FAQ's

How much does it cost to get my licence?

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 $25,000-$35,000; and,
the cost for the CPL(H) ranges from $45,000-$60,000.

How long will it take?

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.

Is there a minimum age to start flying lessons?

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.

Do you charge for ground briefings?

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.

Are helicopters safe to fly?

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 (EG. failure to avoid obstacles or continuing flight into bad weather). These accidents are totally avoidable by flying intelligently.
What can I do with a PPL(H) – Private Pilot's Licence?
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 (paid) for any flying performed. You may fly friends and family, for example, but cannot be hired for charter work.

What can I do with a CPL(H) – Commercial Pilot's Licence?

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 performed, however any commercial activities must be conducted under an organisation which holds an Air Operators Certificate, such as Heli Scenic Flights.

Can I convert fixed wing to rotary?

At Heli Scenic Flights we also train PPL(A) and CPL(A) holders in helicopter flight. Due to your prior training/experience the minimum hour requirements have been reduced. The length of training will depend on prior experience and licence type held. Special Minimum Hours apply when the last 30 Hours is flown within the last 3 months of training.

I'm not sure whether I would feel comfortable flying a helicopter or not?

We invite you to come and try with a 1/2hr Trial Introductory Flight. One of our instructors will take you through your first helicopter flying experience from start to finish and from there you can decide. Click here for more information on a Trial Introductory Flight.

If the engine in a helicopter stops will it just drop out of the sky?

No! Helicopters have the ability to glide with the engine off. All of these exercises are fully conducted in your flying training. Unlike fixed wing, helicopters can land safely with engines off in a confined area with no forward speed.

Should I learn to fly an aeroplane before a helicopter?

Most of our students have never flown before. Flying a helicopter is different and there is no real advantage in flying a fixed wing first. We also cater for those who do fly fixed wing who want to learn to fly a helicopter. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) will offer a reduced amount of flying hours needed to convert over to helicopter flying.

What type of licence do I need?

A Private Licence allows you to carry passengers for recreational purposes, such as taking friends or relatives for joy flights (but not for hire or reward), whereas a Commercial Licence allows you to be employed as a pilot.

If I achieve my Private Licence, can I continue later on with my Commercial Licence?

Absolutely! With more training, a pass in the Commercial theory exams and a flight test you will go on to achieve your Commercial licence.

How long will it take me?

The time taken to gain your licence depends on how long it takes you to complete your theory and how often you fly. The frequency that you fly can vary to suit you; it can be anywhere from once a fortnight to twice a day – five days a week, depending on the availability of bookings, the weather conditions and availability.

Can I fly at night once I have my licence?

A Night Rating is required to fly between the hours of sunset and sunrise. This requires a minimum of 10 hours training plus the flight test. CASA requirements stipulate that this training be in addition to the hours required for your licence. We have night rated helicopters available for this purpose.