AVI50519 - Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)

This course is delivered by White Star Aviation on behalf of Aviation Australia.

White Star Aviation is a boutique Flight Training Academy in Armidale and Ballina (less than 30 minutes away from Byron Bay and 60 minutes to the world-famous Gold Coast), ready to launch the next generation of inspiring aviators.

Uniquely owned by a team of three aviation professionals who collectively hold all of the qualifications, skills and approvals required to operate a full-scope aviation business, White Star Aviation affords its customers diversity of operations few others can offer. Boasting over 100 years of General Aviation experience, the management team share a passionate obsession with the industry that sets them apart.

The White Star Aviation fleet boasts the latest technology in avionics and in-house maintenance ensures minimum down-time on aircraft, including:

  • Cessna 172, 182 and 206
  • Diamond DA40NG and DA62
  • Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche
  • CKAS MotionSim1 Flight Training Device (CASA approved) – designed to simulate a G1000 Piper PA44 Seminole and a G1000 or analogue C172, providing students with a leading full-flight trainer/aircraft combination for basic training through to Multi-Engine Instrument Rating.

Students are mentored through their program by a network of Airline Captains.  Their ‘Captain’s Lounge’ portal provides the students with direct access to 14 airline captains across 5 continents, representing 12 companies, all available to provide guidance, mentorship and insights to our current and past students.

White Star Aviation is a Part 141 CASA approved flight training facility at Armidale and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (New South Wales). The standard course is aligned with the CASR Part 141 flight training requirements under White Star Aviation’s CASA Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

Open To:

Domestic Students

Cost:

Multi Engine Instrument Rating options:

  • DA62 (Diamond DA62) $40,200.00
  • PA30 (Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche) $36,875.00

VET Student Loan available for eligible students.

View the Schedule of Fees.

Duration:

3 – 4 months

Location:

Ballina (New South Wales), Armidale (New South Wales)

Study mode:

Full-time

Course start dates:
  • 7 October 2025
  • 5 January 2026
  • 7 April 2026
  • 6 July 2026
  • 6 October 2026

 

*There may be additional fees not contained in your tuition fees. Please note the prices listed on the website are subject to change.
Aviation Australia reserves the right to revise the course prices at any time. In the event of such changes, the client will be notified at the time of registration and confirmed prior to course enrolment.

Candidates must:
  • Complete pre-course assessment (interview)
  • Hold a current CASA Class 1 Medical and Aviation Security ID Card (ASIC)
  • Hold a current valid Australian Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL)
  • Provide all CASA CPL examination results
  • Have completed a minimum of 1.0hr NIGHT experience as pilot in command, and 5.0hrs NIGHT Total*

* On request White Star Aviation can arrange night training prior to course commencement.

Email [email protected] , call +61 7 3860 0900 or enquire through the link below.

ENQUIRE NOW

Study Modes

Self-Study

In addition to the daily in-class attendance requirements, students are expected to self-study at home for a minimum of 5 hours per week, increasing to up to 10 hours per week during peak exam periods. To facilitate this, students will require access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. This self-study will help students achieve the required academic milestones that must be completed before progressing to the next study period.

This is an intensive course; students are expected to complete additional revision on a regular (daily) basis. To minimize disruption, it is recommended that students do not undertake any employment while studying this program.

Face to Face

Face to face training is located at White Star Aviation in Armidale and Ballina, New South Wales. Flight lessons/briefings may be conducted at various aerodromes that may require travel. A minimum of 20 hours per week face to face training is required, however attendance of 5 days a week is the expectation.

Recognition of Prior Learning

We offer the opportunity to have your previous studies, qualifications and experience assessed for certification against this course.

Enquire now

White Star Aviation (Ballina Campus)

210 Southern Cross Drive
Ballina Airport, NSW, 2478

White Star Aviation (Armidale Campus)

11 Peter Monley Drive,
Armidale NSW 2350

Facilities

There is free parking available onsite.

 

The facility has a range of student study areas with equipment to assist students with course study.

There are full kitchen facilities available for student use.