Good news for flying schools and students in 2020.
In April 2019, Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack announced from January 2020, the amount those studying aviation can borrow under the vocational education and training (VET) student loans scheme will be increased from $104,440 to $150,000. An industry review in 2018 had shown the previous loan limit was not enough to provide aeroplane student pilots with all the licences and ratings required. It was recommended the increased limit would allow more students to obtain the Flight Instructor Rating as well as either the Agriculture Rating for students wanting to stay in general aviation or the Multi Crew Cooperation course for those wanting to continue to the airlines.
At present, the helicopter industry is seeking advice on how this new funding will apply helicopter students. Due to the more expensive flying rates, a VFR single engine commercial license will probably cost around $95,000. Advanced training for IFR and multiengine helicopter training is very expensive. Further, the situation is further complicated by the fact only a few flying schools can provide the advanced training. This situation is being reviewed by several government agencies, such as TAFE Queensland. More soon.