Australia – RMIT STEM College Aviation Academy has significantly expanded its training capacity through a partnership with Western Australian operator Airflite Pty Ltd, leasing four additional Garmin G1000‑equipped Cessna 172 aircraft. This addition strengthens resilience during weather disruptions and supports RMIT’s growth in instructor team. The new aircraft bring the operational fleet to 28 aircraft, reinforcing RMIT’s position as Australia’s largest university-operated aviation training organisation.

STEM College at RMIT University, a leading academic institution, offers two structured aviation training pathways aimed at preparing students for commercial pilot careers within the global aviation sector through its RMIT Aviation Academy. The programs integrate academic coursework with practical flight training delivered at two key flight campuses in Victoria.

• RMIT offers the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot Training) and the Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots) programs.

• Both programs prepare students for the CASA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) theory and flight tests.

• The Associate Degree focuses on core flying competencies, while the Bachelor program extends over an additional year to include eight academic and elective courses.

• Students may also undertake instrument or instructor rating subjects to broaden qualifications.

• Flight training is conducted at RAAF Base Point Cook and Bendigo Airport.

• The university operates a modern fleet of 24 aircraft before these latest four, acquired in 2022:

  • 17 Cessna 172s

  • 4 Cessna 182s

  • 2 Piper PA-44 Seminoles

  • 1 Super Decathlon

• Simulator training is supported by three flight simulators at Point Cook and one at Bendigo.

Source: Justin Brownjohn (RMIT University)