About Us

Queensland Institute for Aviation Engineering Pty Ltd (QIAE) was first established at the Caloundra Airport in April 2000. The directors and shareholders of this private company are drawn from within the Australian Aviation Industry. This enables QIAE to provide training that is relevant and timely by utilising trade related experiences and real time scenarios.

QIAE is a Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO) registered in Australia to deliver Aeroskills trade training. QIAE specialises in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) and Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (LAME) subjects.

QIAE’s capabilities also include training for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) LAME licencing modules and aircraft type specific services as required by the Aviation Industry and is endorsed as a CASA examination centre with approved invigilators.

As an aircraft specific type provider, QIAE holds an Australian Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR) 30 Certificate of Approval as a CASA approved Maintenance Training Organisation (MTO).

QIAE has:

• An established program of theory and practical lessons including student appraisals and reporting.
• Quality methodologies to relevant Australian Standards,
• Motivated and experienced staff , and
• Organisational and instructional acumen that spans the entire range of workplace activities required and expected by our customer(s).

In some traineeships offered at QIAE we take on the role of the employer. In these and other cases the theory that the students receive in the classroom is reinforced by practical and directly supervised work that occurs in the hangar or workshop. This creates an environment that is safe yet provides the students with the necessary hand skills expected by the Industry and demanded by Government.

The current size and 'personnel mix' of our institute is seen as an opportunity to react 'asymmetrically' to meet the needs of the Aviation Industry with training programs individually tailored to the requirements of apprentices (AME and LAME), trainees and their employers.

Our guiding philosophy

Big corporations give us their vote of confidence

QIAE provides training to over 150 aerospace companies. These include household names, like QANTAS, and regional airlines within Australia and the South Pacific. We also train military personnel from Australia, Asia and the Middle East.

Our size means you’re better served

QIAE has grown from a small outfit serving local needs in the northern coastal and regional areas of Queensland 12 years ago. Since then, we’ve grown rapidly, a testament to our training and the strengths of the QIAE organization. Now we have successfully helped over 1000 students realise their dreams.

But we still care enough to keep it personal

You can’t learn well in a big class. So we limit class sizes to a maximum of 20. Even so, sometimes students fall behind, or can’t make every class. So we offer tutorials after hours. We also conduct one-on-one training where it’s needed.

Everyone who works at QIAE is there to help you. From the Managing Director down, the whole QIAE team is geared to help you, the student, achieve your goals.

We’re used to teaching International Students

When word got around that we were so good at what we do, overseas aircraft companies approached us to train their personnel. And we’ve been doing it ever since. We’re used to the special needs of students who’ve left behind their family and home and understand how it can be difficult for some to adjust. We have special mentoring support programs in place to ensure you feel just as much at home here.

Our Certificate IV and Diploma courses are AQF accredited

Australian Quality Framework (AQF) accreditation is important. These qualifications are easily understood and comparable within Australia by students, employers and education and training providers. They can also be measured against qualifications from other countries. So if you want to work overseas, the AQF qualification is your goalstandard.

Not all training providers offer this, so be careful in your choices!

We have lots of aircraft for you to practice on

One of only 53 ever built, QIAE’s Starship is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, providing students outstanding opportunities to hone their technical skills.

We’re well connected in the industry

We work with all interests in the aviation industry, constantly staying connected so we’re always up to date. We are members of several professional organisations, and we liaise actively with trade union groups, business groups and local employers. These connections mean we’re always able to monitor industry needs.

Employers want our graduates, because they’re ‘work-ready’

We go the extra mile to make sure all students really understand their craft before they can graduate. This means employers know you’ll be ready from day one. And being in demand means you have a wider range of choice in your employment.

What makes QIAE different?

• We are the largest provider for training to the General Aviation Industry.
• Small class sizes with personalised training
• Wide range of Fixed and Rotary Wing aircraft for practical applications
• Tutorial classes are available after hours
• Close working relationships with the Aviation Industry
• High rate of employment for successful graduates
• Teaching staff are experts within their individual fields
• Local community & lifestyle advantages of living and training on the Sunshine Coast
• Easier travel to and from Queensland Regional & Country areas
• Accommodation is available close to the airport and students who are required to travel from within Queensland and Interstate have a range of housing near to the institute from which to choose
• Graduation Dinner at the completion of our full time courses
• Further competency assessment ‘on the job’ once employed
• CENTRELINK approved for Austudy / Abstudy applications
• CRICOS approved for International Students