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Key details
Duration
This course can typically be completed within 3 weeks to 1 year.
* The actual duration may vary depending on where and how you study, the units you choose, and the time needed to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability:This course is scheduled to be replaced in 2027. Information about the replacement course will be published when it becomes available.
Online Application: TBC
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: Currently not available as either an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Remote pilots operating at this level will apply non-technical and technical knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and judgement and will take limited responsibility in known and stable operational contexts within established regulatory parameters.
Licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication. This qualification aligns to Remote Pilot Licensing requirements described in Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 101 - Unmanned aircraft and rockets and Part 101 Manual of Standards.
Civil and military personnel seeking certification as remote pilots should check requirements with CASA.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Palmerston Casuarina Remote |
| Duration | 3 weeks 1 year * Course duration may vary depending on the time required to achieve the required competencies. |
| Study Mode | Blended * Information about study modes are available in the 2027 TAFE Student Guide. |
| Start Date | February 2, 2027 |
| Attendance | 3 x 1 week blocks Monday to Friday |
Career opportunities
After completing this course, you may be able to work in roles such as:
- Remote Pilot
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge gained through previous study, work experience, volunteering, or life experience. If your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your qualification. If you would like to apply for RPL, please indicate this when completing your enrolment form. For more information, please contact CDU TAFE Student Services on 08 8946 7111, or email TAFE@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
If you have completed the same, or an equivalent, unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a credit transfer. To apply, submit a completed Application for Credit Transfer Form and supporting documentation. Applications are encouraged at the time of enrolment. There is no fee for credit transfer applications.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to further study, including AVI40122 Certificate IV in Aviation (Supervision).
Fees
2027 Fees
| Fee Type | 2027 Course Fees |
| NT Government supported* | Free |
| Full Fee | $5,369.15 - $5,442.70 |
Eligible domestic students who are NT residents may be able to study this course with Northern Territory Government support. Places are limited, so apply early.
Read the eligibility requirements to check if you-re eligible.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
Fee exemptions
Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Hold a current Centrelink Concession or Healthcare card
- Hold a Veteran's Healthcare card
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Hold a permanent resident visa with Refugee or Humanitarian status
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.
If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG's Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.
International VET Package

Why study trades at CDU?
Whether you're an apprentice, a trainee, or already working in the industry, our trades courses are for you.
Start your career or upskill in a variety of areas from construction and electrotechnology to plumbing and metal trades. Wherever your interest lies, you'll learn from experts with industry-standard technologies and tools so you can graduate workplace ready.
- NT's largest training provider
- Access to specialised trade training facilities
- Recognition of prior learning so you can qualify faster

Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses

Why study trades at CDU?
Whether you're an apprentice, a trainee, or already working in the industry, our trades courses are for you.
Start your career or upskill in a variety of areas from construction and electrotechnology to plumbing and metal trades. Wherever your interest lies, you'll learn from experts with industry-standard technologies and tools so you can graduate workplace ready.
- NT's largest training provider
- Access to specialised trade training facilities
- Recognition of prior learning so you can qualify faster

Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot), a total of 14 units of competency must be completed comprising 9 core and 5 elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.
Course structure
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 365 - 370.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| AVIF0021 | Manage human factors in remote pilot aircraft systems operations | 20 |
| AVIH0006 | Navigate remote pilot aircraft systems | 45 |
| AVIW0004 | Perform operational inspections on remote operated systems | 30 |
| AVIW0028 | Operate and manage remote pilot aircraft systems | 40 |
| AVIY0023 | Launch, control and recover a remotely piloted aircraft | 30 |
| AVIY0031 | Apply the principles of air law to remote pilot aircraft systems operations | 15 |
| AVIY0052 | Control remote pilot aircraft systems on the ground | 25 |
| AVIY0053 | Manage remote pilot aircraft systems energy source requirements | 25 |
| AVIZ0005 | Apply situational awareness in remote pilot aircraft systems operations | 5 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 235 | |
| Elective units of competency (Select five) | ||
| Group A: General (2 MUST be completed) | ||
| AVIE0003 | Operate aeronautical radio | 25 |
| AVIE0005 | Complete a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) | 20 |
| AVIF0034 | Apply aviation work health and safety procedures | 20 |
| Group B: Specialist Elective (1 MUST be completed) | ||
| AVIY0027 | Operate multi-rotor remote pilot aircraft systems | 20 |
| Group C: Operation Type (2 MUST be completed) | ||
| AVIW0006 | Perform infrastructure inspections using remote operated systems | 35 |
| AVIW0007 | Perform aerial mapping and modelling using remote piloted aircraft systems | 35 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 130 - 135 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 365 - 370 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To ensure you have the skills and support needed to study this course, all applicants are required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation.
To gain entry into AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) candidates are required to:
- Demonstrate a solid level 2, or emerging level 3, language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy against the ACSF to undertake this course.
Required Resources
Students can access assessments and learning resources at any time through CDU's online learning platform, Learnline. Before getting started, make sure your computer meets the required system requirements.
Computer and internet access may be required to participate in online sessions, source information, and complete assessments.
All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.
Yron
CDU student

All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.
Yron
CDU student

Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification available to new and continuing students in 2027 from the AVI Aviation Training Package. This qualification will be replaced from mid 2027. Information about the replacement qualification will be published when it becomes available.
Location and study mode
Locations:Palmerston, Casuarina, Remote
Study Mode:On campus, online, both
Note:
Delivery at individuals locations is subject to demand. Additional locations and/or study modes may become available pending sufficient demand.
Additional information
Contact details
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You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply for CDU TAFE
Admission requirements
Domestic or international student?
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.



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