Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)- Start Your Aviation Career
Train to become a professional pilot and take the next step towards airline and commercial flying opportunities.
No prior experience required, we guide you step by step from your first flight to becoming a professional pilot.
With a CPL, you can:
- Work as a professional pilot and get paid to fly
- Apply for charter, survey, and entry-level aviation roles
- Build flight hours towards airline requirements
- Progress to advanced training such as MECIR and MCC
Start from Zero or Progress from PPL
You can begin your CPL journey with no prior experience through our structured training pathway, or progress directly if you already hold a Private Pilot Licence (PPL).
Our instructors will guide you through the most suitable pathway based on your experience and career goals.
How Your CPL Training Works
Your CPL training is structured and guided. From the moment you begin, you will follow a clear progression designed to develop you to a professional standard.
Step 1- Training Planning
Your instructor assesses your current experience and creates a personalised training plan based on your goals and timeline.
Step 2- Advanced Flight Training
You begin intensive training focused on precision flying, aircraft handling, and operating to commercial pilot standards.
Step 3- Hour Building & Experience
Continue building flight hours while refining decision-making, situational awareness, and consistency in all phases of flight.
Step 4- Multi-Aircraft Training
Gain experience across different aircraft, including high-performance aircraft used in commercial operations.
Step 5- CPL Theory & Exam Preparation
Complete required theory training and prepare for CASA CPL exams with instructor support.
Step 6- Flight Test Preparation
Undertake structured preparation including mock tests and performance assessments.
Step 7- CPL Flight Test
Demonstrate your ability to operate at a professional standard during your CPL flight test.
Step 8- Licence Issued
Upon completion, you will obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence and be eligible to begin your aviation career.
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
From AUD 98,000 + GST (Start From Zero)
From AUD 65,000 + GST (Progress From PPL)
Final cost depends on training progression and aircraft selection.
Not sure which pathway is right for you? Our instructors can guide you based on your goals.
Training Process (Start from Zero)
CPL ground school develops advanced aviation knowledge including performance, navigation, meteorology, air law, and human factors. This prepares students for CPL theory examinations and professional flight operations.
1. Foundation Training (RPL + PPL)
~60–70 flight hours
- Basic aircraft handling and circuits
- First solo flight
- Navigation and cross-country training
- Build confidence as Pilot in Command
2. CPL Ground School
Approx. 150–250 hours (self-paced + instructor support)
- Navigation
- Meteorology
- Air law
- Human factors
- Performance and planning
3. Hour Building (Pilot-in-Command)
Up to ~150 total flight hours required
- Build flight experience
- Develop decision-making and situational awareness
- Operate independently as Pilot in Command
4. Multi-Aircraft / Advanced Training
~10 hours (Cessna 210 or similar)
- High-performance aircraft operations
- Advanced systems and handling
- Commercial-level flight discipline
5. Simulator Training
~5–10 hours
- Emergency procedures
- Instrument awareness
- Scenario-based training
6. CPL Flight Test
Once training is complete, you will be recommended for a CPL flight test with a CASA-approved Testing Officer. You will demonstrate your flying skills, knowledge, and decision-making.
Successful completion results in the issue of your Commercial Pilot Licence.
Training Process (For PPL Holders)
1. Prerequisite Requirements
To commence the Commercial Pilot Licence, students must already hold a Private Pilot License (PPL) and meet
CASA medical and regulatory requirements.
2. CPL Ground School
CPL ground school develops advanced aviation knowledge including performance, navigation, meteorology, air law, and human factors. This prepares students for CPL theory examinations and professional flight operations.
3. Build Pilot-in-Command Hours
To qualify for a CPL, you must accumulate 150 total flight hours, including a minimum of 70 hours as Pilot-in-Command. Planned navigation exercises are used to build command experience safely and efficiently.
4. CPL Flight Training – Module 1
Module 1 focuses on developing commercial-level flying skills through 30 hours dual and 50 hours solo flight training. Training is conducted in aircraft such as the Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Alpha R2160, or Cessna 210.
Each exercise is demonstrated by your instructor, then practised until standards are met. You will refine aircraft control, take-offs and landings, and emergency handling.
5. CPL Flight Training – Module 2
Module 2 builds on Module 1 and includes 10 hours of dual flight training in the Cessna 210, focusing on advanced handling, performance management, and professional operational standards.
6. CPL Flight Test
Once training is complete, you will be recommended for a CPL flight test with a CASA-approved Testing Officer. You will demonstrate your flying skills, knowledge, and decision-making.
Successful completion results in the issue of your Commercial Pilot Licence.
Fly Further.
Fly Independently.
The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) advances your flying skills to a professional level and expands your operational privileges. It allows you to act as Pilot in Command for commercial operations across Australia, operating in a broad range of airspace and conditions. The Wingman CPL course follows the CASA syllabus and builds on your PPL foundations with advanced navigation, complex flight operations, and professional-level decision-making. You will learn to plan, execute, and manage flights with the precision, responsibility, and confidence required of a commercial pilot.
Inside Your CPL Training
CPL training focuses on developing you to a professional standard – combining advanced flying skills, operational knowledge, and decision-making.
Advanced Flight Training
Refine aircraft handling to commercial pilot standards with precision flying and advanced manoeuvres.
Navigation & Commercial Operations
Learn flight planning, fuel management, and real-world commercial decision-making.
Professional Decision Making
Apply human factors and threat management to operate safely and confidently.
Flight Test Preparation
Prepare for your CPL test with structured training and performance assessment.
After CPL - Choose Your Path
Your CPL opens multiple career pathways depending on your goals.
Charter Path
Why Train with
Wingman Academies
At Wingman Academies, we don’t just teach aviation- we prepare confident, capable pilots for real-world flying and future careers. Our programs are designed by airline professionals and delivered with a focus on safety, quality, and long-term success.
- Training in a real, operational aviation environment
- Safety-driven and standards-focused instruction
- Flexible scheduling to suit your availability
- Clear progression into professional pilot training
Ready to Start Your Pilot Journey?
Speak to an instructor to plan your training pathway.