Helicopter Pilot Training

Helicopters are both powerful and complex machines. They place a high work load on the pilot which requires concentration, effort and application. Comprehensive training is therefore required to master both the machine and the skies.

Austcopters Pty Ltd have ‘launched’ over 150 students into the air and into successful flying careers.

Whether you desire a private or commercial license, our training is second to none and is conducted by the most qualified and experienced pilots.

The requirements:-

A minimum age of sixteen (16) years is required to obtain a Student Licence; at seventeen (17) years you can obtain a Private Pilot's Licence (PVT), and with further training, at eighteen (18) years obtain a Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL).

WHAT ARE THE MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS ?

For a Private Pilot's Licence, a Class 2 medical certificate is required and costs approximately $180. For the Commercial Pilot's Licence, a Class 1 medical certificate is required and costs approximately $250. If you are a reasonably healthy person you should have no problems. These medicals must be conducted by an "aviation approved doctor", who we can organise for you.

SHOULD I FLY FIXED-WING FIRST ?

If your aim is to fly as a private helicopter pilot, there is little to be gained in obtaining a fixed-wing licence first. However, if you intend to fly as a career, we suggest you do our combined fixed-Wing/Rotary-Wing course and gain a Private Fixed-wing Licence along the way. This is not only slightly cheaper overall, but places you in a better position for future employment. The cost of a Private Fixed-Wing Licence is approximately A$8400. Basically, two licences for the price of one. Ask other pilots who have flown both and see what they suggest.

The training program:-

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has a laid down minimum training requirement of fifty (50) hours for a Private Licence (PVT) and one hundred and five (105) hours for a Commercial Licence (CPL). If you already hold a PVT Fixed-wing licence, then that experience is credited against the above requirement, reducing the hours to 38 and 70 hours respectively. If you hold a CPL Fixed-Wing Licence, the minimum is sixty (60) hours. It is difficult to determine how long the training may take, as it depends on the time you can devote to it - continuity of training being the criteria.

Completing the course full-time is the best way to achieve high results. Approximately five (5) months minimum is required to complete the course full-time.

WHAT ABOUT EXAMINATIONS?

A variety of ground theory training is available in-house, either full-time, part-time or on a one-on-one basis, depending on your individual requirements. An outlay of no more than A$2000 (which includes theory books/notes, maps, Jeppersen flight computer, and CASA supervised exam sitting fees, etc.) should enable you to pass the Commercial Helicopter Theory Exam. This "one-off" exam covers the following subjects:

• Principles of Rotary-Wing Flight
• Engines, Systems and Instruments
• Navigation
• Helicopter Performance and Operations
• Flight Rules and Procedures
• Meteorology
• Private Pilot exams are similar but less detailed.

How do I start?

Come and see us - inspect the facility and helicopters. Discuss the details face to face, tell us what your requirements are and what you're aiming for. We'll work out a plan to get you there. The next step is to take a no obligation "trial instructional flight" (TIF) and see what you really think.