Trainee pilot scrapes tail on take off

A commercial flight carrying 134 passengers turned back to Melbourne Airport after the aircraft's tail hit the runway during a trainee pilot's first time at the controls of the airliner.

The Jetstar Airbus A320-232 safely made it back to ground on May 11, 2016 after the first officer took over from the trainee, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau found after investigating the incident.

"During the climb, the cabin crew discussed hearing an unusual noise during the take off rotation with the captain," read the ATSB report, published on Monday.

Investigators praised communication between the cabin and cockpit, but noted that the aircraft failed to keep authorities on the ground fully briefed.

"While airborne, the crew did not specifically advise air traffic control of the possibility that a tail strike had occurred during take off."

Jetstar confirmed the pilot - already the holder of a commercial licence - was undergoing training in the particular type of aircraft at the time.

"The pilot involved was taken off flying duties while he underwent additional simulator training and assessments and after successfully passing this training returned to flying and has operated since without further incident," an airline spokesman said.

Jetstar pilots have been reminded of the need to alert air traffic control to instances of potential tail strike.