Defence Flight Instructor – Completed

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Defence Flight Instructor – Completed

This project delivered recommendations to improve recognition of ADF flight instructors within the civil aviation system, enabling better utilisation of a highly skilled workforce to address instructor shortages, improve workforce mobility, strengthen training capacity, and maintain aviation safety standards

Completion due 29 September 2026
About the project

Project overview

Australia’s aviation sector is facing an ongoing shortage of qualified flight instructors, particularly experienced instructors who can support advanced pilot training. At the same time, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) continues to develop highly skilled flying instructors, but differences between civilian and military training frameworks can limit recognition of their qualifications within the civilian aviation system. 

This project examined how Defence flight instructor qualifications align with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requirements, identified barriers affecting instructor transitions from Defence to civilian aviation, and explored opportunities to improve recognition pathways. The research included a review of regulatory frameworks, comparative analysis of Defence and civilian training systems, and consultations with government, industry and Defence stakeholders.  

Key findings  

  • The study found that ADF flight instructors represent a highly capable and underutilised talent pool for Australia’s civilian aviation training sector. While CASA already recognises some Defence instructor qualifications, particularly Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) and Qualified Helicopter Instructor (QHI) credentials, recognition of other Defence instructor roles is less consistent and often assessed on a case-by-case basis.  
  • The project identified that the main challenge is not the quality of Defence training, but the difference between the two systems. CASA uses an endorsement-based framework that relies on specific competencies and training endorsements, while the ADF uses a privilege-based system that authorises instructors based on qualifications, experience and operational competence. These structural differences create unnecessary complexity when translating Defence qualifications into civilian equivalents.  
  • The research also found that Defence instructors often enter instructional roles later in their careers and with greater operational experience than many civilian instructors, making them a valuable resource for the broader aviation workforce.  
Why this matters

Why it Matters – what it means for industry

A stronger and more consistent recognition framework would help address instructor shortages across Australia’s aviation training sector. Improving pathways for Defence instructors to transition into civilian aviation would increase access to highly experienced training professionals, expand training capacity, and support the development of the next generation of pilots.  

The research concludes that better recognition of ADF-trained instructors can strengthen workforce resilience, improve training throughput, and support safety and operational effectiveness across the aviation industry. By leveraging existing Defence expertise, the sector can make greater use of an available workforce without compromising regulatory standards or safety outcomes.  

Project

Next steps  

The report recommends a series of practical reforms to improve the recognition of Defence flight instructor qualifications. Key recommendations include: 

  • updating CASA guidance and recognition frameworks to reflect the full range of current Defence instructor roles,  
  • improving consistency in assessment processes, and  
  • establishing a CASA-DASA working group to maintain qualification mapping and recognition arrangements.  

Additional recommendations include developing standardised Defence evidence packages to support licence applications, providing clearer guidance to better prepare Defence personnel for transition into civilian aviation careers.  

Together, these measures would create a more transparent, efficient and consistent recognition system that helps unlock the value of Defence-trained instructors for the benefit of the wider aviation industry.