The Graduate Diploma in Flying provides a professional level program of instruction and training leading to a fully accredited qualification as an Australian commercial pilot.  The course will provide the following qualifications:

• a Commercial Pilot's Licence, and
• a Command Instrument Rating in a twin engine or turbine-powered aircraft

in addition to training in night flying, and upset recovery techniques.  The course covers all the basic requirements for becoming a commercial pilot and beginning a career as a pilot, or beginning a career path towards becoming a senior aviation professional.

Students who have not previously completed ECU's Bachelor of Aviation must take the Graduate Diploma in Flying concurrently with this course (i.e. in order to be eligible to enrol in any flying training units students must have either already completed or be full-time enrolled in the ECU Bachelor of Aviation course).

Applicants must satisfy standard ECU admission requirements.  In addition they must meet the special admission requirements listed below.  

In addition to meeting standard ECU entrance requirements, applicants must:

1. Have completed the ECU Bachelor of Aviation course, or be enrolled concurrently in that course.
2. Meet the requirements of a Class 1 medical examination as required by CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) for holders of a Commercial Pilot's Licence.
3. Be interviewed by a selection panel and demonstrate an aptitude for, and a commitment to, flying and aviation.
4. Acquire an AVID (Aviation Identification) as a minimum, or preferably an ASIC (Aviation Security Identification Card) security status.

Transition arrangement: For students already enrolled in the ECU Bachelor of Aviation (non flying stream) with an enrolment date prior to 2009, there will be a special transition arrangement that will allow them to convert to the new Bachelor of Aviation and then concurrently enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Flying, to take advantage of FEE-HELP funding arrangements. These students must consult the Course Coordinator who will determine their new program of study.

To complete the Graduate Diploma in Flying students must achieve at least 120 credit points, consisting of eight core units.  The core units provide the necessary theory and practice to achieve a Commercial Pilot's Licence with Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating.

Most units in the course will be examined by both theory and practical examinations, and will include the necessary CASA examinations to ensure that the achievements are fully accredited.  All examinations must be passed. Where a CASA examination is set, each student is entitled to one attempt at the examination (conducted by CASA through various examination centres).  Additional attempts must be paid for by the student in addition to the regular fees payable for this course.