Which helicopter licence suits you?
In Australia, there are two types of helicopter 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.
PPL(H) requires you to undergo a minimum of 50 hours of flight training, and a CPL(H) requires a minimum of 105 hours. You are then required to complete the appropriate Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) theoretical examinations before a flight test with an authorised CASA testing officer can be scheduled and conducted.
Please note:
The flight experience required by CASA is competency based and 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.
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 105* 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) is increased to 125 hours if the last 30 hours of the 105 hour syllabus is not completed within 90 days, and if the CPL(H) licence is completed on more than two aircraft types, which requires a minimum of 20 hours on each aircraft type.
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.
- Successfully passing a practical flight examination.
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:
70 hours for a CPL(H) and 30 hours for a PPL(H).
Commercial Pilot Aeroplane:
70 hours for a CPL(H) and 30 hours for a PPL(H).
Kick-start your helicopter pilot career!
- Learn about safety principles and flying techniques
- Pre-flight inspection checks
- 30 minutes of flight time
- Opportunity to handle helicopter controls
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