Helicopter pilot training Australia
In Australia, there are two types of licences available: Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence (CPL(H)) and Private Helicopter Pilot Licence (PPL(H)). The CPL(H) qualifies you to work as a helicopter pilot anywhere in Australia, while the PPL(H) allows you to enjoy flying helicopters for leisure.
Both licence types require you to obtain a Student Pilot Licence (SPL) before completing between 50 and 125 hours of flight training time. You are then required to complete the appropriate Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) theoretical examinations before a flight test with an authorised testing officer.
Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence
If you are interested in a career as an Australian helicopter pilot and wish to fly for financial reward, you will need to obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL(H)). The requirements for a CPL are as follows:
- A minimum of 125* hours flight experience in accordance with the CASA-approved flight training syllabus.
- A Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate.
- Demonstration of adequate aeronautical knowledge in seven helicopter-specific theoretical examinations.
- Successfully passing a practical flight examination.
*Flight experience for the CPL(H) can be reduced to 105 hours if the last 30 hours are completed within 90 days and the licence is completed on a maximum of two aircraft types, with a minimum of 20 hours on each aircraft.
Private Helicopter Pilot Licence
If you’re interested in flying a helicopter for pleasure and taking on passengers for no financial reward, you will need to obtain your Private Helicopter Pilot Licence (PPL(H)). This licence will enable you to fly any Australian-registered helicopter, subject to endorsements and ratings. The requirements for obtaining a PPL(H) are as follows:
- A minimum of 50 hours flight experience in accordance with the CASA-approved flight training syllabus.
- A Class 2 Aviation Medical Certificate.
- Demonstration of adequate aeronautical knowledge in a PPL helicopter theoretical examination.
Please note: The flight experience required by CASA does not take into consideration the individual progress of each student, so as a precaution we recommend budgeting for additional hours above the minimum required.
Do you already hold a fixed wing licence?
The minimum flight experience required for students with an existing fixed wing licence is as follows:
- Private Pilot Aeroplane: 80 hours for a CPL(H) and 38 hours for a PPL(H).
- Commercial Pilot Aeroplane: 70 hours for a CPL(H) and 38 hours for a PPL(H).
