FAQ

Everyone learns differently however generally the costs are as follows: Including the costs of your theory exams, typically: the cost for the PPL(H) ranges from $30,000-$35,000; and, the cost for the CPL(H) ranges from $60,000-$70,000. These costs are based on aircraft hire rates x hours required for license + theory exam expenses.

Depending on your availability, a timeframe for the theory and flying instruction will be arranged to personally suit you. To give you some idea about the time taken for the CPL(H): If you fly one lesson per week, it would take just above 2 years to finish. If you flew full time, approx two lessons a day, five days a week, you could finish in about 4 months. The length of time to finish the 7 theory exams will depend on you. As an example, full-time theory typically takes about five weeks to complete. If you are going to fly full-time, then you should have the majority of your theory completed before you do too much flying. If you are flying one or two hours a week, then the theory can be done in conjunction with your flying.

The minimum age for flying solo is 16; The minimum age for the PPL(H) Private Pilot's Licence is 17; and, The minimum age for the CPL(H) Commercial Pilot's Licence is 18. How long does each lesson take? Each lesson is typically about an hour of flying, with an additional hour for pre-flight aircraft inspection and briefing, plus a half-hour post-flight briefing.

No, we are here to assist you in any way we can for you to earn your licence. You only pay for the helicopter time.

Yes, for a properly trained pilot who exercises good judgment. A helicopter can safely be landed almost anywhere within a minute or two should a problem arise. Most helicopter accidents happen due to poor pilot judgment (e.g., failure to avoid obstacles or continuing flight into bad weather). These accidents are totally avoidable by flying intelligently.

The Helicopter Private Pilot Licence will enable you to fly anywhere in Australia with passengers during daylight hours, in any helicopter for which an endorsement is held. Private pilots may not be remunerated for flying done. You can fly friends and family, for example, but cannot be hired for charter work.

The Helicopter Commercial Pilot Licence will enable you to fly anywhere in Australia with passengers during daylight hours, in any helicopter for which an endorsement is held. Commercial pilots may be remunerated for flying done, however any commercial activities must be conducted under an organisation, which holds an Air Operators Certificate, such as HTT.

No, you can still attain your Pilot's Licence but are restricted to flying within Australian airspace only. There are special "lantern" tests (that simulate aviation colours) that your eye examiner can give, which if passed, can remove this restriction.

Given you are at least 17 years old, have an Aviation Medical Class 2 Certificate [Class 1 for CPL(H)], and are able to read, speak and understand English you will be well on your way. Flying a helicopter requires exceptional hand/eye coordination, situational awareness, balance, and discipline. With these attributes, you could become a superior pilot.

A Trial Instructional Flight is the first flight for a helicopter student. We recommend no longer than 30 minutes of actual flying time for the pilot's first time. The 30 minutes of flight is fully loggable towards your helicopter licence. You will be taught about the effects of the controls and will actually fly the helicopter.We recommend arriving one hour before the flight time to be briefed on a pre-flight inspection of your aircraft as well as a pre-flight briefing with your instructor. Also allow 30 minutes for a post-flight briefing.

Yes. Due to the unique way in which helicopters can fly, the requirements are less strict allowing helicopters to be flown with less limitations.