BECOME A LICENCED HELICOPTER PILOT
HELICOPTER PILOT LICENCES &TRAINING
PPLH & CPLH

PRIVATE HELICOPTER PILOT LICENCE (PPLH)
A PPL(H) allows you to fly helicopters for fun, take family and friends flying, and carry out agricultural work with your own aircraft on your own property. You cannot get paid (and not have employment) for any flying with a PPL(H).
AGE
You can begin training at any age, but must be at least 15 years of age to fly solo and 17 to do the PPL(H) flight test.
MEDICAL
Must have a current medicate certificate (Class 1 or 2 Aviation Medical)
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of 50 hours flight training
- ARN, ASIC and Medical
- Must pass a CASA theory examination covering all subject content.
- Final flight test.
COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER PILOT LICENCE (CPLH)
A CPL(H) allows you to be employed as a helicopter pilot thus giving a wide range of exciting career opportunities such as tourism, training, air rescue, and agricultural operations to name a few.
Age
You can begin helicopter training at any age, but must be at least 15 to fly solo and 18 to sit the CPL flight test.
Medical
Applicants must have a current medical certificate (Class 1 Aviation Medical).
Requirements
- Minimum 125 hours flight training (or 105 hours if the last 30 hours are completed within 3 months)
- ARN, ASIC and Medical (see Fit and Proper person below)
- 7 CASA theory examinations (70% pass rate, Aviation Law 80% pass rate)
- Final flight test


HELICOPTER THEORY SUBJECTS
Both PPL and CPL require you to study seven theory subjects. The PPL has a single theory exam, while the CPL requires more in-depth knowledge so has seven exams (one for each subject).
You can either complete all your theory before beginning practical training, or complete the theory and practical flight training at the same time.
Helicopter subjects covered include:
- Air Law
- Navigation
- Meteorology
- Aerodynamics
- Human Factors
- Basic Aeronautical Knowledge
- Operations Performance and Planning
Theory can be learnt through our classroom courses (run on demand), one-on-one tuition, or self-study.
For guidance on choosing the best option for you, please give Will a call on 0408 332 248 or make an enquiry.
FIT AND PROPER PERSON
To become a helicopter pilot, you must be both physically and mentally fit and proper. This means no serious health concerns or criminal background.
The following checks will be completed either before or during your helicopter training and courses:
Aviation Reference Number (ARN)
This personal ID number provides an easy way of tracking all your aviation paperwork and is required to book medicals, exams, etc.
Visit www.casa.gov.au and search for “ARN”
Aviation Medical
All pilots undergo a regular medical check-up to ensure they are fit to fly. While you can begin training without a medical check, we recommend you obtain a medical first, just in case there are any unexpected health issues.
A commercial helicopter pilot carrying passengers requires a Class 1 Aviation Medical, while a private helicopter pilot requires a simpler Class 2 Aviation Medical.
ASIC
This is a security check required before CASA will grant you a licence.
If you have any criminal background please advise us before beginning training.


I learned to fly helicopters with Ansett Aviation after coming from a RAAF fixed wing/instructor background. The ground school training and rotary theory from Lloyd was very targeted and adapted to my previous aeronautical knowledge. For the flying component, Will Richards was again flexible to my previous experience and targeted training more specifically towards rotary specific conversion elements, allowing more efficient use of airborne time. Training was enjoyable whilst constantly pushing me to my limits. Since then, we have remained good friends and even ferried an Airbus H130 from UK to Australia via 35 sectors in 18 Countries – quite an Adventure!!
Rowen Wilson
