I'm an Australian PPL pilot but know some people who have gone through the UK system. Terminology differences aside, the training pathways are pretty comparable. If you choose to train in Australia you can convert your licence to the UK fairly easily by passing a flight test.
The main differences are:
- In Australia you need to do 7 CPL exams and then 7 ATPL exams. Once you start each set of 7 you have 2 years to complete the remaining 6. You can self-study if you wish. In the UK there are 14 exams of each (but I think you only must do the ATPLs and CPLs are optional). You must complete all 14 within 18 months and self-study is not an option, you must attend a formal ground school.
- Australia does not offer a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence, but still require a Multi-Crew Cooperation Course be completed before the ATPL.
- A lot more schools in the UK are tied to an airline, greatly increasing your chances of immediate airline employment, if that is your goal. Not to say that's impossible in Australia but it only happens to a few dozen pilots per year who secure an airline cadetship.
- Training in Australia will cost about $120,000 all up. In the UK seems to be about 120,000 pounds!
There are a lot more little differences but ultimately no matter where you train you will come out with an ICAO compliant licence. If you have specific questions you can either edit this one or head to chat.
manpreet![Tuteehub forum best answer]()
Best Answer
2 years ago
I'm a British citizen living in Australia who is tossing up on whether to train back home or in Australia. Given the sheer amount of complex information out there, I was wondering what the differences are between the PPL, CPL/ME/IR, ATPL theory & MCC/JOC training in Australia versus in the UK (or the EASA region as a whole), in terms of hour requirements, syllabus, technicalities, rules, licencing system, etc...
A comprehensive guide from those who perhaps have experience or knowledge would be great!