A Commercial Pilot Licence allows you to be paid for flying work, so it’s essential if you intend to make helicopter flying your career. While it’s a big commitment, it opens the door to a world of possible flying jobs, from mustering cattle through to tourism, emergency rescue, flying instruction, exploration and survey, and much more.
To obtain a CPL, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be assessed as having at least Level 4 English Proficiency
- Hold a current aviation security status check
- Hold a Class 1 aviation medical
- Pass the CASA CPL theory examinations (7 separate exams covering the following subjects: Operations, Performance and Planning; Navigation; Aircraft General Knowledge; Aerodynamics; Human Factors; Meteorology; Flight Rules & Air Law)
- Undergo flying training for the CPL
- Have at least the following flying hours:
Type of flying Minimum Hours Helicopter Total 125* General Flying (Dual) 40 General Flying (Solo) 25 General Flying (Total) 35 Navigation (Total) 25 Navigation (Solo) 10 - Pass the CPL flight test
* The 125-hour minimum may be reduced to 105 hours if the last 30 are flown within a 3-month period.
Again, your rate of progress will depend on your individual circumstances, but as a guide, a CPL(H) is likely to approximately end up costing $90,000. *Based on R44 aircraft