AVI50322

Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter)

Let your career take-off in the aviation industry with this advanced qualification. This course will provide you with the specialised knowledge and skills required to work as a commercial helicopter pilot.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane North Queensland South Australia

WAYS TO STUDY On campus

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 06 Jan 2025 Duration: Minimum of 6 months View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Full Fee

$87,200 - $109,200

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Take off to a career in the aviation industry with this advanced qualification. This course will prepare you with the specialised knowledge and skills required to work as a commercial helicopter pilot. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as air transport professionals grew very strongly over the past five years. This trend is set to continue with the number of job openings over the next five years expected to exceed 4,000.

As a qualified pilot you can find yourself working in a range of different areas. You could pilot scenic flights in the tourism industry, work in rural operations mustering livestock, conduct transport charter operations, or work with State Police or the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) operating search and rescue missions.

TAFE Queensland has partnered with leading aviation training providers including Townsville Helicopters, Airwork Helicopters in Brisbane, and Helistar in Adelaide to deliver this course. The course provides all the theoretical and practical skills required to be issued with a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) licence to operate as a commercial pilot. Learn about aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, radio communications, and operating in controlled and non-controlled airspace. You will also get to execute advanced helicopter manoeuvres and learn how to implement threat management strategies.

Successful completion of this course will allow you to start your career as a commercial helicopter pilot.

What can I do?

Commercial Helicopter Pilot

Course outcome:

AVI50322 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter)

Comprehensive flight training

As our training facilities are located outside of controlled airspace, you'll be able to spend more time flying and less time waiting for air traffic control. Our study locations in Townsville, Brisbane and Adelaide(SA) will allow you to gain experience in a variety of terrains including coastlines, mountains, open water and city scapes.

Enhance your job prospects

Depending on your study location you may be able to gain experience in two separate helicopters, allowing you to fly more than one type of aircraft and making you highly desirable to future employers. Choose from a Robinson R22, Robinson R44, and turbines such as the Bell Jetranger.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 1 elective unit from the list below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
AVIE0006

Maintain aircraft radio communications

UNIT CODE :
AVIE0006

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to maintain aircraft radio communications in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Maintain aircraft radio communications

UNIT CODE
AVIF0027

Implement aviation fatigue risk management processes

UNIT CODE :
AVIF0027

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to implement aviation fatigue risk management processes in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Implement aviation fatigue risk management processes

UNIT CODE
AVIF0029

Implement threat and error management strategies

UNIT CODE :
AVIF0029

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to implement threat and error management (TEM) strategies in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Implement threat and error management strategies

UNIT CODE
AVIF0033

Manage aircraft passengers and cargo

UNIT CODE :
AVIF0033

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage aircraft passengers and cargo in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Manage aircraft passengers and cargo

UNIT CODE
AVILIC0004

Licence to operate a commercial helicopter

UNIT CODE :
AVILIC0004

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to obtain a commercial pilot licence (helicopter) in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Licence to operate a commercial helicopter

UNIT CODE
AVIO0017

Manage disruptive behaviour and unlawful interference with aviation

UNIT CODE :
AVIO0017

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage disruptive behaviour and unlawful interference with aviation in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Manage disruptive behaviour and unlawful interference with aviation

UNIT CODE
AVIY0034

Operate in controlled airspace

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0034

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate in controlled airspace in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Operate in controlled airspace

UNIT CODE
AVIY0035

Operate in Class G airspace

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0035

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate in Class G airspace in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Operate in Class G airspace

UNIT CODE
AVIY0036

Operate at non-towered aerodromes

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0036

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate at non-towered aerodromes in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Operate at non-towered aerodromes

UNIT CODE
AVIY0037

Operate at a controlled aerodrome

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0037

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate at a controlled aerodrome in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Operate at a controlled aerodrome

UNIT CODE
AVIY0084

Conduct helicopter pre-solo exercises

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0084

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to conduct helicopter pre-solo exercises in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Conduct helicopter pre-solo exercises

UNIT CODE
AVIY0085

Control helicopter during advanced manoeuvres

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0085

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to execute advanced helicopter manoeuvres and procedures in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Control helicopter during advanced manoeuvres

UNIT CODE
AVIY0086

Manage abnormal situations and emergencies - helicopter

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0086

Unit description :
This unit involves the application of skills and knowledge required to manage abnormal and emergency helicopter flight situations in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards, specifically H7 Manage abnormal situations and emergencies - helicopter.
UNIT NAME
Manage abnormal situations and emergencies - helicopter

UNIT CODE
AVIY0088

Operate helicopter on solo navigation flights

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0088

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to control a helicopter in normal flight in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Operate helicopter on solo navigation flights

UNIT CODE
AVIY0089

Operate helicopter solo in the circuit area

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0089

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate helicopter solo in the circuit area in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Operate helicopter solo in the circuit area

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
AVIY0087

Operate helicopter at low level

UNIT CODE :
AVIY0087

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a helicopter at low level in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Manual of Standards - LL-H Helicopter low-level operations and national operating standards.
UNIT NAME
Operate helicopter at low level

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Airwork - Caboolture	On Campus	13 Jan 2025	Minimum of 6 months	R22: Full time 5 days per week	Full fee: $87,600 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Airwork - Caboolture On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 13 Jan 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Minimum of 6 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. R22: Full time 5 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $87,600 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Townsville Helicopters	On Campus	06 Jan 2025	Minimum of 6 months	R22: Full time 5 days per week	Full fee: $87,200 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Townsville Helicopters On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 06 Jan 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Minimum of 6 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. R22: Full time 5 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $87,200 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Townsville Helicopters	On Campus	06 Jan 2025	Minimum of 6 months	R22 - R44: Full time 5 days per week	Full fee: $90,500 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Townsville Helicopters On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 06 Jan 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Minimum of 6 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. R22 - R44: Full time 5 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $90,500 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Helistar Aviation - Parafield	On Campus	03 Feb 2025	Minimum of 9 months	R44: Full time 5 days per week	Full fee: $109,200 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Helistar Aviation - Parafield On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 03 Feb 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Minimum of 9 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. R44: Full time 5 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $109,200 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

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Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter) (AVI50322)

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Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter)

COURSE CODE: AVI50322

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

VET Student Loan - $90,497 cap

The VET Student Loans program assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees. The Australian Government charges full fee-paying (non-subsidised) students a 20 per cent loan fee in addition to their tuition fees. A VET Student Loan is a debt that must be repaid.

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Entry requirements

Commercial or military pilot entrants to this qualification should check requirements with CASA or Defence aviation for specific pilot entry standards.

Selection criteria

Entry Requirements for Australian Domestic Students ONLY: The following are the mandatory entry requirements for enrolment with TAFE Queensland in the Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter).

Before enrolling in this course, you must meet the below Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requirements:

First, seek an Aviation Reference Number (ARN). You must apply for an ARN through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Obtain a valid CASA issued Class 1 Medical Certificate from a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner. Find out more about this process here.
Hold an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) which will require a comprehensive background and criminal history check as part of the application process. Find out more about this process here.
Be Eligible to obtain English language proficiency to meet the minimum requirements set by CASA.
Hold or be eligible to hold an Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate.
Participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age prior to the completion of this qualification.

English Language Proficiency

All foreign pilots converting to an Australian licence or a Certificate of Validation (CoV) must be aware that they require an ICAO English language proficiency assessment.
This should be either stated on their foreign licence or a statement from the issuing authority stipulating that the licence holder, at least meets, Operation Level 4 for English language proficiency. A licence or a CoV will not be issued without the proper ELP assessment.

The following are additional mandatory entry requirements for enrolment in the Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter)

Obtain a Unique Student Identifier (USI) prior to enrolment.
Be physically and mentally capable of flying an aircraft and responding to a number of challenging situations
Be able to purchase the required student resources (as detailed in each regions Qualification Guide)
For VET Student Loan students produce documentary evidence to satisfy Academic Entry eligibility requirements:
- Option 1: Produce your Year 12 certificate with passes in English and Maths; or,
- Option 2: Successful completion at the required level (Level 4) of the Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) assessment through TAFE Queensland.

Prospective students are to be advised that the CASA theory study and exam component includes solving of basic mathematical problems as well as the ability – after completing ground-based theory study - to determine outcomes of multiple choice online supervised CASA exam questions.

Resources required

TAFE Queensland North Region (Townsville)
As part of this course the following resources will be required:

A calculator
Closed in shoes (not safety toe)
Accurate wrist watch
Townsville Helicopters uses a customised version of the Advanced Flight Training CPL book for theory training (Available directly from Third Party Provider). Please contact Townsville Helicopters directly for more information.

If you are completing this course in Townsville, you will also require the following region-specific charts for practical navigation:

Townsville / Cairns Visual Terminal Chart (VTC)
Townsville / Cairns Visual Navigation Chart (VNC)
Townsville, Clermont and Cloncurry World Aeronautical Charts (WAC)

Your instructor will let you know when these need to be purchased. Charts can be purchased at the school, or online from Aviation suppliers for approximately $12 each.

Due to wear and tear, you may need to purchase more than one copy of each chart during your training.

TAFE Queensland Greater Brisbane (Caboolture)
You will be provided with the resource list at your orientation.

Important information

Please be aware that additional costs may be incurred for any unsuccessful examinations undertaken with The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

TAFE Queensland will invoice the student the cost of re-examination as per the following:

Human Factors $169.34
Aerodynamics $169.34
Aircraft General Knowledge $169.34
Meteorology $169.34
Navigation $182.34
Flight Rules and Air Law $182.38
Operations, Performance and Flight Planning $195.45

Should extra flying hours be required to achieve the standard Commercial Pilot Licence, then additional fees may apply.

Weight restrictions
There are weight restrictions on the below aircraft. You will not be able to train in an aircraft type if you are above the maximum weight.

R22: 109 kg
R44: 136 kg

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Apply through QTAC

You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

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Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)

Take your career to new heights and discover an exciting career as a commercial pilot.

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Aviation Manager

Next Start : 06 Jan 2025

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Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter)

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Comprehensive flight training

Enhance your job prospects

Core units

Elective units

Airwork - Caboolture

Townsville Helicopters

Townsville Helicopters

Helistar Aviation - Parafield

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter)

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

VET Student Loan - $90,497 cap

Entry requirements

Selection criteria

Resources required

Important information

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Apply through QTAC

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)

Careers