Private Licence

A private helicopter licence allows you to fly anywhere in Australia but you cannot fly for money, this is reserved for the Commercial licence holder.

You will need to achieve the following:

• Apply to CASA for your ARN ( Aviation Reference Number )
• Apply for your ASIC security card.
• You must be 17 years old to hold a PPLH  licence. (You may commence training at 16 but you must be 17 to sit the PPLH flight test.)
• You must pass a PPLH theory exam as set by CASA ( Courses available at Helibiz)
• Hold a valid Class 2 aviation medical certificate.

Flight Training

No previous aviation or academic experience necessary.

Minimum 50 hours training of which ‘include’ a minimum of:

• General – Dual     20 hours
• General – Solo     10 hours
• Navigation – Dual     9 hours
• Navigation – Solo     6 hours

Converting from Fixed Wing to Helicopter 

PPLA to PPLH: 38 hour course (minimum)    GST is applicable on all private courses

Theory

Helibiz schedule a PPL theory course every 3 months – contact us for details. 

• Aerodynamics
• Navigation
• Flight Rules & Air Law
• Human Factors
• Operations, Performance & Planning
• Meteorology
• Aircraft General Knowledge

*Click on the Helicopter Theory Course tab for more information*

Commercial Licence

The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPLH) allows you to be paid to fly helicopters and gives you the opportunity to have an exciting and rewarding career in the helicopter industry.

To hold a Commercial Pilots Licence you must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the flight test, have passed a CPL helicopter theory exam as set by CASA, meet all that is required to meet CASA Standards and have completed at least a total of 125 hours or 105 hours provided the last 30 hours are conducted within 90 days.

Training includes:

• 40 hours dual flying
• 35 hours hours solo flying
• 25 hours of general flight time as a pilot in command
• A pass in the CPL flight test for helicopters
• Hold a Class 1 Aviation Medical
• Hold a valid ASIC card

If you hold a commercial aeroplane licence, then a minimum of 70 hours flying is required.

How Long Does It Take?

Full time is approximately 8-10 weeks depending on weather and your level of skill. Expect to fly 3-4 hours per day plus classroom flight briefs. Our student training is conducted on a “ONE on ONE” basis …… we are NOT a sausage factory, and attention to detail and your employ-ability is number ONE.

Employment Prospects

Helibiz ensures that every student has the best possible opportunities for employment at the end of their CPL training. Helibiz has a very highly regarded reputation within the industry, and we are the first port of call for many operators looking to employ low-hour pilots.

Private Theory ( PPL )

Helibiz runs private theory courses throughout the year at Airlie Beach. These courses take 3 weeks covering all 7 subjects.

• Meteorology
• Navigation
• Flight
• Planning & Performance
• Human Factors
• Air Law
• Aerodynamics
• Systems – BAK

The PPLH exam is only “one” exam – it covers all 7 subjects, and is a “multiple choice, A B C or D” style exam performed on a computer at an approved ASL exam center ( Mackay ).

Contact us

Commercial Theory

Commercial theory is more involved – each subject is taught separately and examined separately – so there are 7 individual exams which are conducted at an approved exam center. These exams are presented as a “multiple choice answer – A B C or D”. The pass rate is 70-80% depending on which exam.

Advanced Flight Theory ( AFT) on the Sunshine Coast provide full time CPL courses which last 9-10 weeks or Helibiz can provide CPL distance learning packages. All seven (7) subjects are covered during the course and each subject is examined separately in house.

The exams are of a multiple choice type performed on line. Theory subjects are:

• Meteorology
• Navigation
• Flight
• Planning & Performance
• Human Factors
• Air Law
• Aerodynamics
• Systems – BAK

Contact us

Distance Learning Course -­ PPL & CPL

Alternatively we offer the PPL & CPL Distance Learning Course (DLC), which are Australia’s most comprehensive courses, producing excellent results. These are learn at home courses. The DLC kits include all the required textbooks, training charts, flight computer and cyber practice exams, plus support from the team at AFT by phone or email.

Distance Learning Courses are available at our training school for (PPL), exempt (CPL) and covers all you need to know about flying a helicopter. Our flight instructors can also offer tuition if required at very reasonable rates.  Contact us

Helicopter Flight Review (FR)

CASA require all Private and Commercial pilots to undergo a FR every 2 years to maintain validation of your pilots licence. This will need to be conducted with a CASA approved Flying School by a qualified flight instructor. Usually the flight is minimum 1 hour plus ground time for oral component and documentation/certification of your log book and licence.

A FR (flight review) is just that – it’s a review of your flying and an opportunity to tidy up any aspects of your flying that need tuning up. This may include autorotations, emergency procedures, precision approaches, engine failures after takeoff to name a few. The FR is not a test, it is review to make sure you fly safe and understand all the basic procedures you need to maintain your licence. The oral component may consist of general questions on various topics including but not limited to – rules and regulations, low flying, refueling, performance, general knowledge on your helicopter, weight & balance, etc.

At Helibiz, Flight Reviews are carried out by experienced Grade 1 instructors, who can provide advanced training safely and efficiently. 

Allow half a day minimum to conduct the HFR.

Rates:

• R22:   $645 + GST per hour + $195 ground school fee and log book certification.
• R44:   $995 + GST per hour + $195 ground school fee and log book certification.
• Instructor Time in your Helicopter: $295 + GST per hour + $195 ground school fee and log book certification.

Advanced R44 Training

Helibiz is the only flying school in Australia to offer an R44 Advanced training course. The course is suited to both Private and Commercial pilots who want to advance their flying ability and learn to fly the R44 in all areas of emergencies safer, more efficient and develop a significant increase in competence and knowledge The advanced training is structured on a current competency basis, with an outlook to improve your skills in the following areas:

• Precision DEP and APP technique ( necessary for safe autorotation on Take Off and Landing – T/O & L)
• Engine failures during T/O and L at 300’, 200’, 100’, 50’.
• Explore the height velocity graph with engine failures at 500’ & 400’ AGL at zero speed
• Autorotations using Min ROD, Max Glide, constant attitude at 45 & 55 knots.
• 180 & 360, vertical, backwards, sideways autos.
• Low Level quickstops Left & Right including pedal input sideways to raise TR height for obstacle clearance.
• Vertical reference T/O & L.
• Low Level maneuvers – torque turns, spray turns, reversal turns, 180 quick stops L & R.
• Revisit hydraulics off, T/O & L.
• TR failures in hover, taxi & flight.
• Jammed Pedals, Cyclic, Collective – zero speed technique.
• Pinnacle precision approaches to our cliff top pad with turbulence – quite challenging!
• Confined area landings ( eg: light house, pontoon on Great Barrier Reef, rainforest remote HLS, rocky island HLS) plus much more.

In addition we discuss and ensure you understand the following conditions which could happen on any day – these are practical areas that need to be understood:

• Vortex Ring State ( settling with power ) – Demonstrated in flight with recovery technique.
• Low RRPM & recovery –
• Mast Bumping – symptoms, cause & recovery
• LTE – Loss of TR effect, symptoms, causes, avoid zones – recovery techniques.
• Governor Failure

After years of conducting helicopter flight reviews, the greater majority of pilots tested we found a general lack of ability and understanding in emergency procedures and advanced flying techniques –  hence the idea of the course. The course is individually tailored to the participant’s ability and desires. There is room to be flexible in order that you gain training in areas of your choice. The advanced training is a R44 course only.

• Advanced  Course:
  $1195/hr + GST in our R44 (We recommend you have 3-5 hours training)

Low Level Rating

Water (fire) bombing, power line inspections, helicopter rescue, photography and mustering are just the start of the list of helicopter activities that require the pilot to have a low level rating and proficiency in flight operations below 500 feet.

The low level rating with Helibiz provides pilots with the knowledge and skills to proficiently operate a helicopter in an environment that can be hostile to the unwary!

This course includes recognition of low level hazards, general flight, advanced handling and vital low level emergency procedures.

It makes sense that commercial pilots seeking to work within the industry require this qualification and we highly recommend this course to all private pilots operating from remote properties and those wishing to improve their skill base.

Note: 

1. This training is provided to all Helibiz commercial students during their CPL training.
2. Under the new rules – a Low Level Rating requires a separate FLIGHT TEST 

English Language Proficiency (GELP & ELP)

“nǐ hǎo” “salut” “bonjour” “Selamat pagi” “Ciao” “g’day”

Helibiz welcomes students from many backgrounds – yet learning the language of aviation is difficult and requires a suitable grasp of the English language. Australian and international regulatory requirements include an English Language Proficiency assessment be conducted prior to flight training and gaining an Australian or international licence.

Helibiz CFI holds approval to conduct this assessment for you.

SLING Endorsement  

Helicopters are unique in their ability to carry cargo, equipment, supplies and – in some cases – people from a ‘sling’ line or rope attached to the helicopter.

Pilots operating helicopters with sling loads requires specialist sling training to operate in a variety of industries including; rescue, construction, jungle re-supply, shipping, agriculture and forestry to name a few!

NOTE: Helibiz have their own Flight Examiner in house, who holds approval to provide the necessary training and also carry out the FLIGHT TEST for the issue of the SLING endorsement.

LL Sling Endorsement

Helibiz offers both a basic or advanced course level depending on your experience and needs. We recommend this key endorsement for those pilots who have gained some experience in their career and are looking for the next step.

GTE – Gas Turbine Endorsement

Gas Turbine engines offer great advantages over piston engine helicopters as they are smaller, lighter, more powerful and considered more reliable.

As gas turbine engines in helicopters are becoming less expensive – they are becoming more common. To fly a helicopter with a gas turbine engine a pilot must undertake a course on the composition and operational requirements of these engines and then conduct specific flight training in the helicopter.

Helibiz can offer a variety of turbine helicopters for your training requirements including:

• Robinson R66
• Bell 206 – Longranger
• Airbus – EC120
• Airbus – EC130
• Airbus – AS 350 (Squirrel)
• Bell 407

FLAG -Float Alighting Gear

Ever wanted to land on water?

If you answered yes – then you’ll need a ‘Float Alighting Gear’ endorsement. This endorsement is carried out with ‘fixed’ floats replacing the skids on a helicopter and is a fun and rewarding challenge for any pilot. If you are thinking about working in the fishing industry such as “TUNA” spotting, then it is most likely you will need a FLAG endorsement. Helibiz has experienced an instructor with fixed floats.  Contact us