Frequently Asked Questions

    This very much depends on the frequency of the training conducted. Full time students can complete a licence in as little as a few months while others prefer to do 1-2 lessons every couple of weeks.
    Central West Helicopters conducts training at Orange Aerodrome. We also offer training at Dubbo Airport on select days throughout the month. We may also facilitate training from other aerodromes or from a private residence in rural NSW with conditions.

    We can provide short term accommodation at our Orange base subject to availability.

    Absolutely, the hours conducted with an instructor or under instructor supervision will count towards upgrading your licence.
    No, you can pay as you go or pay part upfront and receive a reduced hourly rate. All lessons are charged in increments of 1/10 of an hour.
    To obtain a PPL you are required to complete one CASA exam that includes all 7 subjects and runs for 3 hours. For a CPL there are 7 individual subjects exams that run between 1.5 and 3 hours that need to be completed before sitting the practical pilot test. We are happy to help set you on the path for self study and we can provide access to texts and study material here at our Orange base.
    Our Central West school offers in-house accommodation, while our Queensland and Bankstown schools have motel-style accommodation nearby. Bankstown also has a caravan park close to the flight school. For the Bankstown and Queensland base we can provide support to find the accommodation that is most suitable for students that is both cost-effective and close as possible to our bases.

    Here at Central West Helicopters you will have access to Robinson R22, R44, R66, Bell 206 Jetranger and Bell 407GX.

    As a student you are allowed to train in the aircraft of your choosing although most of our students begin their initial training in the Robinson R22 which is a great training platform as well as being cost effective. During your training you will have the opportunity to fly the R44. Once you become licenced we can train you to fly other helicopter types starting from as little as 3 hours.