Pilot training and cadetships
for soaring success
For those who want to fly high
The only school in Australia where you learn from instructors who work as airline pilots.
Inbound Aviation takes people from zero to hero—from zero flight experience into an airline-capable pilot. We train and support the next wave of Australian aviators. If you want to be a pilot, our airline pilots will be the strong tailwind propelling you forward.
World-class training courses
For future pilots
This Multi-Crew Cooperation course:
- teaches you how to operate in a multi-crew environment
- gives you with skills needed to fly in an Airline operation
- is carefully designed by our highly experienced instructors to best prepare you for life in the world of professional multi-crew flying.
This Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating course:
- allows you to navigate an aircraft under the IFR by sole reference to the instruments in non-visual conditions
- takes your understanding of the weather to a whole new level, and
- will challenge you while also combining learning and fun.
This Diploma of Aviation
- teaches you all the building blocks of flying
- includes aviation theory and practical flying
- gives you a Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) upon successful completion
A truly unique place to learn
The entire team shepherds students through the early stages of aviation to help them develop, wanting their foundation in the industry to be a positive experience.
We warmly welcome and guide those learning to fly in an environment that blends the best of an aero club, checking and training facility, and pilot share house. With everyone held to a high-level of accountability—the students, admin staff, flying instructors and pilots themselves—it’s a rare culture that creates young professionals who are highly competent.
All those willing to work hard are welcome, and our mantra is: don’t tell me what you can do, show me what you can do. How you do anything is how you do everything.
Support for success
Make your dream a reality
Dreaming is only half the job—only hard work will put you in a jet. Our trainers are sensitive to different learning needs and cultures, which is why we always use plain English, never Australian slang. We embrace inclusiveness, and the fact that colour blindness is no longer a barrier to flying.
Learn from professional pilots
Our instructors are professional aviators, including some current airline pilots. Learn from the same pilots you hear making announcements over the PA when you fly around Australia. They’ll give you invaluable insight into the aviation industry and guide you through its ever-changing landscape.
Be part of a passionate community
Inbound Aviation isn’t just a classroom to get a qualification, it’s a place where likeminded people bond over flying for hours. Our on-site accommodation and learning styles allow you to grow professionally and forge lasting friendships. If you know what you want, this is the place for you.
Fast-track becoming a First Officer
Our fully immersive experience turns you into a fully qualified First Officer for a regional airline in 15 months, with a job guaranteed. After successfully completing a cadetship, all graduates work for Pelican or Sharp Airlines on a 12-month contract. Accelerate your flying and jumpstart your career.
Fly with confidence for success
Being nervous about flying an aircraft is completely normal. Our trainers are always supportive and encouraging, knowing they’re training you to be the kind of pilot they would trust and have absolute confidence in if you’re ever their co-pilot on a commercial airline flight in the future.
Stay on-site for camaraderie and support
Many students are living out of home for the first time, so appreciate our on-site accommodation. Each shared residence is for four and decked out with all the essentials (except linen). The team’s doors are always open, creating a supportive home away from home.
Our partners are for your benefit
Frequently
asked questions
What kind of career progression can I expect? What have your cadets gone on to do?
The world is your oyster after you successfully complete your study at Inbound Aviation then finish a 12-month guaranteed contract at Sharp or Pelican airlines. Airlines see the professionalism and education you’ve gained which sets you up and puts you in an enviable position to be picked up by an airline in Australia or anywhere in the world. To become a First Officer in only 13-months is incredibly rare, and all of our successful graduates now work for airlines.
Can international students study at Inbound Aviation?
There are a few international students, but you do have to have the legal right to work in Australia to be able to do the course, so most students are Australian.
Does an airline pay for my cadetship? Or do I pay for it?
No, it’s not paid for by an airline, it’s self-funded by the cadets themselves and paid in instalments over 12 months. We’ve teamed up with a finance company called Handypay who offer substantial loans you pay back over time. To understand the financial investment involved, listen in on one of the Inbound Aviation information nights so you can plan ahead financially and then apply later.
Is the accommodation that’s on-site included in the cost of the course? Or do I pay for it?
No, it’s not. The accommodation we have on-site is optional and there is an extra cost for this. Four people share each of the barn-style houses, so nobody lives alone, and these are decked out with the essentials (except linen; everyone brings their own sheets and towels).
Inbound Aviation gives students a welcome hamper to save them a bit of time and money, and shares phone numbers prior to arrival so everyone can get to know each other. There’s a welcome dinner before class starts so everyone can meet, and we remind students they can pick up their phone and call anyone in our team any time, about anything, so students always feel safe and supported.
Are there any sports facilities or teams I can join?
There’s an open field across from the on-site accommodation for casually kicking around a footy, rugby or soccer ball, and we give everyone a list of nearby local gyms and sports clubs to help them settle in. Inbound Aviation sponsors two football clubs, so students often go and watch to make friends.
Are meals included?
No, they’re not. Students are responsible for cooking for themselves in their accommodation.
How do you know if you’re staying on track while you’re learning?
Before you start, you’ll get a student handbook with all the rules, requirements, and obligations to read through before day one. It outlines everything you need to know—including what happens if you fail an exam—so it’s all transparent.
What are the flying hours in a cadetship?
During a cadetship, cadets will complete 208 hours of flying (even if they’ve never been in a small aircraft so have zero hours when they start).
How are the weather conditions for flying?
Mangalore was selected as the location for Inbound Aviation because of its weather, with 320 days of favourable flying conditions every year.