Fly as a career
Wake up every morning loving your job.
Age
Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of your flight test
Overview
Do you want to wake up every morning loving your job? It’s not possible I hear you say.. Well guess what, it is possible and you can get there. We love our job and you can too. Aviation is a very fulfilling and rewarding career with each day offering new challenges. With such a broad range of industry sectors available and overseas opportunities there has never been a better time to invest in your future career. To fly professionally you require a commercial pilots licence (CPL). Every journey starts with a first step, so congratulations on making the first move towards your new career! Check out the video below:
Requirements
Theory Exams
Must pass 7 multiple choice theory exams before your flight test
Flight Time
Must complete a minimum of 105 hours flying time
Medical
Must hold a class 1 aviation medical certificate
Security Card
Must hold an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)
Flight Test
Must pass a flight test with our in house Authorised Testing Officer (ATO)
Training
Course Structure
There are two ways of completing your CPL with us. The first is a full time course which runs twice a year for 17 weeks and the second is part time at your own pace. Each option is explained below so you can decide which is right for you.
Full Time Course
Our full time course is ideal for those who wish to complete the training in the shortest time possible and takes students from zero experience right through to CPL in 17 weeks. Students are expected to attend 5 days a week for this time and the course includes both theory classes and flying training. Our full time course is cheaper than the part time course and almost everything is included in one single fee including a BOSE Aviation Headset worth $1449!
Why we don’t offer VET FEE Help
We have deliberately steered away from the VET FEE / VSL government funded system due to the many problems and horror stories associated with VET FEE such as excessive course duration (up to 50 weeks), high interest charges/repayments, limited flexibility, high drop out rates, limited approvals and excessive overall cost (Over $100k!). The VET FEE Cert IV course also includes many additional units which are not required in the standard CASA CPL licence meaning wasted time and money for the student.
Instead, we have created a much more cost effective way of obtaining your CPL in less time with an efficient structured course. We have teamed up with a nationally renowned finance provider Madd Loans to offer eligible students a low cost finance option. Here are some key features of our exclusive full time CPL course:
- 17 Weeks Duration
- 5 Days a Week
- Weeks 1 to 10 Theory (9am – 3pm)
- Weeks 11 to 17 Flying (8am – 3:30pm)
- One course fee
- *NEW* – Bose A20 Bluetooth headset included!!
- Finance available to eligible students
- Accommodation available
Next Full Time Course Dates
August 2020 UNDERWAY
February 2021 OPEN to ENROL
July 2021 OPEN to ENROL
Part Time Course
If full time isn’t an option then our CPL course can also be completed part time. The part time course has no set schedule, this means that you choose when you want to fly and you dictate your own pace of learning. Many of our CPL students fly once or twice a week and complete their licence in 12-18 Months in this way. You should aim for at least one lesson a week to minimise time lost recapping on previously taught material.
Each Lesson
Each lesson is around 1 hour flight time but you should plan to be at the airport for at least 2 hours in total due to lesson briefings and paperwork etc. Your instructor will expect you to read the notes provided appropriate to your lesson before you arrive ensuring you have a basic understanding. This is not compulsory but will make it far easier to understand the concepts involved in the lesson and also allows you to prepare any questions you may have. You will be fully briefed before your lesson in our comfortable air conditioned classroom before heading out in the aircraft with your instructor. Following your lesson there will be opportunity for a debriefing session to discuss potential improvements and what to read before your next lesson.
Theory Component
The practical flying is undoubtedly the most fun part of the process and is guaranteed to get you grinning from ear to ear. The theory component can be a little less exciting but is an essential part of becoming a helicopter pilot. Sometime before your flight test you must have passed 7 multiple choice theory exams covering the following 7 subjects:
- Human Factors (Study of the body’s limitations)
- Meteorology (Study of the weather and how to read aviation forecasts)
- Aircraft General Knowledge (Engine and Helicopter Systems)
- Navigation (How to read maps and plan flights)
- Air Law (Understanding the rules and regulations surrounding aviation)
- Operations Performance and Planning (How to calculate aircraft weight & balance)
- Aerodynamics (Understanding the various aerodynamic effects involved in flying)
Most subjects have a pass mark of 70% and exam duration varies between 1 hour 15 mins to 2 hours 30 minutes. To complete the theory subjects you can choose to self study at home using an online course or come and learn at our theory school. Our CPL theory is taught during the day over one or two weeks depending on the subject. Please contact our office for upcoming theory class dates and availability. There is also the option of one to one direct tuition which is available at a time to suit you. The exams are conducted by a third party company just 100m from our hangar and you are told immediately if you have been successful. We pride ourselves on our theory schools high pass rate and our flight shop will provide you with all the material required to complete the exam.
Flight Test
Approaching the end of your training your instructor will conduct one or more mock flight tests to make sure you are at the required level before putting you forward for your final flight test. This is the moment of truth, your chance to shine and impress the examiner with your new skills! The test usually runs for around 4 hours in total and consists of verbal questioning in the classroom followed by a flight of around 2 hours. You will have practised everything in your test many times with your instructor and you will not be put forward for your test until we feel you are ready so there’s no need to stress. Upon successful completion of the flight test you will become part of that exclusive helicopter pilot club – an amazing life achievement of which you will be proud!
Pricing
The cost of obtataining your CPL depends on which route you plan to take; full time or part time. Full time courses work out cheaper in the long run and have the advantage of being completed in a relatively short timeframe allowing you to begin earning sooner. The beauty of our CPL part time course is that you fly when you choose to. This means that you can spread out the cost of learning to fly over as long as you like, there is no limit on how long you take to learn. Having said that, flying less than 1 hour per week is not recommended because you will lose valuable time recapping previously learned material which you may have forgotten. Most students learn in the R22 2 seat helicopter which has a maximum weight limit of 109kg. If this is not suitable then the R44 4 seat helicopter is available at an additional cost. We have broken down all of the costs involved in getting your commercial licence so you can get an idea of the total investment required.
Part Time Course
The part time route allows you to pay as you go, spreading the cost over a longer duration.
Flying Hours
R22 Helicopter (Max Weight 109kg)
Hour-By-Hour $545 Per Hour
10 Hour Block $530 Per HourR44 Helicopter (Max Weight 136kg)
Hour-By-Hour $845 Per Hour
10 Hour Block $810 Per HourTheory
Self taught online CPL Course $925***
Day theory course $650 Per Subject or $4995 for all 7 subjects
CASA Exam Fees Approx $1000
CPL Theory Book Set $2399Other Costs
Medical Examination/ Certificate $600***
ASIC Card Airport Security Card $220.20
Flight Test Fee $1320***Prices may vary and may be dependant on individual circumstances
Full Time Course
The full time course fee must be paid in full upfront before the start of the course.
What’s Included
- 105 Flight Hours in the Robinson R22
- Theory Tuition for 7 subjects*
- Theory Books for 7 Subjects
- Flight bag and study guides
- Charts / Nav Equipment
- ASL Exam Fees**
- *NEW* BOSE A20 Bluetooth Aviation Headset (RRP $1795.00)
What’s NOT included
- Medical Examination/ Certificate $600***
- ASIC Card Airport Security Card $220.20
- Flight Test
Full Time CPL course Was $64,995 NOW JUST $61,995!
* Theory tuition covers all 7 subjects one time only
** ASL Exam fees included for first exam attempt only
***May vary depending on individual circumstances
Click here for Terms and ConditionsR44 Upgrade
In order to add the Robinson R44 to your licence, you must
fly a minimum of 20 hours in each helicopter. This upgrade
includes your last 20 hours in the R44 helicopter so you will
have both R22 and R44 on your licence upon successful
completion of the flight test.R44 Upgrade Was $9995 NOW JUST $8195
Employment
Upon completing your commercial helicopter licence the first thing you should do is research the market to identify which companies are currently employing pilots. Most first helicopter pilot jobs are in the tourism industry so this is a great place to start.
We keep an up to date a list of these tourism operators throughout Australia, complete with contact details exclusively available for V2 Helicopters students. Once you have identified which companies are currently employing, then you need to visit them in person. Always follow up and email with a phone call and, even better a visit in person. Try and set up a meeting beforehand though this is not always possible.
Always arrive early, well dressed, with a professional appearance and positive friendly attitude. You may have to work on the ground for a period of time before being allocated a flying role. This is normal practice and should be seen as a valuable learning opportunity. We operate a busy charter operation at Archerfield and regularly offer our ex-students the chance to fly conducting scenic flights around the Brisbane Area. This is a great opportunity to build your hours and experience customer interaction.
Always arrive early, well dressed, with a professional appearance and positive friendly attitude.
Industry Sectors
There are a number of different career paths to choose from within the helicopter industry. Some roles require more experience than others but all are rewarding careers. Below is a list of the main helicopter industry sectors to consider when selecting your career path:
- Aerial stock mustering
- Aerial photography and filming
- Scenic joyflights / tourism industry
- Flight instruction
- Bushfire fighting
- Powerline surveys
- Marine pilot transfers
- Helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Police Air Work
- Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS)
- Corporate flights / general charter service
- Agricultural crop spraying and livestock herding
- Media, news and traffic reporting
- Offshore (oil industry) services
- Tuna spotting (Tuna Boats)
Life as a pilot
Are you are bored of doing the same old thing in your current job? Do you want a new, exciting and rewarding career which offers challenges and real responsibility? Then this job is for you!
As a helicopter pilot you will go to work every day expecting something new; exciting challenges, beautiful sights, thrilling adventures, meeting new people and real responsibility. There is a wide range of industry sectors to choose from when embarking on your career from cattle mustering to emergency rescue operations. Whatever path you choose, you will be one of the few people who love coming to work!
Helicopter pilots occasionally have erratic schedules and may have to spend time away from home. For example, off shore helicopter pilots often work seven days on and seven days off. For the seven-day work shift, the pilot must stay offshore or at remote bases away from family. Helicopter pilots are responsible for the safety of the crew, cargo and craft. They need to make snap decisions in bad weather or when equipment fails. If you can’t handle stress and responsibility, this job may not appeal to you.
Becoming a helicopter pilot IS an achievable goal and you have made the first step by reading our website. One of the best things about being a helicopter pilot is the amazing panoramic view and the feeling of freedom as you surf the skies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get finance for my training?
We have teamed up with a nationally renowned finance provider Madd Loans to offer eligible students a low cost finance option. Finance is subject to your particular situation and does require security in the form of property equity or similar. If you dont own a property then a guarantor may also be an option. Please speak to George at Madd Loans regarding finance options.
How long does it take to get my CPL?
If you choose to complete the full time course then expect to train for 17 weeks. If you choose to complete the CPL part time then there is no specified dates or times so you simply choose when you want to fly. If you choose to fly 1 hour a week then the CPL licence may take around 1 year to complete. The more you fly the quicker you will get your licence!
Why choose V2 Helicopters?
Experience is the key, backed up by professional personalised training. Our instructors have 1000’s of hours in the field making us highly qualified to teach the next generation of helicopter pilots. Ken Amess has over 13 years mustering experience and over 22,000 hours flying making him one of the most experienced instructors in the world. We go the extra mile for our students making sure we create the best pilots possible. Our location is perfect for training, we have the beautiful views of Moreton Bay on our doorstep and Archerfield’s controlled airspace ensures that students are exposed to controlled airspace radio calls. Airfields like Redcliffe and Caboolture do not have this privilege and students often struggle with controlled airspace having not been exposed to it from the beginning.
Is it hard to find employment?
This is our most commonly asked question. The opportunities for initial employment vary from time to time and from region to region. Generally, if you are prepared to look for work and relocate if necessary, then there will be a position available for you. The key to securing a position is persistence, do not give up at the first hurdle and always ask for guidance from our experienced team of instructors. Occasionally, you may have to accept part-time or casual employment to begin with; this is normal and should be seen as an opportunity to “learn the ropes” of the industry – it will certainly be worth it in the end. Many new pilots become instructors to build experience and flying hours. There is nothing wrong with this as long as the task is approached with dedication and enthusiasm. Some people are natural teachers and remain instructors throughout their career. We offer every one of our commercial pilots the opportunity to fly scenic flights for us on weekends as a helping hand to build your hours at no cost to you. We also have some fantastic contacts in the helicopter industry meaning that many of our commercial pilots are placed into a job straight after their training. Here is a list of just some of our students who are now in flying jobs after training with V Squared:
- Kolby North – Powerline Surveys
- Sean Hedland – Mustering Cattle
- Craig Storno-Bown – Mustering Cattle
- Luke Newman – Tourism/Photography/Charter
- Charlie Rickett – Mustering Cattle
- Dylan Hall – Powerline Surveys
- Judd Pickert – Tourism/Photography/Charter
- Stuart McBean – Powerline Surveys
- Jimmy Cole – Tourism/Photography/Charter
- Jack Poplawski – Mustering Cattle
- Brett Smith – Tourism/Photography/Charter
- Kevin Holden – Mustering Cattle
- Jake Pretorius – Powerline Surveys
- Jack Speed – Mustering Cattle
- Mithun Patel – Tourism/Photography/Charter
- Sam Hughes – Tourism/Photography/Charter
- Rebecca Saunus – Tourism/Photography/Charter
- Ben Nelson – Tourism/Photography/Charter
- Leslie Caldwell – Mustering Cattle
- Courtney Ryan – Tourism/Photography/Charter
- Tom Peacock – Mustering Cattle
- Beau Harrington – Mustering Cattle
- Bill Knight – Mustering Cattle
- David Gordon – Tourism/Photography/Charter
- Kobi Schooley – Tourism/Photography/Charter/Mustering
- This could be you!
How much does it cost to learn?
Please scroll up to the pricing section above which details every cost involved in getting your CPL.
How often should I fly?
We recommend that you fly at least once a week to avoid losing time recapping on previously learned material. On the other extreme, flying more than 3 lessons a day is not recommended as concentration levels will be reduced.
Is the theory difficult?
The theory requires some commitment from you and motivation which is best found in the classroom environment. There are no pre-requisites like superior maths or science skills required. We use simplified diagrams and charts to explain concepts but some application is required from you – at the end of the day you will be in command of a helicopter and we expect you to know your stuff. Many students have not been to school for years and pass with flying colours.
Is there accommodation nearby while I train?
Yes, we have teamed up with a local accommodation provider offering a private room and 3 meals a day for just $250 per week. The property is a 5 minute walk to Archerfield with plenty of amenities close by. If you require accommodation please call Diane on 0410 334 158.
Why don’t you offer VET FEE help?
We have deliberately steered away from the VET FEE / VSL government funded system due to the many problems and horror stories associated with VET FEE such as excessive course duration (up to 52 weeks), high interest charges/repayments, limited flexibility, high drop out rates, limited approvals and excessive overall cost (Over $100k!). The VET FEE Cert IV course also includes many additional units which are not required in the standard CASA CPL licence meaning wasted time and money for the student.
Instead, we have created a much more cost effective way of obtaining your CPL in less time with an efficient structured course. We have teamed up with a nationally renowned finance provider Madd Loans to offer eligible students a low cost finance option
Can I hire the helicopter afterwards?
Yes absolutely! We only hire our helicopters to students who have conducted training with us. That way we know our aircraft are in good hands.
Where can I fly once I have my CPL?
We have partnered with many awesome places all within an hour flight of Archerfield where you can land the helicopter for lunch or weekend getaway. These spectacular facilities include Spicers Peak Lodge, Sirromet Winery, Spicers Gold Coast, Eagle Heights Hotel, Sanctuary Cove, Couran Cove, Jupiters Casino, Noosa AFL club, Tangalooma Resort and many more.
Can you land anywhere in a helicopter?
Pretty much. All we need is the land owners permission and the area must be large enough to accommodate the helicopter safely. This gives us great flexibility in landing where we like – this is the beauty of helicopters!
How fast is the helicopter and what is the range?
The R22, 2 seat helicopter cruises at approximately 80 knots which is around 150kmh! This gives it a range of around 350km in nil wind; not bad for a little helicopter! The R44, 4 seat helicopter cruises around 120 knots which is around 220 kmh giving it a range of around 500km in nil wind.
How do I keep my licence current?
When you have your CPL in order to fly you must keep your medical current. You must also complete a Flight Review with an instructor once every 2 years. It is your responsibility to keep these up to date and strict penalties apply if you are found flying without a valid medial or flight review. There are no minimum hours to complete each year.
Is the medical tough to pass?
To become a commercial pilot a standard class 1 medical is required which includes eye, ear, blood and urine tests. You may also require an ECG on your initial medial. CASA have created a great medical help guide which can be found by clicking here.
Get Started
Step 1 - Trial Lesson
The trial lesson is a 30 minute flight which gives you the chance to control the aircraft and see if flying is for you. Most people love it and become even more motivated to reach the goal of CPL at this point! To Book your trial lesson simply give us a call on 07 3274 6666 – click here for full details regarding the trial lesson.
Step 2 - Apply for an ARN (Aviation Reference Number)
So you’ve completed your the trial lesson and loved it! The next step is to get an Aviation reference number (ARN) which is free. This is your unique aviation number (similar to a drivers licence number). To get an ARN all you have to do is fill out this form and post it to CASA at the following address: CLARC, CASA, GPO BOX 2005, Canberra, ACT, 2601. It should take no longer than one week to receive your ARN. If you don’t have it after one week, call CASA on 1300 737 032 and ask for it over the phone.
Step 3 - Apply for an ASIC
Once you have your ARN you will need to complete this Aviation Security Identity Card (ASIC) online application form. This form is quite in depth and requires careful attention to detail. You are required to supply passport style photographs and these must be certified by a qualified person.
Step 4 - Get your Medical (Class 1)
Before you begin your helicopter training we suggest that you obtain your medical certificate. For a commercial licence you must hold a Class 1 aviation medical. Note that a class 1 medical will automatically cover the class 2 required for PPL. The initial medical includes an eye exam and a blood test and all medicals must be performed by a registered DAME (Designated Aviation Medical Examiner) . To book your medical you can call flight one (situated next to V² Helicopters at Archerfield airport) on (07) 3123 7300 to book in with Dr Chris Andrews our local DAME.
Step 5 - Start your lessons!
You can start your flying at any time, you don’t need the medical, ARN or ASIC to start. To book your lessons all you have to do is either call in and arrange dates and times with an instructor or call our office on (07) 3274 6666. You may book as many lessons as you like. Your lessons will follow a syllabus with standards dictated by CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) and you will be taken through each step in detail. You may ask your instructor questions at any point throughout your training and you can learn at your own pace.
Step 6 - Theory
For a commercial licence you must complete seven multiple choice theory examinations. You may complete these exams at any time as long as they are passed before the date of your flight test. We recommend that you complete the theory training in conjunction with the practical so that you can relate one to the other. This will help you to relate certain theory concepts to real life situations. We offer full time day time theory courses and one-to-one tutoring, alternatively you may self study at home online. The theory books you require are available to order from V² Helicopters, call us on (07) 3274 6666 to order a set.
Step 7 - Pre-Solo Exams
Before your first solo flight you must complete the following three short examinations by law;
- Pre-Solo Air Law Exam
- FROL (Flight Radio Operators Licence) Exam
- Aircraft Type Exam
These exams are completed in house at V² Helicopters or at home via our online portal. Before attempting these exams you will need to read and study the appropriate flight manual for the aircraft you are training in. You will also be required to study radio procedures and basic air law. Contact our office on (07) 3274 6666 for the relevant reading material.
Step 8 - Flight Test
Once your practical and theory training are complete, you will be ready for your flight test. The flight test will be conducted with a registered ATO (authorised testing officer) and will include both practical and theory assessment. The flight test usually lasts around 4 hours and will be conducted at V² Helicopters where you are familiar with the operational procedures. Upon successful completion of your flight test, you will be required to submit a form to CASA which will be provided by your instructor.
Have more questions? Send us a message
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Contact
Phone
(07) 3274 6666
Address
Hanger 219, Qantas Ave
Brisbane, Queensland