Aeroplane Pilot
An Aeroplane Pilot operates fixed-wing aircraft for commercial airlines, charter operators, agricultural aviation, or air ambulance services in Australia. Australia's aviation industry employs pilots on domestic, regional, and international routes.
Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.
Strong demand; post-pandemic aviation recovery has created significant pilot shortages.
Occupation list membership
Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.
- ROLRegional Occupation List
Occupations eligible for regional visas such as Subclass 491 and 494.
- CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List
The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.
Assessing authority
The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.
- CASCASA
Visa pathways
Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.
- 186Learn more →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 482Learn more →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Learn more →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Learn more →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations
States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.
| Code | State / Territory | Details |
|---|---|---|
| QLD | Queensland | View nomination → |
| WA | Western Australia | View nomination → |
| SA | South Australia | View nomination → |
| NT | Northern Territory | View nomination → |
Key duties
- Operate commercial or charter aircraft safely according to regulations
- Plan flights including weather assessment, fuel, and alternate routing
- Manage aircraft systems and respond to abnormal and emergency procedures
- Maintain pilot licences, ratings, and currency requirements
Skills required
- Aircraft operation and systems knowledge
- Instrument flight rules (IFR) and air traffic procedures
- Crew resource management and decision-making
- Meteorology and flight planning
Typical qualifications pathway
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) issued by CASA is required. CASA assesses pilot licences for migration purposes.
Visa & occupation list information
Listed on ROL and CSOL, supporting subclasses 186, 482, 491, and 494. CASA licence conversion is required For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
anzsco.com.au is information-only. For personalised advice on your situation, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
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