Fly for fun
Life’s too short not to challenge yourself & chase your dreams.
Age
Must be at least 17 years of age at the time of your flight test
Overview
If you want to fly as a hobby and not as a career then the Private Licence is for you. There is no better feeling than escaping the daily grind and challenging yourself in order to achieve something amazing. A Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) allows you to fly anywhere in Australia with passengers during daylight hours, in any helicopter for which an endorsement is held. Note that private pilots may not be remunerated for flying done.
Requirements
Theory Exam
Must pass 1 multiple choice theory exam before your flight test
Flight Time
Must complete a minimum of 50 hours flying time
Medical
Must hold a class 2 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
Our PPL course has no set schedule, this means that you choose when you want to fly and you dictate your own pace. If you choose to fly every day then you could complete 50 hours in just 8 weeks but most people have jobs and other commitments so this is not possible. Most of our PPL students fly once or twice a week and complete their licence in 6-12 Months. 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 1 multiple choice theory exam which covers these 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)
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. We offer a series of evening classes for students with work commitments during the day and occasionally run a Sunday course spanning over 10 Sundays. There is also the option of one to one direct tuition which is available at a time to suit you. The exam is 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 beauty about our PPL 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 private licence so you can get an idea of the total investment required.
Flying Lessons (Includes Briefings)
R22 Helicopter (Max Weight 109kg)
Hour-By-Hour $535+GST Per Hour
10 Hour Block $520+GST Per HourR44 Helicopter (Max Weight 136kg)
Hour-By-Hour $830+GST Per Hour
10 Hour Block $795+GST Per Hour
Theory
Self taught online PPL Course $525
Night or Sunday Theory Course $2495
PPL Theory Book Set $1850Other Costs
Standard Aviation Medical (Class 2) $275
Security Card (ASIC) $200.50
Flight Test Fee $1200+GST
FAQ
How long does it take to get my PPL?
There is no specified course for PPL so you simply choose when you want to fly. If you choose to fly 5 days a week then the PPL licence can take as little as 8 weeks. If you decide to fly once a week then expect to have it completed in around 10 Months. 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.
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.
How much does it cost?
Please scroll up to the pricing section above which details every cost involved in getting your PPL.
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.
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.
Can I go on to do my Commercial Licence afterwards?
Yes you can. Your hours will count towards your commercial licence (CPL) however you will have to complete the theory again because the commercial licence requires 7 theory exams to be passed – one for each subject. Where as the PPL theory exam is one single exam covering 7 subjects in less detail. If you know you will be progressing to CPL at a later date then we suggest you complete the CPL theory exams as these also cover you for PPL.
Where can I fly once I have my PPL?
We have partnered with many awesome places all within an hour flight of Archerfield where you can land the helicopter for lunch or a 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 PPL 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?
Every person is different but the standard class 2 medical is not too in depth and is simliar to that required for driving a car. The initial medical does require a few additional checks such as eye, ear and blood sample.
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 PPL 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 2)
Before you begin your helicopter training we suggest that you obtain your medical certificate. For a private licence you must hold a Class 2 aviation medical. For a commercial licence you must hold a Class 1 medical which is slightly more in depth. Note that a class 1 medical will automatically cover the class 2. 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 private licence you must complete one multiple choice theory examination. You may complete this exam at any time as long as it is 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 Sunday day time theory courses and night theory courses, 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.