The flexibility of distance education gives many people the chance to start their careers and others the opportunity to change course.

Amanda Wakelin has not let the lack of flying schools at her Ayers Rock home base prevent her progressing towards her goal of becoming a pilot.

Perry McNeil looks forward to a career change while Amanda Wakelin's career is just taking off.

She has begun her studies with CQUniversity's Bachelor of Aviation Technology as a full-time flex (external) student, while she lives and works at Ayers Rock Resort, about 450km from Alice Springs.

Amanda's main job is her work at the Ayers Rock airport with Qantas as a Customer Service Agent.

"I love working at the airport, and seeing all the planes, and meeting the flight crews," she said.

After finishing school in 2008, Amanda said the external study option was a key driver in taking on the BAT degree.

"I figured that if I couldn't start the practical component (flying lessons) of becoming a pilot, I could at least start the theory side of it. My thinking is that this will enable me to sit my CASA theory exams, and then later (when I move from Ayers Rock) I can learn the practical stuff and get my licences," Amanda said.

Meanwhile, Qantas pilot Captain Perry McNeil has started to wind down from his career as an international flight captain to become a secondary school Aerospace Studies teacher.

Captain McNeil began flying aircraft back in 1975 and worked his way up to pilot large aircraft like the 747-400 series, which he has captained since 2003.

He's recently completed CQUniversity's Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching (Secondary) program by distance education, in between jetting to San Francisco and London, and is now qualified to teach both aerospace science and mathematics.

The seasoned pilot said he had been taking on teaching contracts and supply teaching in South-East Queensland, in between flights for Qantas.

CQUniversity is a leading provider of distance education. Our broad range of distance programs are as comprehensive as on-campus programs, they just vary in their delivery. The flexibility of our programs allows you to schedule your study around your needs, lifestyle and location.

As a distance student you receive a high level of support from the moment you apply to the day you graduate.

Degrees on offer include Built Environment and Design; Business; Engineering and Technology; Health and Recreation; Humanities and Social Science; Information Technology; Primary Industries and Environmental Sciences.

Visit http://www.cquni.edu.au/  or call 13 CQUni 13 27 86 to start your learning journey with CQUniversity.