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TRAINING



In  this section we have aimed to provide as much relevant information  applicable to flight training with us, however we invite you to call  us on 02 4965 1800 to discuss any further questions or queries you  may have.

PRIVATE OR COMMERCIAL?

Once you have made the decision to get a helicopter license, the type of flying that you intend to do following your training will determine whether you want to complete a private or a commercial license course.

A private license (ppl) allows you to carry passengers for recreational purposes, but not for hire or reward and you are required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of flying training prior to your flight test.

A commercial license (cpl) allows you to conduct commercial operations and charge for your services - in other words; you can be employed as a pilot. A commercial license requires completion of a minimum of 105 hours of flying training prior to your flight test. This course is the only way to go if you arelooking to forge a career in helicopters. Fixed wing (aeroplane) experience is not required to undertake either helicopter ppl or cpl courses.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE ?

The time it takes to obtain your license depends on your personal circumstances, and how much time you have to commit to your training. If you work full time and can only fly on weekends, or if you wish to complete your training on a full time basis - we can work with you to structure your training schedule to suit your needs.

FOR A PRIVATE LICENSE

On average, a student will qualify for a private pilot license after approximately 55-60 hours. If completing training on a part time basis, say 1 hour a week, this will take just over 12 months. Full time training will take about 2 months.

FOR A COMMERCIAL LICENSE

It is a 125 hour course, however you can sit your flight test anywhere from the 105 hour mark as long as the casa syllabus requirements have been met and the last 30 hours of training has been completed in a 90 day period.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ?

The million-dollar question. (well, not quite a million…) the cost of flying training is a significant factor to be considered before undertaking your training.

The cost will vary depending on the type of aircraft you decide to do your course in. We commonly suggest to students to do the majority of your training in the r22 and then complete your training in the r44 giving you experience and endorsements on both aircraft. We have listed a complete cost breakdown to give you a comprehensive outline of the costs involved, without any hidden expenses to allow you to plan the financial side of your training with confidence.

At newcastle helicopters, 10-hour blocks are available to purchase at a discounted rate to help minimize cost and maximize your training commitment. Details of this are outlined in the training rates page.

MEDICAL CRTIFICATES

A medical certificate is required for issue of a license before you undertake a flight test and before you are permitted to fly solo. You must have regular medical examinations to keep your medical certificate current, and there are specific health standards that are required to be met to obtain a license and maintain currency of your license. Doctors approved by the civil aviation safety authority (casa) conduct specialized flight crew examinations.

These doctors are known as designated aviation medical examiners or dames. Our staff can provide you with a list of dames before or when you start you training. A list is also available on the casa web site www.casa.gov.au. We strongly recommend seeing a dame before you get too far into your training to be sure you have no health issues which may inhibit your ability to obtain a flight crew license.

WHAT EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED ?

Casa does not require any person undertaking an australian pilot's license to hold formal educational qualifications, apart from an elementary english proficiency test which we will arrange for you as part of your training.

The education level required to pass the private pilot's license exams is well within the scope of the average person, and although the commercial theory covers all the subjects in more detail it is certainly achievable with the correct commitment and application. We have had students of all different backgrounds, education and ages who have successfully completed their theory.