The Aviation sector is a crucial industry for Australia and the Northern Territory. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Airservices Australia, are two peak government bodies that regulate the Australian aviation industry. Airservices Australia manages 11% of the world’s airspace. The industry makes a significant contribution to the Australian economy, approximately 43 billion dollars or 3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The industry is a significant employer.
Aviation is crucial in connecting people and businesses together, opening trade opportunities between nations, states and regions. This aids in the economic development, social development and social inclusion for the people across the Northern Territory, Australia and internationally.
The Northern Territory is vast in size, accessibility to and from major regional and remote communities is challenging, especially in the wet season, when there are many road closures.
Aviation provides essential and critical services to regional and remote areas. The significance of this sector and the part it plays in the day-to-day functionality keeps the lifeline of the Territory going. This cannot be understated.
Aviation is an essential enabler of tourism, transporting people far and wide across the globe, and in a sense making the world a smaller place. The world of aviation is a complex and dynamic one. All facets of the sector must work together simultaneously, quite often under very tight chronological timeframes to deliver “on time”, “on target” services.
The expanding middle class of the Northern Territory’s neighbours in south Asia, particularly in India and China, will see wealth and accessibility to air travel rise, with the number of international visitors to Australia set to climb. The aviation sector plays a vital role in tourism globally and domestically.
The Northern Territory, especially Darwin and Katherine, are strategic locations for the defence of our nation.
The aviation industry is defined in the following context
The Northern Territory is the third largest state in Australia at 1.346 million km². It has a larger land mass in comparison to countries like Peru, South Africa, Egypt and Pakistan.
The Northern Territory overlayed on map of Alaska, the largest state in the U.S.A
Displayed are some of the better known airports and airfields listed as there are over 200 in the Northern Territory. Some of the airfields are local knowledge to pilots and communities and are not listed on any maps. An airfield is typically a venue that has less infrastructure than an airport. Generally speaking, an airport will be larger and be able to handle higher numbers of aircraft and passengers. This shows how vast the Territory is and how aviation is crucial to the Northern Territory.
Key aviation activities in the Northern Territory
Image supplied by Darwin International Airport
Potential Gateway to Asia
Given the location of the Northern Territory, it is in the prime position to attract tourists, trade and investments to the Top End. Untapped potential to reap economic rewards lies at our doorstep. The Northern Territory has remarkable landscapes, fresh produce, arts and culture on offer for the south Asian market. The NT’s proximity to Asia and maritime borders are strategically important to Defence. The map beside demonstrates the potential reach of the Northern Territory into the south Asian markets.
In 2017-2018 Darwin International Airport had 2.8 million passengers and over 89,000 aircraft movements in total.
Country with the largest increase of visitors to Central Australia was Greater China
Source: International Visitor Survey, Tourism Research Australia year ending December 2018
NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS TO THE TOP END VS. CENTRAL AUSTRALIA REGIONS
The above graph shows the number of visitors to the Top End and Central Australia over a ten-year period. The year that reflects the greatest number of visitors is the year 2009 where the Top End received 176,000 visitors and Central Australia received 232,000 visitors. The year that saw the Top End have the least number of visitors was the year 2018 and for Central Australia it was in the year 2014. Central Australia visitor numbers are consistently stronger than the number of visitors received in the Top End.
AIRCRAFT MOVEMENT PER HEAD OF POPULATION
Source: ABS Census 2016; and Airservices movements at Australian airports 2018
On a national scale the Northern Territory is very small, both in size of operations and population numbers, however, the Northern Territory’s aircraft movement statistics per resident punches above its weight in comparison to the other states. This further demonstrates how aviation is key to the NT.
TOTAL AIRCRAFT MOVEMENT STATISTICS BY STATE POPULATION
Source: Airservices movements at Australian airports 2018
Occupation Numbers
Aircraft and Population Statistics
An Ageing Fleet
Many aircraft models that are in operation in the Northern Territory are no longer in production. Support for these aircraft is becoming difficult as the production of spare parts has reduced or stopped. There are new, more sophisticated models in production; however the capital purchase or leasing of these aircraft is prohibitive. The challenge for general aviation is developing a viable strategy to replace these aging aircraft in a financially feasible manner. The industry already operates on very narrow margins and this will be an ongoing challenge to most operators.
CASE STUDY – TRISH CURRY (PILOT CHARTAIR)
Trish Curry is a line pilot employed by Chartair who works at their Alice Springs base. Born in Indonesia, Trish spent a fair amount of time growing up in the mountainside of West Papua, and this was the gateway for exposure to aviation. From a young age, she was exposed to the grit of flying out in the communities, landing on small short dirt runway strips at 5000 feet above sea level. That raw, rugged flying inspired Trish to pursue a career in aviation. In 2009, Trish and her family moved back to Darwin permanently where Trish attended high school. While completing high school Trish was inclined to enter into the Defence Force, and she undertook work experience in year 10 at Darwin’s air traffic control tower.
While joining the Air Force seemed like an excellent opportunity, by the end of year 12, Trish had changed her mind. Instead, she was accepted into a nursing degree program and commenced that with an eye to moving on to studying medicine.
That all changed a couple of years into her nursing degree after a joy flight in a Tiger moth. Upon landing the pilot asked Trish how she enjoyed herself and Trish responded with, “I am in the wrong career, I need to get back into flying.” The rest is history. Trish completed her recreational pilot’s licence (RPL) here at Darwin with Flight Standards, and just recently finished her multi-engine instrument rating with the same flying school and thoroughly enjoyed her training in the Northern Territory. “The Northern Territory has a huge general aviation profile, and without those aviation services, the NT would suffer. The weather here and the airspace we fly in, produce and make better pilots.” Trish currently flies Cessna 210s in Alice Springs undertaking a variety of work which includes transport of students from communities to Alice Springs, mail runs, transfer of medical staff and water sample testing. When asked what the future looks like for her, she said, “I enjoy single-pilot operations. There is a lot of hands-on-flying, plus it’s both challenging and enjoyable. I would strongly encourage students to consider a career in aviation and to seek out more information on it as there are many opportunities in this industry.”
CASE STUDY – SAM COOPER (COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE STUDENT)
Samuel Cooper knew he wanted to become a pilot from a very young age. His passion for the industry grew as he learnt more and more about the industry especially the various types of civilian and military aircraft. Sam had a peek into military aviation and while parts of that interested him, he had his heart set outside of that. In Year 10, he completed a work experience opportunity at Darwin’s air traffic control tower. Sam finished year 12 in 2014 and went straight from high school into flight school at the age of 18.
Even though he suffered from motion sickness on his initial few flights, he was driven to pursue his dream and it was not long before he went on his solo flight. “I’ll never forget my first solo; it was very exciting!” To support the cost of his training, he worked several jobs, one of which was as a baggage handler. His workplace allowed him to network with pilots and grow his knowledge through his connections there. Being close to the industry in both training and work was something beneficial to this young budding pilot. Sam completed all his flight training from ab-initio (initial) to Commercial Pilot’s Licence and night rating at a locally based flying school in Darwin.
“Learning to fly at Darwin, especially if you are looking to become a commercial pilot in general aviation (GA), was challenging but gets you job ready.” Sam acknowledges that having already trained here, he knows the area well. With a lot of job opportunities here in the Northern Territory, he has the added advantage when compared to pilots coming from down south who will need to do familiarisation flights when they get here. Sam is about to sit his flight test for his commercial pilot’s licence (CPL) here in Darwin and looks forward to his first job as a pilot. Looking into the future, he is happy to explore every work opportunity that may come, and a job in the airlines would be welcomed. Ideally, he would like to stay in Darwin as his family lives here, and this is home for him, but he is aware this industry requires relocating when needed. “My perfect scenario would be to join the airlines in the near future, but later on to come back to either GA or into the Aeromedical line of work.”
THE RISE OF REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (RPAS/DRONES)
The advent of drone technology in recent times has seen a rise in the use of drones both recreationally and commercially. This trend will continue to grow as the potential for drone work exponentially is uncovered. Traditional work undertaken by helicopters or planes such as surveillance, search and rescue, inspections, photography, videography, and crop dusting are now tasks that may be either fully or partially completed by drones.
There is a requirement to hold a commercial RPAS licence in order to operate a drone for commercial purposes. There are presently 107 Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) approved registered training organisations across Australia. There are 24 commercial drone operators in the Northern Territory, and 1741 commercial drone operators Australia wide. This is a rapidly growing industry to keep an eye on, and the future potential for employment opportunities will present itself.
Australian Defence Force
The Northern Territory, and in particular Darwin and Katherine, due to their locations, are crucially important to the Australian Defence Force. RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal are joint user aerodromes between the Australian Defence Force and the civilian community of Darwin and Katherine. Additionally Robertson Barracks is a large Australian Army base operating Tiger attack helicopters on the outskirts of Darwin.
Defence support industries are a significant contributor to the Northern Territory economy. International companies including Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and British Aerospace all have a presence in the Northern Territory supporting the Australian Defence Force. Aviation Defence Support Industries create direct and indirect jobs, including apprenticeships, particularly Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAME). They contribute to infrastructure development and demand for local services.
Current State
STRENGTHS
Geo-political and Economic
- Aviation services are in high demand due to remote and regional locations covering vast distances in the NT.
- Busy General Aviation (GA) environment equates to more maintenance requirements which translate directly to more work orders.
- Tourism is a crucial industry to the NT, and many nature attractions are accessible only via air transportation.
- Aviation supports the cattle, mining, medical and tourism industries.
- Darwin’s unique location is strategically important for activities such as border patrol, Defence and humanitarian work for Australia’s northern neighbours.
- An emerging space industry.
- Australia is well recognised as a leader in Aviation Safety. Strong regulation, requirements for policies and procedures within the industry, ensures upkeep in safety, quality and delivery of operations.
- Central Australia has conducive weather for aircraft storage and space for an aircraft graveyard.
Workforce and Capability
- Australia has a renowned reputation for producing high quality engineers and pilots.
- NT provides broad job opportunities in GA for inexperienced pilots, they can build experience and flying hours.
- Large GA fleets present ample work opportunities for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAMEs) to build experience and knowledge.
- NT age profile of LAME/AMEs has a majority of early to mid-career employees in the occupation compared to the national average.
- Stable engineering workforce numbers in major locations like Darwin and Alice Springs.
Training and Skills
- The NT Government financially supports Diploma level apprenticeship pathway for engineering apprentices.
- All levels and types of pilot training can be undertaken, 3 (aeroplane) flying schools and 1 (helicopter) flying school are operating in the NT.
- Australia has high quality and well-regulated training and licensing systems for pilots and engineers that is recognised internationally.
- Pilots and engineering endorsements and licences are highly regulated by Civil Aviation Safety Authority which includes training and assessments.
- Airspace and climate of the higher latitudes in the NT facilitates and presents broader flight training opportunities under varying conditions.
CHALLENGES
Geo-political and Economic
- The aircraft fleet is aging, and replacement costs are prohibitive to many operators.
- Increased engineering costs to maintain safe operations of the aging fleet.
- Constant changes to regulations and legislation harms the industry.
- The decline in the NT general population has a negative effect on the aviation industry.
- Lack of competition amongst commercial airlines creates increased travel cost to consumers.
- Thin operating margins in General Aviation make it a high-risk industry. High operating costs such as airport cost, freight parts cost, aviation fuel, maintenance costs.
- Theft of aviation gasoline from aircraft is prevalent in remote locations, due to substance abuse.
Workforce and Capability
- Shortage of experienced pilots able to fly and command larger multi-engine aircraft with appropriate ratings; this includes instrument ratings, instructor rating, aerial mustering rating, or specific aircraft type ratings.
- Easy to attract inexperienced pilots to the NT but difficult to retain them and progress them through their respective companies.
- National aging Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME workforce, reduced pool of candidates for NT.
- High turnover of pilots, the major airlines are recruiting at high volume
- High turnover in regional and remote areas for pilots. Factors such as the NT climate, working and living conditions, isolation and traditionally pilots work in remote areas to build flying hours to progress their flying careers contribute to the turn over.
- Low numbers of locally trained pilots.
- Remotely located aviation providers report difficulty attracting LAMEs.
- Low pay for entry level pilots in General Aviation.
- CASA figures in 2017 showed a national decrease in Commercial and Airline Transport Pilot Licences being issued.
Training and Skills
- Pilot training cost expensive which is a barrier to the industry.
- No access to training loans e.g. HECs/VET Fee Help to help assist pilots to access training.
- No local Registered Training Organisation (RTO) provides engineering block training to apprentices in the NT.
- Changes to Engineering Licencing requirements have resulted in fewer Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AME) upgrading to Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAME).
Future State
OPPORTUNITIES
Geo-political and Economic
- The projected GDP growth of south Asian neighbours will see a demand in aircraft production to meet air services needs.
- The rising of the middle class in our northern neighbours will drive up air route demands and the demand for qualified skilled labour.
- Additional international airline competition into Darwin will provide new opportunities for business and reduce the cost to consumers.
- Increasing the NT population will result in higher demand for aviation services and stimulate more competition.
- Increased mining and tourism activities create additional demand for aviation services.
- Emerging growth in remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) capability to support multiple industries.
- The attraction of international space industries to the NT due to our unique geographical location which is ideally suited for space launch and recovery.
- Airline passenger cost per seat will be reduced due to new generation fuel-efficient engines in current production.
- Low-cost airlines will expand operations, increase passenger numbers and, boost revenue to airlines and the aviation industry nationally.
Workforce and Occupations
- Attract local population to consider a career in aviation.
- Flying schools with RTO status with VET Fee help may attract larger number of students.
- Remote Pilot Aircraft System (RPAS) Pilots are an emerging occupation that will be in demand.
- Increase in Defence Aviation activities will result in an increased demand in the Defence Support Industries.
Training and Skills Development
- Attracting international students from Asia Pacific region, for aviation training.
- New and emerging technology with electric aircraft may create cheaper training and flying opportunities.
- For a local Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to deliver aviation training for engineering apprentices.
- Financial assistance to encourage locally trained pilots.
THREATS
Geo-political and Economic
- High costs of investment into new aircraft capital.
- Continual decline in Northern Territory’s population.
- Thin operating margins in GA make aviation a high-risk industry to operate in and enter.
- Any government funding reduction for aviation services will have a significant negative effect on the general aviation industry.
- Major legislative changes could affect aviation operations.
Workforce and Occupations
- Airlines continue to recruit pilots at high levels which will have a knock on effect to the General Aviation community
- Lower levels of interest in pilot careers, awareness and promotion of aviation careers occurring in schools.
- Increase in Aviation demand in Asia/Pacific region may result in pilots lured overseas.
- Heightened aviation maintenance activity as result of the Asia/Pacific regional growth could lead to the increased shortage of Australian LAMEs.
- Potential to lose Australian jobs to foreign pilots if the demand for pilots cannot be filled locally.
- Low pay at pilot entry levels will affect attraction and retention in GA organisations.
Training and Skills Development
- May not meet emerging demand for training and licensing of Remote Pilots Aircraft Systems (RPAS) (drones).
- High cost of training for pilots.
- Any reduction of flight training organisations in the NT will affect the ability to support the demand in both training and testing for licencing requirements.
Occupations in Demand and Career Pathways
Pilot Occupations
NT Apprenticeship / Traineeship
Training Delivered in the NT
NO NT Appreticeship / Traineeship
NO Training Delivered in the NT

Image supplied by AirNorth
AEROPLANE PILOT
ANZSCO # 231111 Flies aeroplanes to transport passengers, mail and freight, or provide agricultural, aerial surveillance or other aviation services. Registration or licensing is required. Skill Level: 1
Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence) – AVI50215 |
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Flying School (Non-Vocational Education and Trainingcoastal) |
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Airline Pilot cadet program |
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Defence Force pilot program |
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Aviation Degree |
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Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command) – AVI60216 |
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HELICOPTER PILOT
ANZSCO # 231114 Flies helicopters to transport passengers, mail or freight, or provide agricultural, aviation or aerial surveillance services. Registration or licensing is required. Skill Level: 1
Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter) – AVI50315 |
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Flying School (Non –Vocational Education and Training) |
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or | |
Australian Defence Force Pilot Program |
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Pilot Training and Career Pathways
Aviation Engineering Occupations
NT Apprenticeship / Traineeship
Training Delivered in the NT
NO NT Appreticeship / Traineeship
NO Training Delivered in the NT

Image supplied by UberAir
REMOTE PILOT AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (RPAS)
ALTERNATIVE TITLES: REMOTE PILOT, DRONE PILOT OR OPERATOR, UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS OPERATORS
ANZSCO # 231119 Operates remote pilot aircraft systems. Registration or licensing is required. Skill Level: 1
Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot – Visual Line of Sight) – AVI30316 |
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Image supplied by AirNorth
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEER (STRUCTURES)
ALTERNATIVE TITLES: AME
ANZSCO # 323113 Inspects, dismantles and re-assembles aircraft structures, and repairs and replaces components of aircraft frames. Works with both metal and carbon fibre composite materials. Registration or licensing may be required. Skill Level: 3
Certificate II in Aircraft Line Maintenance – MEA20518 |
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Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Structures) – MEA41318 |
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PRE-VOCATIONAL

Image supplied by AirNorth
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEER (AVIONICS)
ALTERNATIVE TITLES: LICENCED AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEER (LAME)/AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEER (AME)
ANZSCO # 323111 Inspects, tests, aligns, repairs and installs aircraft electrical and avionic system components. Registration or licensing may be required. Skill Level: 3
Certificate II in Aircraft Line Maintenance – MEA20518 |
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Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Avionics) – MEA40618 |
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Diploma of Aeroskills (Avionics) – MEA50118 [CASA B2] |
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Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management (Avionics) – MEA50318 |
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Adv Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management (Avionics) – MEA60118 |
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Advanced Diploma of Avionic Engineering – MEA60518 |
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Image supplied by AirNorth
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEER (MECHANICAL)
ALTERNATIVE TITLES: LAME/AME
ANZSCO # 323112 Inspects, tests, repairs and installs aircraft hydromechanical and flight system components and aircraft engines, sub-assemblies and components. Registration or licensing may be required. Skill Level: 3
Certificate II in Aircraft Line Maintenance – MEA20518 |
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Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical) – MEA40718 |
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Diploma of Aeroskills (Mechanical) – MEA50218 [CASA B1] |
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Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management (Mechanical) – MEA50418 |
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Advanced Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management (Mechanical) – MEA60218 |
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Aviation Support Services occupations
Occupations qualifications pathways have been identified. These occupations require additional licences, accreditations, certifications and specialised training.
NT Apprenticeship / Traineeship
Training Delivered in the NT
NO NT Appreticeship / Traineeship
NO Training Delivered in the NT

Image supplied by Darwin International Airport
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
ANZSCO # 231112 Ensures the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in controlled airspace and aerodromes by directing aircraft movements. Registration or licensing is required. Skill Level: 3
Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control) – AVI50115 |
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Image supplied by AirNorth
CABIN CREW
ALTERNATIVE TITLES: FLIGHT ATTENDANT
ANZSCO # 451711 Provides services for the safety and comfort of aircraft passengers. Skill Level: 3
Certificate III in Aviation (Cabin Crew) – AVI30116 |
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Image supplied by Darwin International Airport
AERODROME REPORTING OFFICER
ANZSCO # 599599 This qualification provides individuals with technical and non-technical aviation skills to operate effectively in a broad range of aerodrome operations roles. Skill Level: 4
Certificate III in Aviation (Aerodrome Operations) – AVI30516 |
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AERODROME SAFETY OFFICER
ANZSCO # 599599 This qualification provides individuals with technical and non-technical aviation skills to operate effectively in a broad range of aerodrome operations roles. Skill Level: 4
Certificate III in Aviation (Aerodrome Operations) – AVI30516 |
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AIRPORT SECURITY OFFICER
ANZSCO # 599599 This qualification provides individuals with technical and non-technical aviation skills to operate effectively in a broad range of aerodrome operations roles Skill Level: 4
Certificate II in Transport Security Protection – AVI20118 |
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Image supplied by AirNorth
AIRCRAFT BAGGAGE HANDLER AND AIRLINE GROUND CREW
ALTERNATIVE TITLES: RAMP AGENT, AIRCRAFT REFUELER
ANZSCO # 721911 Loads and unloads baggage, directs planes, positions staircases, fills aircraft fuel tanks and performs other aircraft ground services to ensure aircraft operations run efficiently. Registration or licensing is required. Skill Level: 4
Certificate I in Aviation (Foundation Skills) – AVI10116 |
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Certificate II in Aviation (Flight Operations-Cargo Services) – AVI20116 |
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Certificate II in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service) – AVI20216 |
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Certificate III in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service) – AVI30416 |
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Certificate IV in Aviation (Flight Operations and Supervision) – AVI40316 |
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Aeroskills Enrolments and Completions
Turn Around Time: One Aircraft – Numerous Occupations
Turning around an airliner as illustrated below is a great example and an insight into how we can unpack what happens to an airliner when it taxis to the gate. It demonstrates the highly choreographed routine by a large number of personnel that see an airline jet get ready for departure onto its next destination in the most efficient time possible. An aircraft on the ground does not generate revenue, hence the urgency to get it flying again.
Resources
Airservices Annual Report 2017-18.
Australian Industry Standards Aviation Industry 2018 Key Findings Discussion Paper.
Australian Industry Standards Aviation Workforce Skills Study.
Australian Federation of Air Pilots – Submission in Response to Qantas Group Companies Labour Agreement Application (2018)
Aviation Training Opportunities in China 2017.
Boeing Commercial Market Outlook 2018-2037.
Building Demand For Sustainable Aviation Services – Strategic Intent Document.
CASA AAMP Stage 1 report findings.
National Remote and Regional Transport Strategy.
Northern Territory Defence and National Security Strategy 2018.
Report of the Expert Panel on Aviation Skills & Training (2018).
This publication has been funded by the Northern Territory Government. The contents of this publication such as text, graphics, images and information are a representation of the collective views of industry, businesses and stakeholders and in no way whatsoever represent the views held by the Northern Territory Government.