TORRES STRAIT AIR PILOT PATHWAY PROGRAM

The Torres Strait Air Cadet Pilot Program provides aspiring pilots with a structured pathway into aviation through professional flight training, mentorship and industry-supported pilot development with White Star Aviation.

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APPLY JAN 2027
APPLY APRIL 2027
APPLY JUL 2027

TORRES STRAIT AIR PILOT PATHWAY PROGRAM

LAUNCH YOUR AVIATION CAREER WITH TORRES STRAIT AIR & WHITE STAR AVIATION

The Torres Strait Air Pilot Pathway Program is a unique aviation career pathway designed to take aspiring pilots from flight training through to employment within a commercial aviation operation. Delivered by White Star Aviation in partnership with Torres Strait Air, this industry-focused cadet program combines professional flight training, commercial pilot qualifications, instrument rating training and real-world operational experience to develop capable, confident and industry-ready pilots. Unlike traditional pilot training pathways, cadets gain exposure to operational flying environments while completing their training, providing valuable experience that helps bridge the gap between flight school and professional employment.

A DIRECT PATHWAY INTO COMMERCIAL AVIATION

Torres Strait Air is a locally owned air charter operator providing essential aviation services throughout the Torres Strait region. Operating a fleet of fourteen aircraft supported by experienced maintenance and operational teams across Horn Island, Cairns and Brisbane, the company has established a strong reputation for safety, reliability and operational excellence. The Torres Strait Air Cadet Pilot Program has been specifically developed to provide a structured pathway into commercial aviation, allowing selected cadets to develop the skills, qualifications and operational experience required to commence their professional flying careers.

The result is a graduate who is not only qualified but genuinely prepared for the demands of professional aviation.

TORRES STRAIT AIR PILOT PATHWAY PROGRAM

INDUSTRY-BASED FLIGHT TRAINING

A key feature of the Torres Strait Air Pilot Pathway Program is the final stage of Commercial Pilot Licence training conducted on Horn Island within Torres Strait Air's operational environment. During this phase, cadets complete the final module of their Commercial Pilot Licence training in Torres Strait Air's Cessna 206 aircraft while operating company routes under carefully supervised, scenario-based training.

This unique operational training environment provides cadets with valuable exposure to real-world charter operations, allowing them to develop practical decision-making skills, build confidence in regional aviation environments and apply their classroom knowledge in live operational scenarios. By training within an active commercial aviation business, students gain first-hand experience of the procedures, responsibilities and professionalism expected of commercial pilots.

Upon successful completion of the program, cadets graduate with an AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence) and an AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating), providing a strong foundation for a career in the aviation industry and a pathway towards employment with Torres Strait Air.

PILOT PATHWAY

PREREQUISITES

DIRECT ENTRY

Applicants may apply directly after completing secondary school through the Pilot Direct Entry pathway, providing a structured pathway into pilot training. Prerequisites include:

 

  • Hold the right to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident or citizen.
  • Year 12 Completion
  • AVI50222 Application
  • Simulator Assessment
  • ADAPT Screening
  • CASA Class 1 Medical
  • Satisfactory Completion of AVI50222 Unit 1 and 2 with White Star Aviation
  • Application for cadet program with desired operator
  • Interview with operator

STAGE 1

Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane

DURATION: 12 MONTHS

Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane

This qualification reflects the roles of flight crew personnel performing normal and emergency commercial pilot duties in support of commercial or Defence aviation flight operations. Flight crew duties include applying technical and non-technical aviation skills and knowledge to a wide range of air transport operations, including passenger, charter and cargo operations.

STAGE 2

Instrument Rating With Mulit-Engine Type Rating

DURATION: UP TO 3 MONTHS

Instrument Rating With Multi-Engine Type Rating

Following completion of the Commercial Pilot Licence, cadets undertake Multi-Engine Instrument Rating training, developing the advanced skills required to operate aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This qualification reflects the roles of flight crew personnel operating in support of commercial or Defence aviation flight operations. Flight crew duties include applying technical and non-technical aviations skills and knowledge to a wide range of air transport operations, including passenger, charter and cargo operations while operating aeroplanes under the instrument flight rules (IFR).

STAGE 3

Torres Straight Air Employment Pathway

DURATION: UP TO 18 MONTHS

Successful graduates are offered employment with Torres Strait Air for a period of up to 18 months, where they continue building valuable flight experience while operating Torres Strait Air aircraft including the Cessna 206 aircraft. This employment pathway provides graduates with a significant head start within the aviation industry and allows them to continue developing their skills within a professional commercial operation.

90.9

DUAL
SINGLE ENGINE

27.3

DUAL MULTI-ENGINE

110.6

COMMAND SINGLE ENGINE

22.5

SIMULATOR

BALLINA & ARMIDALE AIRPORTS

TRAIN ACROSS TWO PREMIER NSW LOCATIONS

Train in some of Australia’s most ideal flying environments, with locations in Ballina on the Northern Rivers and Armidale in the Northern Tablelands. From coastal conditions with access to controlled airspace to low-traffic skies ideal for focused training, both bases operate in Class G airspace delivering less congestion, more time in the air, and a safer, more efficient learning environment.