Helicopter Training
Ready to take to the skies?
Helicopters are both powerful and complex machines, they place a high work load on the pilot which demands concentration, effort and application. Comprehensive helicopter training is therefore essential to master both the machine and the skies.
Austcopters have ‘launched’ over 150 students into successful helicopter pilot careers. Whether you are interested in only obtaining a private pilot's licence or acquiring a commercial pilot's licence, our helicopter training is second to none and is conducted by the most qualified and experienced pilots.
Helicopter Training Pilot Requirements
To commence training for a pilot licence you must meet certain minimum requirements, the table shows the age and medical certificate requirements.
Aviation medical certificates must be conducted by a "Designated Aviation Medical Examiner" (DAME). If you are unsure where to find a qualified DAME to obtain a medical certificate, give us a call and we can organise an appointment for you. If you would like to know more about the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) medical requirements for pilots, further information can be found at: CASA Medical Certification Information.
If your aim is to only fly as a private helicopter pilot, there may only be a little benefit 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 not only costs significantly less overall due to logged flying time but places you in a much better position for future employment. Give us a call to inquire about helicopter training options, or ask other pilots who have flown both and see what they suggest.
| Licence Type | Min. Age | Medical Certificate Requirements *** |
| Student Pilot's Licence (SPL) | 16 years | Class 2 Medical Certificate |
| Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) | 17 years * | Class 2 Medical Certificate |
| Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL) | 18 years ** | Class 1 Medical Certificate |
| * | Additionally have completed a Student Pilot's Licence (SPL) | |
| * * | Additionally have completed a Private Pilot's Licence (PPL). | |
| * * * | Class 1 Medical Certificate is valid for one year, Class 2 Medical Certificate is valid for four years, for applicants less than 40 years of age on the day of issue, and in all other cases for two years. | |
Helicopter Training Program
Training Duration
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has instituted the following minimum flight time requirements for Private (PPL), and Commercial Licences (CPL) for helicopter training with flying credit given for pilots who already hold fixed-wing licences
| Minimum Training Hours | Already Hold Private Fixed-Wing Licence |
Already Hold Commercial Fixed-Wing Licence |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) | 50 hours | 38 hours | |
| Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL) | 125 hours (105 hours#) | 80 hours (70 hours#) | 70 hours (60 hours#) |
# If final 30 hours of helicopter training is completed within last 3 months.
Helicopter Training Examinations
A comprehensive understanding of helicopter flight theory and operations is an essential part of the helicopter training and are crucial to safely control a helicopter in any situation.
See our page on Helicopter Flight Theory for details on subjects covered and Civil Aviation Security Authority Exams for further information on the helicopter training syllabus and examination requirements.
How do I start?
The best way to start your helicopter training is to come and see us! Inspect the helicopters and discuss the details face to face. Tell us what your requirements are and what you're aiming for, we will work out a plan to get you there. Then follow the up with a no obligation "trial instruction flight" (TIF) where you can obtain a 'hands on' experience at flying a helicopter and begin your helicopter pilot training.