Civil Aviation is not only about flying an aircraft - it also requires an understanding of the fundamentals of aerodynamics, aircraft power plants and systems, meteorology, navigation and flight planning, all integrated with a highly disciplined, professional flying training program much sought after by airlines. Modern pilots require a thorough knowledge of computer controlled flight management systems, together with the associated technology, and flight operation and crew resource management.
The world of aeronautics offers a considerable scope for an exciting and rewarding career to both males and females interested in becoming involved in the field of aviation.

Pilots are in high demand, particularly by commercial airlines, often starting with attractive salaries. Other major employers include agricultural services, aerial surveying services, aero-medical services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Australia & similar organisations in other developed countries and government agencies. University of South Australia (UniSA) was the first Australian to offer a tertiary qualification for pilots through its aviation degree program - The Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation). It is now a known fact that most major airlines in the world prefer new recruits to hold a university degree. Major airlines require pilots with excellent flying ability. But, and just as important, these pilots are required to have the ability to progress to the position of Captain. It is in the hands of the Captain the safety of a large number of passengers in today's mega aircraft lie. The aircraft are becoming technologically advanced.

Thus gone are the days physical ability alone made a good commercial aviation pilot. Today brains are more important. The UniSA Aviation Academy program addresses this, and includes extensive training in the attitudes and disciplines required for potential airline Captain. The Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation) program is of 3 years duration. He degree course would cost A$ …(Vajira please insert)……. Students following this course could do the flying training to obtain the CPL with Command Instrument Rating (Single & Multi Engine) and if required Instructor Rating too as an integrated program. Those who want only to do the flying training could enter the CPL/ CIR (S&ME) course which is of 54 weeks duration for an average student.

Students who require the flying training to be recognised for the issuance of Sri Lanka CAA or Maldivian CAA's CPL/CIR license need to do about 30 hours of extra flying. These extra costs are to meet Sri Lanka/ Maldivian Civil Aviation Authority Licensing Requirements of flying hours and these students must therefore also budget for them. The aviation academy of UniSA is aware of these requirements will give the students accurate costs of flying training based on an average student who do not require excess flying to complete modules. Thus there will be no hidden charges one needs to cater to when joining the UniSA aviation academy. Payment of fees could be arranged by blocks (The training is in 7 blocks) and in some cases Edlocate could arrange to even further split payments within the blocks.

Entry Dates - For the Aviation degree program students must join the Feb intake but for CPL/CIR they could join in Feb or July each year. Entry Requirements - All students require IELTS (academic) Overall band of 6.0. (Arrangements are in place at Edlocate for students to be coached for IELTS examination) Those who wish to join the degree program should have 3 A/L subjects and the appropriate score. No formal academic qualifications are specified for students for the stand alone flying training program, but students must have successfully completed GCE A/L with Maths & Physics or equivalent. They must undergo a medical examination by a CASA approved Class 1 Aviation Medical Officer in Sri Lanka which would be arranged by Edlocate.

Edlocate as a Streamline student agent appointed by the Australian High Commission will arrange for students joining the degree program integrated with flying or those who only want to do the flying training program appropriate visa. Those who are keen to obtain more details & to apply to join the courses should contact Edlocate an appointed agent in Sri Lanka of UniSA.