Aviation Studies – Approved Specialist Program

Melville Senior High School conducts one of only four Department of Education approved Aviation Specialist programs in Western Australia.

Acceptance into the Aviation program is competitive for students entering in years Year 7 to 12.

The course caters for those seeking a career in aviation, science, engineering or other aviation-related pursuits. The course takes place in a purpose-built Aviation Centre within the school. When students aren’t learning in the Aviation Centre, they are in the skies above Perth participating in the flight program. As our Aviation Specialist teachers are qualified pilots, it means that learning is not limited to the traditional classroom setting. All three teachers are commercial pilots, and two of them are flight instructors.

Aviation Studies students have numerous opportunities to participate in practical flying excursions.  These range from Pilot Experience Flights (PEX) to Trial Instructional Flights (TIF) to Flying Lessons with one of our Flight Instructors. We are associated with a reputable Flight School at Jandakot airport, giving students exposure to a broad range of aircraft types.  Flight training rates are heavily discounted as the school has their own flight instructors. Grants and subsidies are also available for successful applicants.

Melville Senior High School is currently the only school within Western Australia with two full-motion flight simulators, enhancing the school’s reputation as a leader within the field of secondary school Aviation studies. Combined with our large bank of desktop PCs providing students with MS Flight Sim software, students have ample opportunities to ‘fine tune’ their flying skills and out theory into practice.

In keeping with the theme, the Future of Aviation, Melville Senior High School is the first to conduct training for the qualification of Remote Pilots Licence (RePL) which allows students to pursue employment as a drone pilot. Training begins in Year 9 and completes in Year 10 with full licence qualification. The RePL, a CASA approved licence, is heavily subsidised compared to other companies that conduct training which makes it affordable for all students.

Flight Training

Aviation students have the opportunity to take part in flight training during school hours. Flight training rates are heavily discounted as the school has their own flight instructor. Grants and subsidies are available for successful applicants as well.

Aviation Entry Requirements Years 7-10

To enter the Aviation Specialist Program, your child will need to complete the Specialist Testing process that takes place each year and if successful, will be invited for an interview with the Teacher in Charge of the Program.

Applicants will also need to provide evidence of satisfactory academic performance including school reports, and references.

Finally, and most importantly, the child needs to demonstrate a genuine interest in Aviation. Staff in charge of the interview process will identify these qualities in the applicant.

Aviation Studies Testing and Interviews

Applications for 2026 entry have closed.

Testing for successful applicants was held onsite at Melville Senior High School on Saturday 22 March 2025. 

Enrolment in the Aviation program involves completing the Specialist Testing process for students in Year 5 or Year 6.

This involves an academic test and depending on the results of the test, an interview with the Teacher in Charge of the program.

Interviews for 2026 entry into Aviation Studies will be held during Monday 12 May and Friday 23 May 2025.

Successful applicants will be emailed interview dates and times.

Note:
Students in other year groups are welcome to apply as vacancies arise however, due to high levels of completion, places cannot be guaranteed.

Come Fly With Me – Primary School Extension Program

An eight-week ‘taste’ of Aviation course is available each term for Year 5 and 6 students interested in applying for the program in High School. The course finishes with students taking to the skies for a flight in a real aircraft with the course instructor. Please note, the course is only available for students to participate in once, as such if a student participates in Year 5, they cannot participate again in Year 6. For more information, or to apply, please download the form below.

Thinking of becoming an Aerospace Engineer?

Aeronautical engineering or aerospace engineering involves the design and development of aircraft, artificial satellites, spacecraft and high-speed ground transportation systems. Though university requirements may vary, there are aerospace engineering modules with the Aviation Studies course that apply to the field of aeronautical engineering. Physics courses are an important aspect of aeronautical engineering and combined with Mathematics and Science core units, students are able to attain acceptance into any Australian University offering an Aerospace Engineering degree.

In addition to the core curriculum, students will study aeronautics, principles of flight, rockets, drones, and space flight, with associated aspects of engineering and aircraft mechanics. This is further enriched with the Year 11 and 12 Aviation program allowing students to focus on contextual studies related to general aviation, including; advanced aerodynamics, rotary aerodynamics, engines and systems, navigation aids, human physiology and performance in flight, and flight training.