequences towards the satisfactory completion of your VCE.
In addition to the Primary 4 VCE studies, it may also contribute to the ATAR in the form of at least one 10% increment (10% of the averaged scaled score)*.
Further information regarding this is available on the VCAA website: Block credit recognition.
*Note: (The credit into the VCE and ATAR contribution are both subject to the volume and level of training completed by the student and will be confirmed upon issuance of VCE results by the VCAA and calculation of the ATAR by VTAC).
Age Restrictions
Please note that there are age restrictions enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regarding pilot licensing.
Students must be 16 years of age to achieve the RPL and 17 years of age to complete the PPL.
Student must attain the relevant age prior to the end of October of their enrolment year.
Course Structure
Course Structure and Scheduling
Around 90% of this course is delivered as individual, face-to-face flight training — one student, one instructor, one aircraft.
As RVAC operates 7 days a week, training sessions can be scheduled both during and outside of school hours, offering maximum flexibility.
Theory Course Requirements
Students are only required to attend classroom sessions for two structured theory courses:
Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL(A)) Theory: 48 hours total
8 sessions × 6 hours each
Private Pilot Licence (PPL(A)) Theory: 52 hours total
8 sessions × 6.5 hours each
These theory classes are typically held during the end of Term 1 school holidays (Easter period).
Training Flexibility
Flight training is weather dependent, which means it’s not possible to set an exact timetable of times or days. Instead, a guideline schedule is provided to indicate when specific syllabus requirements should be achieved.
Flight Tests
Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) – The RPL flight test is not included in the program. Students may choose to complete the RPL flight test if they wish, however, additional costs will apply.
Private Pilot Licence (PPL) – The PPL flight test is included in the program and is covered within the standard course tuition fees.
Units of Competency – First Year (Year 10,11 or 12) – Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL)
AVIE0006 Maintain aircraft radio communications
AVIY0054 Control aeroplane on the ground
AVIY0055 Take off aeroplane
AVIY0056 Control aeroplane in normal flight
AVIY0057 Land aeroplane
AVIY0037 Operate at a controlled aerodrome
Units of Competency – Second Year (Year 11 or 12) – Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
AVIW0029 Manage pre and post flight actions
AVIY0035 Operate Class G airspace
AVIY0036 Operate at non-towered aerodromes
AVIY0047 Manage abnormal aeroplane flight situations
AVIY0083 Execute advanced aeroplane manoeuvres and procedures