Becoming A Commercial Helicopter Pilot
 Helpful Hints

Once you have phoned around and received all the literature about each flying school, you need to think long and hard about what you really want and the best way to achieve this. By now, we would assume that you have a strong desire to become a helicopter pilot and know very little about what lies ahead of you. The following may help you in your decision making. Remember, this will be one of the most difficult things you will attempt to do in your entire life and it won't be cheap, so the more you know about what you want, the better!!

     
   
     

 

Questions To Ask Of Each School

Don't be afraid to ask plenty of questions. Find out what type of aircraft they operate? If possible, look at the helicopters and see what condition they are in. Ask who will be doing most of the training and how many hours each Instructor has. A low hour Instructor won't be able to teach you too much! Does the Grade One Instructor do any of your training? Is he an Approved Testing Officer? Will they arrange accommodation near the airport? Are there any extra hidden costs? Do I have to make lump sum payments or do I pay as I fly?

Questions To Ask Prospective Employers


Before committing to a flying school, you will need to learn a bit about this industry and part of that includes contacting the people who employ helicopter pilots. We will supply names and numbers on request. Find out if they employ low hour pilots. What sort of money can you expect to earn in the first year. How many hours would you be expected to fly a day / week / year. What sort of accommodation and facilities do they offer pilots.

What to Expect Once You
Have Decided On A School


The first thing you will need to do is the Commercial Helicopter Theory Course which takes approx. 7 weeks of full time study. The subjects covered are Meteorology, Air Law, Navigation, Principles of Flight, Performance and Operations, Engines and Systems and Human Performances..

Some schools elect to do their own, and others have external companies to do the Theory. At the end of the 7 weeks period you will then have to sit the 7 part CYBER-EXAM at a CASA approved location.  You will find out whether you have passed of failed at the end of the CyderExam.

Contact Carly on 1800-000-767
for further details.


The next step will be the practical flying and this will take from 12-14 weeks. Your first week will be pretty traumatic getting used to the helicopter and trying to absorb so much information and therefore, you will probably only fly approx. two hours per day. By the second week you will be flying 2-3 hours depending on ability.

Once you have convinced your Instructor and yourself, the next step will be your first solo. This is usually around the 20 hour period, again depending on ability. Now you will do circuits until you start to dream about them and maybe even some more. This is to perfect your handling skills of the helicopter and once your have achieved that you will start to move out of the circuit area.


At first you will only do short navigational exercises just to get used to the area and practice your map reading skills. After some dual navs, you will then start heading out on your own. You will now start to build up hours and experience and the more difficult flying such as confined areas and pinnacles will happen.

After completing the 105 hours required by CASA you will then have to sit your Commercial Helicopter Pilots Licence test. This is made up of an oral test then a 2 hour flight test.

Now you are a Commercial Helicopter Pilot and this is when the hard work really starts. We will give you names and addresses of people to contact as well as advise you on the best way to find employment.