For those looking to make a career in aviation. Working as a commercial helicopter pilot is an exciting and rewarding career.
A commercial pilot’s licence is a pathway to flying in multi-crew operations including search & rescue, police flight operations or off-shore transfers.
Elite Aviation Academy will prepare you for a safe and successful career in aviation by providing you with hands-on, real-world training.
We are dedicated to each student’s success, and use our extensive contact network to help you find your first job. Our operations at Tangalooma and Brisbane provide our students with greater employment opportunities upon completion of their CPL.
Our team of friendly grade 1 instructors are highly trained, with real-world flying experience and each have thousands of hours flying time.
To get a PPL you must be:
- At least 18 years old
- Able to speak and understand a certain level of English
- Pass a medical test and get a class 1 medical certificate
- Have completed the practical training to the required standards
- Have passed the CPL 7 theory exams
- Have passed the CPL flight test with a Flight Examiner
The CPL(H) qualifies you to work as a helicopter pilot anywhere in Australia. You require a CPL to fly as a career.
Our Robinson R44 helicopter training rates are $990 per engine hour including GST if paid hour-by-hour. You may also choose to pay a 10 hour block in advance which reduces the price to $970 per hour inc GST.
You fly at your own pace there is no set structure. If you fly full time then you could expect to complete the CPL in as little as 15 weeks however most learn part-time. The more spread out the lessons the harder it is to retain knowledge and skill. So doing 1 lesson a week will take much longer than 105 hours to complete your licence.
We train in the Robinson R44 helicopter as this is the aircraft which most Private and Commercial pilots use. We believe that the R44 is a safer platform to train in than the smaller and cheaper R22 (2 seater). The R44 allows a higher gross weight and is less limited for larger students.
No not at all. You can stop training whenever you like.
The first step is to give us a call and arrange a trial lesson. From there we will discuss next steps including a medical certificate and obtaining an ARN.
Flying a helicopter is difficult and involves dedication, hard work and applying yourself. However, there is a great sense of achievement to be had with obtaining your helicopter licence.
All of our instructors Grade 1 (The highest Grade) and are highly experienced with 1000s of hours. We take safety very seriously and are proud of our nil accident history. We are approachable and patient, understanding that learning to fly can be a challenge.
The weight limit for the R44 seat is 136kg and there is no height limit however above about 6ft the cabin may become a little cramped.
The theory exam must be completed before you attempt the flight test at the end of your training. The theory should be done either before flying or in parallel with the flying. You can either self study using the books from Heli Theory or we can offer 1-to-1 tuition at $90 per hour. We also occasionally run an evening course. Contact us for more information.
You are able to hire the aircraft as long as you have an approved Elite Helicopters safety pilot in the co-pilot seat. This allows you to take 2 passengers in the rear seats. Our insurance policy does not allow us to hire our aircraft to PPL holders without a safety pilot however there are a number of owners who are happy to hire their aircraft following a check flight.
Cancellations more than 7 days prior to scheduled flights: Eligible for a full refund of 100% or voucher of the same value. Vouchers are valid for 24 months from date of issue, and are non-refundable or transferrable to another individual.
Cancellations less than 7 days but more than 48 hours prior to scheduled flights: Eligible for a partial refund of 50% or voucher of the same value. Vouchers are valid for 24 months from date of issue, and are non-refundable or transferrable to another individual.
Cancellations less than 48 hours prior to scheduled flights: Not eligible for any refunds or vouchers.
