Become a Commercial Helicopter Pilot

Now offering part-time training with VET Student Loan funding – Train now, pay later while keeping your job.

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. 

Every journey starts with a first step, so congratulations on making the first move toward your new career! 

Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence

GETTING STARTED

WHAT ARE YOUR REQUIREMENTS?

Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of your flight test​

You must be an Australian citizen; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident of Australia for the duration of the unit of study; OR

Are a qualifying New Zealand citizen and met the requirements, which are:

  • hold a special visa category, such as the New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV);
  • has been usually resident in Australia for at least 10 years;
  • was a dependent child when he or she was first usually resident in Australia;
  • has been in Australia for periods totalling 8 years during the previous 10 years; and
  • has been in Australia for periods totalling 18 months during the previous 2 years.

The Symbiotics ADAPT assessment must be completed and passed prior to commencing your enrolment. The assessment is at a cost to you of $220 and takes approximately two hours to complete. Flight One School of Aviation would need to arrange this for you.

Symbiotics do offer practice tests to familiarise you with the testing process and better prepare you for the ADAPT assessment

You must provide a copy of your Australian Year 12 High School certificate; OR

  • Provide evidence of successful completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework Certificate IV or higher qualification (where the language of instruction is English) or at a level in a framework that preceded the AQF that is equivalent to level 4 or above in the AQF; OR
  • Displaying competence at Exit Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework in both reading and numeracy through an approved BKSB Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test which is conducted at Flight One School of Aviation. Flight One must reasonably believe that you show competence in completing the course.

You must hold a CASA Class 1 medical certificate to fly solo.

You must hold an ASIC (Aviation Security Identification Card) during your training.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Training Options

Two pathways. Full-time or part-time. Self-fund or VET Student Loan — your choice

Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter


Our course is ideal for those who wish to complete the commercial helicopter licence self-funded and, therefore, not tied to a VET Student Loan. We take you from zero experience right through to industry-ready training. Available as a full-time course (approximately 28 weeks) or part-time with flexible scheduling so you can keep your job while you train. Students will attend theory on scheduled days each week, and flight schedules will vary according to operational requirements.
$ 94,140 + Non-Tuition Fees
  • 28 Weeks Duration (Full-Time)
  • Flexible Duration (Part-Time)
  • 7 CASA Theory Exams​
  • 85 Hours Robinson R22​
  • 20 Hours Robinson R44​
  • 6 Hours HeliMod Mark III Simulator
  • Commercial Flight Test​
  • Low Level Flight Test
  • Theory and Navigation Equipment

AVI50322 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter)


In partnership with Flight One School of Aviation, RTO 31285, V2 Helicopters delivers the AVI50322 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter). This nationally recognised qualification takes you from no flying experience to becoming a fully qualified and highly employable pilot. Available as a full-time course (26 weeks) or part-time course with flexible scheduling so you can keep your job while you train. Both options are available with VET Student Loan funding for eligible students – train now, pay later.
$ 94140 + Non-Tuition Fees
  • 28 Weeks Duration (Full-Time)
  • 52 Weeks Duration (Part-Time)
  • 16 Units of Competency​
  • 7 CASA Theory Exams​
  • 85 Hours Robinson R22​
  • 20 Hours Robinson R44​
  • 6 Hours HeliMod Mark III Simulator
  • Commercial Flight Test​
  • Low Level Flight Test
  • Theory and Navigation Equipment
  • Nationally Recognised Diploma Certificate

Next Full-Time Course Dates

Theory Training – Full-Time vs Part-Time

Full-Time

  • Theory Days: 3 days per week (e.g. Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

  • Class Times: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Structure: Intensive, structured timetable designed to complete all theory subjects within approximately 6 months.

  • Support: Access to instructors on theory and flying days for extra help.

  • Best For: Students who can commit to training as their main focus and want to graduate quickly.

Part-Time

  • Theory Days: 1–2 days per week (scheduled around your work commitments)

  • Class Times: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (some flexibility available)

  • Structure: Extended timetable allowing more time between classes to study and balance other responsibilities.

  • Support: Same instructor access and resources as full-time students, with additional flexibility for self-study and catch-ups.

  • Best For: Students wanting to keep their current job while training, or those needing a slower pace without sacrificing quality.

At V2 Helicopters, we offer two training pathways to become a commercial helicopter pilot — the self-funded Commercial Pilot Licence and the AVI50322 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter). Both options can be completed full-time for fast-track training or part-time with flexible scheduling so you can keep your current job while you study.

The self-funded CPL(H) is ideal for those who prefer to finance their training independently and avoid a government loan. The AVI50322 Diploma, delivered in partnership with Flight One School of Aviation (RTO 31285), is a nationally recognised qualification eligible for VET Student Loan funding for approved students — allowing you to train now and pay later.

No matter which pathway you choose, you’ll receive high-quality, scenario-based flight and theory training that prepares you for a successful career in aviation.

 

Pricing & Plans

Ad-Hoc Training prices

Flying Hours

R22 Helicopter  (Max Weight 105kg)

  • Pay-as-you-go

$680 /Hour

  • 10-Hour Block

$6600

R44 Helicopter  (Max Weight 135kg)

  • Pay-as-you-go

$1039 /Hour

  • 10-Hour Block

$9990

Bell 206  (Max Weight 135kg)

  • Pay-as-you-go

$1599 /Hour

  • 10-Hour Block

$14,600

Theory

  • Private Theory Course
  1. Human Factors
  2. Aircraft General Knowledge
  3. Aerodynamics
  4. Meteorology
  5. Navigation
  6. Air Law
  7. Ops, Performance and Planning

$7350

  • CASA Exam Booking Fees

$169.34 – $195.45*

  • CPL-H Resource Pack

$3259

Other

*Prices may vary depending on personal circumstances

BOOK A TRIAL LESSON

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:
Becoming a helicopter pilot is an attainable goal, and we commend you for taking the initial step of visiting our website. One of the greatest aspects of being a helicopter pilot is the stunning panoramic views and the sense of liberation that comes from flying through the skies.

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.

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 a helicopter conducting scenic flights around the Brisbane Area. This is a great opportunity to build your hours required and experience customer interaction.

Always arrive early, well dressed, with a professional appearance and positive friendly attitude.

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