Dreams get real when you step into the Sim!

Our ATPL students headed up to Flight Options – Advanced Training & Simulation to experience the A320 simulator and learn more about the options available for airline interview Sim Check readiness, ATPL Flight tests, MCC and so much more.

An incredible opportunity to connect the theory to the real world, ask questions, and see what lies ahead.
A huge thank you to Rick Heaton for the warm welcome and for giving our students such a valuable afternoon.
From study desks to flight decks. This is what it is all about. ✈️


Hands On Hybrid Learning :: From Classroom to Cockpit

At AFT, our CPL(H) students don’t just learn theory.. they live it. This is the kind of hands on experience that sets our full-time CPL(H) course apart!

Last week our students put their Aerodynamics books down for an excursion to Caloundra Aerodrome. A huge thank you to AFT alumni Matt from @oceanview_heli, Sunshine Coast’s premium helicopter scenic flight company, for showing our students around the R44 and helping our instructor Kayley turn theory into practical knowledge.
We then visited @westpacheliqld to get up close with their EC135 — what a machine! A big thank you to Pilot Alan and Air Crewman Brett for sharing insights into helicopter rescue and the vital lifesaving work they do across South East QLD.

Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service performs a wide range of lifesaving missions across South East QLD, from coastal search and rescues to inland motor vehicle and farming incidents. What a dream job for a helicopter pilot!  🚁



ATPL(A) :: Additional Items Required for Study and Exam

To complete our ATPL(A) Course, you will need to ensure you have all the material needed to complete your study and most importantly, sit your CASA examinations. For a full list of what you need to complete the ATPL exams, please see CASA’s  Permitted Material allowed to be taken into Examinations under Part 61.

You need to have the current edition of the following documents to complete the ATPL(A) CASA PEXO Exams: 

  • Navigation equipment
  • A basic calculator 
  • AIP Complete
  • ERSA with RDS
  • All ERC High Charts
  • All ERC Low Charts
  • B727 Performance and Operating Handbook (included in AFT’s Flight Planning and Performance and Loading courses)
  • CAR 1988*
  • CASR Part 61, 91, 121, 135*
  • MOS Part 91, 121, 135*
  • CAO 48.1 Instrument 2019*

* These combined documents can be purchased in our AALW Air Law Document Package, which includes the following printed CASA Documents Permitted Material, which has been extracted specifically for the ATPL Air Law Examination by Nathan Higgins.

    To see the current pricelist and place your order, please visit our online Pilot Supply Shop.

    Important Note: Departure and Approach Procedures (DAP) East and West are a permitted reference for the CASA ATPL Air Law Exam. The main topic covered in the Air Law syllabus that references DAP East and West is noise curfew procedures and requirements. If you do not already have DAP East and West and wish to avoid the considerable cost of purchasing these documents, you should familiarise yourself with noise curfew procedures before sitting the CASA Air Law Exam.



    ATPL(A) :: CASA Examination Information

    There is a considerable amount of information regarding the CASA PEXO Exam system available on CASA’s ATPL Exams Page. 

    The ATPL examination is made up of seven separate examinations. These are:

    • Flight Planning (AFPA)
    • Navigation (ANAV)
    • Performance and Loading (APLA)
    • Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems (AASA)
    • Human Factors (AHUF)
    • Meteorology (AMET)
    • Air Law (AALW)

    It is highly recommended that you complete the Performance and Loading course before completing Flight Planning as many of the concepts in Flight Planning are first introduced in Performance and Loading.

    Individual Subject Credits

    All ATPL exams are individual examinations. Candidates may choose to sit any number of papers at any particular sitting and be credited with a pass in each examination separately. When all subjects have been passed, a candidate is awarded a pass in the ATPL examination.

    Examination Pre-Requisites

    The pre-qualification requirements for the ATPL is a pass in the Australian CPL(A) theory examination or a CPL(A) Licence. You will be unable to book an examination unless you meet this requirement.

    In particular, overseas students should note that they must hold a CASA CPL(A) or have a pass in all seven parts of the CASA CPL(A) theory exam to meet pre requisite qualifications for sitting CASA ATPL(A) PEXO Exams. It is essential for overseas students to contact the CASA Flight Crew Examination and/or Licencing Sections to confirm they meet this requirement prior to booking their CASA ATPL examinations.

    Perpetual Validity Period

    The ATPL credit once issued, will remain valid indefinitely. This may be reviewed at a later date.

    Two Year Time Frame

    As of 1 September, 2014 a candidate has two years to pass all seven ATPL examinations to be awarded an ATPL theory pass.

    Pass Mark Required

    The pass mark for each CASA examination is 70%, except for the Air Law where the pass mark is 80%.

    Exam Fees

    ASPEQ has a contract for the nationwide delivery of Flight Crew licensing examinations for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). ASPEQ is responsible for the booking and delivery of the examinations through a network of examination sites, while CASA is responsible for the provisions of the examinations through their PEXO Exam System.

    The fees for the examination service is split into two parts –

    • CASA Examination Fee
    • ASPEQ Examination Delivery Fee

    Examination Venues

    CASA PEXO Exams can be sat a many CASA authorised exam centres Australia wide.

    Booking your CASA/ASPEQ PEXO Exams

    All CASA Flight Crew Licencing Exams are to be booked through ASPEQ’s website.

    There are two parts to the ATPL Examination fees – a CASA fee and an ASPEQ fee.

    The CASA examination fees are for the PEXO Exam service provided by CASA via their web-based delivery system. The ASPEQ exam delivery fees are charged for each examination subject required. The fee structure is based around the length of the examination subject as this determines the amount of computer time used to deliver the subject. Please see CASA’s website for current exam fee information for AASA, APLA and AFPA or AALW, AHUF, ANAV and AMET.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: CASA and ASPEQ PEXO fees are NOT included in our course fees for Full Time Ground School or Distance Learning Courses. If you are attending our Full Time Ground School Classes we have pre-booked CASA PEXO Exam sessions for our students at the end of each subject. If requested, we can book your exam in one of these sessions for you on your first day in class and charge the exams fees to your account. Our pre booked sessions mean you do not need to book your own CASA PEXO Exams for subjects you do in class with us. You must book your own CASA PEXO Exams for any Distance Learning subjects you study.

    Before booking any CASA PEXO Exams candidates need to be sure of their eligibility and timing before making a booking.



    ATPL(A) :: Air Law, Meteorology and Human Factors

    Course Outline

    Meteorology, Air Law and Human Factors

    You should allow approximately 10 full days of devoted self study time to cover all of the material required to sit the remaining subjects of Meteorology, Air Law and Human Factors. The study material includes reference material, revision tests, and Practice CyberExams.

    Meteorology

    Study Material Included:

    • AFT Meteorology Notes, Revision Tests and Answers
    • AFT Upper Level Meteorology Notes, Revision Tests and Answers
    • AFT Meteorology Additional Revision Tests and Answers
    • Bureau of Meteorology – Manual of Aviation Meteorology Textbook
    • AFT AMET Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits

    Air Law

    Study Material Included:

    • AFT Air Law Notes and Revision Tests
    • AFT Air Law Notes and Revision Tests Answers with References
    • CASA Plain English Guide
    • AFT AALW Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits
    • AFT AALW Practice CyberExam References

    Human Factors

    Study Material Included:

    • Bob Tait Human Performance and Limitations Notes
    • AFT Human Factors Supplementary Notes
    • AFT Human Factors Supplementary Notes Answers
    • Tony Wilson – Human Performance and Limitations Textbook
    • AFT Threat and Error Management Notes
    • AFT AHUF Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits


    QantasLink :: AFT ATPL Pilot Recruitment Information Session

    The QantasLink Flight Operations Management team landed at AFT last week for an informative talk about employment pathways. Our ATPL students took the opportunity to connect with the QantasLink team to find out how they can personally be involved in something special and play their part in the Qantas story.

    A huge thanks to the dynamic Captain Danica Henderson (Q400/Deputy Flight Training Manager).
    With QantasLink actively recruiting, it was the perfect chance for our ATPL students to hear firsthand what it takes to join the Qantas Group and become part of something bigger! Lots of valuable information was given including what working for the Qantas group looks like, QantasLink minimum hour requirement, information on interview techniques, simulator assessments, psychometric testing, bases, fleet, rostering, progression opportunities and much more!

    When opportunity lands… be ready to take off. The runway to your QantasLink career starts here.



    Cathay Pacific :: AFT ATPL Pilot Recruitment Information Session

    Resharing from @aussieskipchris — Great to be back!

    I had the opportunity to return to Advanced Flight Theory and present to a full house. It’s such a thrill to be in front of the next generation of professional aviators, especially 23 years after I was sitting in those same seats as a student myself!

    I updated the presentation with a few new slides and clips, and I hope everyone walked away with something valuable. We covered Cathay’s main operational challenges, what makes the job unique, and why it’s such a rewarding and fulfilling career – especially on the iconic 747 fleet!

    With #cathay ramping up recruitment in the coming years, it would be amazing to share the flight deck with some of these future aviators!
    A huge thanks to everyone for having me, the audience participation, and a special shout out to Nathan Higgins for always having the answer – truly a legendary avgeek!

    Blue skies 🇦🇺🦘



    Leidos Airborne Solution :: AFT ATPL Pilot Recruitment Information Session

    This week our ATPL students had an incredible opportunity to learn about aviation roles outside traditional airline pathways, highlighting the diverse career options available to pilots in Australia.
    We were joined by Leidos Airborne Solutions Australia, who shared insights into their critical work in aerial border surveillance and search and rescue operations across Australia’s exclusive economic zone and SAR region on behalf of the Australian Government.
    These roles are far from typical pilot jobs. Leidos pilots perform low-level, hands-on flying to execute missions of national importance. Operating highly modified aircraft equipped with advanced technology, they work as part of a dynamic, highly skilled team making a real impact.
    A huge thank you to Captain Alex Przeklasa-Adamski and Talent Acquisition Advisor Makira Vann for sharing their passion and providing valuable insights into life at Leidos, including exciting career progression opportunities. It’s inspiring to see the breadth of opportunities available to our students as they prepare for their future in aviation!


    RFDS Flying off Autopilot :: AFT ATPL Pilot Recruitment Information Session

    This week we had the privilege of welcoming RFDS legend and AFT Alumni, Captain Mark Davies to our ATPL stage, to share his experience flying for one of Australia’s most iconic aviation organisations.
    Mark offered our pilots incredible insight into a flying career beyond autopilot, including minimum entry requirements for RFDS pilots and an overview of their interview and selection process. A career with the Royal Flying Doctor Service is one built on purpose, challenge, and adventure. RFDS pilots take the King Air into some of the most remote and striking corners of Queensland, where every mission is different and every flight makes a real impact.
    Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear headsets.
    This isn’t just flying. It’s flying with purpose.


    Alliance :: AFT ATPL Pilot Recruitment Information Session

    When Alliance Airlines touched down at AFT last week, they bought more than just an opportunity! They bought passion, purpose, and serious momentum. 🛫

    We were excited to welcome Mitch Geddes (Manager Flight Crew Line Operations) and Rob Davis (QLD Flight Crew Base Manager) for another high-energy Pilot Recruitment Information Session. For added motivation, it’s always inspiring for our students to know that both Mitch and Rob are AFT ATPL Alumni and know what it’s like to sit in your seat. 🤩
    From insights into their growing fleet and expanding network, to a values-led culture and a clear-eyed look at the recruitment process, our pilots had the rare opportunity to hear firsthand how Alliance does things differently.

    Alliance is on the rise and they’re taking their people with them. It’s a powerful time to be a pilot – rise with Alliance!