The PPL(H) course is a 50+ hour course for the recreational aviator who wishes to be proficient or the private owner who is planning to purchase an aircraft. It’s comprised of theory and flying syllabus items.
Helicopter Ratings, Endorsements & Advanced Training
Pilot development does not stop when you receive your licence.
The Helicopter Group offers further helicopter training for licensed pilots looking to expand their qualifications, develop new operational skills or transition onto additional helicopter types.
Training availability varies depending on the qualification required, instructor approvals and aircraft availability, so we recommend contacting our training team to discuss your individual requirements.
Advanced Training
Training may include:
- Flight Instructor Rating and training endorsements
- Low-level training
- Sling operations training
- Advanced helicopter handling and operational training
- Aircraft type training and conversions
- Flight reviews and proficiency training where applicable
- Additional ratings and endorsements by arrangement
Our approach places a strong emphasis on practical competency, emergency procedures and developing the judgement required to safely exercise the privileges of the qualification being undertaken.
Helicopter Type Training
Depending on the training required and aircraft availability, training may be available across aircraft including:
- Hughes/Schweizer 300
- Robinson R44
- Bell B206 JetRanger
- Bell B206L LongRanger
- Airbus AS350
- Airbus EC130/H130
- Bell 407
- Agusta A109
If you require training on a particular helicopter type or for a particular operational qualification, please contact us and we can confirm what is currently available.
Discuss Your Next Qualification
Tell us what licence and qualifications you currently hold and what you are looking to achieve.
Our training team can then advise whether we can provide the required training and help determine the appropriate next step.
Helicopter Flight Training FAQs
Learning to fly a helicopter is a significant commitment, particularly if you are considering aviation as a career.
We believe prospective students should understand the training, costs, licensing requirements and employment realities before committing to a course.
Below are answers to the questions we are most commonly asked about helicopter flight training at The Helicopter Group.
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For most people, the best starting point is a Trial Introductory Flight (TIF).
A TIF is a genuine introductory flying lesson rather than simply a scenic flight. You will meet an instructor, learn about the helicopter and its controls, and then experience flying the helicopter from the pilot’s seat.
Our Trial Introductory Flight experience starts from $390 and includes:
- Approximately 1 hour of instructor briefing
- A 40-minute helicopter flight experience
- Approximately 20 minutes of post-flight debriefing
Allow approximately 2 hours for the complete experience.
No previous aviation experience is required. -
No.
Students can begin helicopter training with no previous aviation experience.
We also train existing helicopter pilots, aeroplane pilots and pilots transferring from other flying schools. Previous aviation experience may affect the training pathway and aeronautical experience requirements, so we recommend bringing your logbook and licence details when you first speak with us.
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A Private Pilot Licence – Helicopter (PPL(H)) is intended for private flying. It allows you to operate within the privileges of the licence, ratings and endorsements you hold, but it is not a commercial pilot qualification.
A Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter (CPL(H)) is required if you intend to work as a helicopter pilot and be employed or remunerated for commercial flying.
If your ultimate goal is a career in aviation, tell us that before you commence training so that your training pathway can be planned accordingly.
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CASA’s current minimum aeronautical experience requirement for a helicopter PPL is:
35 hours for an integrated course, or
40 hours for a non-integrated course.There are also specific helicopter, solo and cross-country experience requirements within those totals.
Importantly, these are regulatory minimums, not guaranteed completion times.
You must reach the required competency standard before being recommended for a flight test. Some students may be ready around the applicable minimum while others require additional training.
We will always give you realistic feedback about your progress rather than simply flying you towards an arbitrary number of hours.
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The answer depends on the training pathway.
CASA currently provides different pathways for helicopter CPL training, including:
100 hours of aeronautical experience for an integrated course, and
150 hours for the standard non-integrated pathway.A 105-hour non-integrated pathway may also apply where the requirements specified in the Part 61 Manual of Standards are met.
These pathways also contain specific requirements for helicopter flight time, pilot-in-command time, navigation and other experience.
We can explain which pathway applies to your circumstances before you begin training.
Again, the minimum number of hours is not a guarantee that every student will be ready for a CPL flight test at exactly that point.
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Possibly, where the 105-hour pathway applies and you meet the required competency standard within that time.
It should not, however, be treated as a guaranteed completion figure.
A CPL flight test requires you to demonstrate the required standard across the applicable competencies. If further training is required to safely reach that standard, additional flying will be required.
When comparing flight schools, we recommend being cautious of any quote that presents the regulatory minimum as though it is a guaranteed final course duration or price.
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There is no honest single figure that applies to every student.
Helicopter training is charged according to factors including the aircraft used, instructor and briefing requirements, the amount of flying required, and other training costs.
The total cost will therefore depend substantially on how many hours you actually require before reaching flight-test standard.
We can provide our current aircraft and training rates and an estimated training budget based on your intended pathway.
Students should also budget for expenses outside the helicopter flight time itself, which may include theory training, CASA examinations, medical certification, flight-test or examiner fees, learning materials and other licensing costs.
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A helicopter CPL represents a substantial five-figure investment.
The final amount depends heavily on your training pathway, aircraft used, previous experience and the number of hours required to reach the required standard.
We deliberately do not advertise one headline “CPL price” and imply that every student will complete for exactly that amount.
Before committing to commercial training, we recommend obtaining a realistic estimate that identifies:
- The aircraft and current hourly training rates
- The applicable minimum flight experience
- What ground briefings are included or charged separately
- Theory training costs
- CASA examination costs
- Medical costs
- Flight-test and examiner costs
- Training materials
- Likely additional costs that are not included in the quoted flying rate
A student considering a CPL should understand the total financial commitment, not simply multiply the regulatory minimum hours by an advertised helicopter rate.
Contact our training team and we can provide the current rates and help you build a realistic training budget.
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Because doing so can be misleading.
Students learn at different rates and may enter training with very different levels of previous experience.
Aircraft rates can also differ depending on which helicopter is used.
We would rather explain the current rates, applicable minimum requirements and likely additional costs clearly before you commit.
Where we provide an estimate, it should be treated as a training estimate rather than a guarantee that a student will achieve flight-test competency at a particular number of hours.
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Please speak with our training team about the payment arrangements currently available.
Regardless of how you fund your training, we strongly recommend having a realistic financial plan before beginning an intensive commercial course. Interrupting training for long periods because funding has run out can reduce continuity and may ultimately increase the amount of revision flying required.
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Funding arrangements can change and depend on the training program and provider arrangements in place at the time.
Please contact us for the current position before relying on HECS-HELP, VET Student Loans or any other government-funded training arrangement.
Do not assume a flight-training course is government funded unless that has been specifically confirmed for the course you are considering.
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Yes.
Flight training is only one component of gaining a pilot licence.
For a PPL(H), you must meet the applicable aeronautical knowledge requirements and pass the relevant CASA PPL(H) theory examination.
For a CPL(H), CASA currently requires seven CPL theory subject examinations covering areas including aerodynamics, aircraft general knowledge, flight rules and air law, human factors, meteorology, navigation, and operations, performance and flight planning.
Theory can be completed alongside practical training or separately.
For career students, we generally recommend taking theory seriously from the beginning. Strong theory knowledge makes practical training considerably more useful and is part of becoming a competent professional pilot.
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Yes.
You do not need to complete all of your licence theory before taking your first flying lesson.
In fact, practical flying and theory often complement one another.
However, as your training progresses, having the relevant theory knowledge becomes increasingly important. Commercial students in particular should have a clear plan for completing their CASA examinations rather than leaving theory until the end of their flying.
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You can undertake dual flight training with an instructor without first holding an aviation medical.
However, an appropriate CASA medical is required before progressing to certain stages of training and exercising licence privileges.
If you are considering a professional helicopter career, we strongly recommend dealing with your medical early rather than spending a significant amount on training before discovering an issue that may affect your intended career.
A CPL applicant will generally want to obtain a Class 1 aviation medical early in the process.
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Having a medical condition does not automatically mean you cannot become a pilot.
Aviation medical certification is assessed by CASA and appropriately qualified aviation medical professionals.
If you have a medical condition, take regular medication or have any concern about your ability to obtain the required medical certificate, we recommend resolving that question before making a major financial commitment to commercial training.
The flight school cannot determine your medical eligibility on CASA’s behalf.
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You must be at least 17 years old to be issued a PPL and at least 18 years old to be issued a CPL.
It may be possible to begin training before reaching the minimum age for licence issue.
For younger prospective students, contact us and we can discuss the most appropriate timing for commencing training.
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Yes.
CASA pilot licensing includes English-language proficiency requirements because aviation communication is conducted in English.
If English is not your first language, please let us know when you enquire and we can explain the requirements that may apply.
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There is no fixed calendar duration.
It depends on:
- The licence being completed
- Your training pathway
- How frequently you fly
- Your individual rate of progression
- Theory progress
- Weather
- Aircraft availability
- Instructor availability
- Previous aviation experience
A student training several times per week can progress very differently from someone flying once every few weeks.
The aim should not be to finish in the shortest possible calendar time. It should be to train consistently enough that skills are retained between lessons and unnecessary revision is minimised
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Consistency matters.
Long gaps between lessons often mean part of the next flight is spent rebuilding skills from the previous lesson.
If you are undertaking training recreationally, we can structure lessons around work and other commitments.
If you are serious about completing a CPL efficiently, you should expect to train regularly and maintain momentum through both the flying and theory components.
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Yes.
Not every student needs to train full-time.
Private students commonly train progressively around work and other commitments, while commercial students may choose a more intensive schedule.
We can discuss a training frequency that is realistic for your availability and objectives.
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Our primary training aircraft include the Hughes/Schweizer 300 and Robinson R44.
Depending on the training required and aircraft availability, additional training may also be available in aircraft including the:
Bell B206 JetRanger
Bell B206L LongRanger
Airbus AS350
Airbus EC130/H130
Bell 407
Agusta A109The most appropriate aircraft depends on your experience, qualifications, training objective, availability and budget.
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There is no universal answer.
Both are useful training helicopters and each has different characteristics and operating costs.
The best aircraft for you depends on your training pathway, previous experience, longer-term objectives and budget.
We can discuss the advantages and practical considerations of each before you commence.
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Yes, where appropriate.
There may be benefits to gaining experience on more than one helicopter type, particularly later in training, although changing aircraft can also introduce additional training requirements and cost.
We will generally recommend an aircraft strategy based on what makes sense for your training rather than changing aircraft simply to accumulate different types in your logbook.
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Helicopters have strict weight, balance and seating limitations.
Very tall, short or heavier students may need to be assessed for suitability in a particular aircraft before commencing training.
If you think this may apply to you, please tell us when enquiring. It is much better to establish aircraft suitability at the beginning than discover an issue after training has commenced.
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Solo flying forms part of the applicable experience requirements for pilot licensing.
You will only be authorised to fly solo once your instructor is satisfied that you have reached the required standard and all relevant requirements have been met.
There is no automatic right to solo after a particular number of lessons.
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It may.
CASA allows previous aviation experience to be recognised in certain circumstances, but helicopter-specific experience requirements still apply.
The amount of credit available depends on the licence you hold, the training pathway and your existing experience.
Send us a copy of your licence and a summary of your logbook and we can assess the most appropriate pathway.
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Yes.
Previous training does not simply disappear because you change flying schools.
We will review your training records, logbook and current proficiency and determine where you fit within our training syllabus.
You may require some assessment or familiarisation flying before continuing from the appropriate point in the course.
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Potentially.
Australian licensing requirements depend on the licence you currently hold, its issuing authority, your experience and the Australian qualification you are seeking.
Overseas licence conversions may involve CASA examinations, flight training and a flight test.
Send us details of your current licence and flying experience and we can help determine the next step.
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No.
A CPL(H) is a professional pilot licence. It gives you the legal foundation required to work as a commercial helicopter pilot within the privileges, ratings and limitations you hold.
It does not guarantee employment.
Entry-level helicopter jobs can be competitive, and individual employers may require significantly more than the bare minimum qualification. They may consider total flight time, helicopter experience, aircraft types, recency, additional ratings, operational experience, references, attitude, professionalism and whether you are willing to relocate.
We think students should understand this before committing significant money to commercial flight training.
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Will The Helicopter Group give me a job when I finish my CPL?
Training with The Helicopter Group does not guarantee employment with The Helicopter Group.
We do not sell flight training on the promise of a job at the end of it.
Like any aviation business, recruitment depends on whether positions are available and whether an applicant meets the operational, experience and qualification requirements for that position.
A student’s performance, professionalism and attitude throughout training may naturally form part of how they are regarded within the industry, but completing a course does not create an entitlement to employment.
We would rather be completely clear about that from the beginning.
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There is no single industry-wide number.
Holding a CPL means you have met the licensing standard. It does not mean you automatically meet the requirements of every commercial helicopter position.
Some opportunities may be available to relatively low-hour pilots, while other operations require substantially more experience, specific aircraft time, ratings or operational backgrounds.
If your sole plan is simply to obtain the minimum CPL hours and expect a flying job immediately afterwards, that is not a realistic career plan.
Building a helicopter career usually requires patience, professionalism, networking, continued learning and some flexibility about where you live and what your first aviation role looks like.
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There is no standard first job.
Early-career pilots may pursue opportunities associated with tourism, scenic operations, operational or ground-support roles that develop into flying, or flight instruction after obtaining the separate qualifications required to instruct.
Other pathways exist, but many specialised helicopter operations require considerably more experience.
Your first job may not involve the aircraft, salary, roster or location you ultimately want.
The early stage of a helicopter career is primarily about becoming a safe and useful commercial pilot and building credible experience.
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Only when they support a sensible career pathway.
Collecting ratings, endorsements or expensive aircraft time without a clear reason does not guarantee employment.
Before spending significant money on additional qualifications, ask what roles the qualification is actually required for and whether you will otherwise meet the experience requirements for those roles.
Quality of training, professionalism and relevant experience are generally more useful than simply filling a logbook with unrelated aircraft types.
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No.
A CPL is the licence foundation, but you must also hold the relevant aircraft category, class or type privileges and any other ratings or endorsements required for the operation being conducted.
Commercial operators may also impose their own experience and competency requirements.
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Potentially, but a CPL by itself does not qualify you to instruct.
Flight instruction requires a separate Flight Instructor Rating and the appropriate training endorsements, together with the applicable CASA experience and competency requirements.
If instructing is part of your intended career pathway, speak with us about it early so you understand what further training will be required after the CPL.
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Potentially.
Turbine aircraft form a major part of the helicopter industry, but simply obtaining a CPL does not mean you will immediately move into turbine operations.
Operators may require additional aircraft qualifications, experience or operational background before employing a pilot on particular aircraft.
Further training may be available on aircraft such as the Bell 206, Bell 206L, AS350, EC130/H130, Bell 407 and A109 depending on the qualification required and aircraft availability.
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Training is based at Moorabbin Airport, providing students with experience operating in a busy aviation environment.
As training progresses, students are also exposed to operations away from Moorabbin through navigation and other training exercises.
Learning to manage radio communication, traffic, airspace and workload is an important part of developing into a capable pilot.
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Helicopter flight training is weather dependent.
If conditions are not suitable for the planned exercise, the flight may need to be changed, postponed or used for another appropriate training activity.
Weather disruptions are a normal part of aviation training and should be allowed for when planning your course timeline.
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Then we keep training.
The objective is to produce a pilot who meets the required competency standard, not to force a student through a flight test because they have reached a particular number in their logbook.
Your instructor should provide clear feedback about where you are progressing well, where additional work is required and what you need to achieve before being recommended for a flight test.
If you are struggling with a particular area, we would rather identify it and address it properly.
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Yes — and if you are considering spending a significant amount of money on professional flight training, we think you should.
Come and see the operation, meet the training team, ask questions and understand the aircraft and training pathway before making a major commitment.
A Trial Introductory Flight is also an excellent way to experience the training environment firsthand.
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Do not choose a school based only on the lowest advertised hourly rate.
Ask:
- Which training pathway am I actually being offered?
- What is the applicable CASA minimum experience?
- What aircraft will I train in?
- What is the current hourly training rate?
- What additional briefing or instructor charges apply?
- What is excluded from the advertised price?
- What happens if I require additional hours?
- How frequently can I realistically fly?
- How reliable is aircraft and instructor availability?
- How is theory handled?
- What are the realistic employment prospects after training?
- Is any employment claim actually guaranteed in writing?
A cheaper hourly rate does not necessarily produce a cheaper licence if training continuity is poor or significantly more hours are ultimately required
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If you are completely new to helicopter flying, start with a Trial Introductory Flight.
If you already know you want a PPL or CPL, contact our training team and tell us:
Your previous aviation experience, if any
The licence you are interested in
Whether your goal is recreational or professional flying
Your approximate availability
Your preferred training timeframeFor CPL enquiries, we also encourage you to tell us what you ultimately want to do with the licence.
We can then discuss the applicable training pathway, current aircraft rates, likely additional expenses and the realistic steps involved.