Commercial Helicopter License- Frequently asked Questions

How much will it cost me?

It depends largely on how you choose to do it although around $60 000 Australian generally covers it.

Are Helicopters safe?

There is a common misconception that when a helicopters engine stops it simply drops from the sky and the pilot has no control. Very early in your training you will learn what to do in the instance of an engine failure and you will soon see that with the appropriate action from the pilot a helicopter can be landed perfectly safely in an emergency situation compare this to an aeroplane which needs considerable space in which to land safely. Engine failures are also very rare in helicopters as there are very strict maintenance schedules and age or time limitations on critical components.

What are the medical requirements?

You will need a Class 1 Aviation Medical to be eligible for a CPL this is obtained from a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (D.A.M.E). For your initial medical you are required to undergo an ECG, audiogram, estimation of fasting serum lipids and fasting blood glucose and an examination by CASA Designated Aviation Ophthalmologist. This medical lasts for twelve months.

How long will it take to get a commercial Helicopter license (CPL)?

It all depends on you and what path you choose to obtain the license. If you enrol in a theory course to complete the written side of things it will generally take between two and three months to finish all seven subjects. The flying side can be done in as little as two months but five to eight months is the average. Obviously there are variables such as weather and helicopter availability to consider, hour many hours you need before you pass the flight test and last but not least you financial situation.

Are there any age limitations?

To be eligible for an Australian CPL you need to be 18 years old. (in theory you  can do all your training then sit the flight test on your eighteenth birthday. There are no maximum age restrictions...if you can pass the medical you can fly.

Do I need to do the practical or theory first and does it matter?

There is no requirement to do one or the other first. You do need to have passed all seven subjects before you can sit the CPL flight test though. It can be beneficial to complete a few hours flying to help get a grasp on helicopter aerodynamics and systems.

What are the seven theory subjects?

Aircraft General Knowledge (Helicopter engines systems and instruments)

Helicopter Aerodynamics

Helicopter Performance, operations and planning

Navigation

Meteorology

Air Law and flight rules

Human performance and limitations

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority requires a pass of 70% or better in all of the above exams except Air Law and flight rules where 80% is the minimum required.

How many hours are required for a CPL?

The minimum number of hours required fo a CPL is 125 flying hours however if you complete the last thirty hours within three months you can reduce this to 105 flying hours. If you already hold a fixed wing license these hours may be further reduced to a minimum of 60 hours.

What is involved in the flight test?

Once you have met all the requirements you can sit the CPL flight test which takes around two hour and will encompass  all aspects of your Flight Training. The Flight Test is conducted by a Approved Testing Officer (ATO)

Are Helicopters Difficult to fly?

Helicopters are inherently unstable and therefore require constant control inputs to maintain smooth flight. Hovering is the most challenging manoeuvre, most people can hover comfortably after about ten hours of flight training. Like learning to drive a car or ride a bike it seems impossible at first but once you can do it you never forget it. 

What are job prospects like after Training?

The job market for low hour pilots in Australia and indeed the world over is very competitive. You will generally start work on the ground for a company before  they will let you loose in the sky. There are jobs out there though for the right people, you just need to be patient and have a good keen attitude. The Helicopter industry in general consists of a series of stepping stones where pilots build up their hours then move to a higher level position so there is always movement in the industry.

Is it possible to self study for exams?

Yes it is possible to self study for exams and a lot of people choose to do it this way for different reasons other people have tried and failed. If you have the self discipline and motivation their is no reason why you can't study from home in your own time.