Learn to Fly Helicopters from Archerfield, Brisbane.
Helicopter Pilot Training Brisbane
At Helicopters Australia, we provide professional helicopter pilot training from our Archerfield hangar (located at Archerfield Airport), helping students progress from their first flight through to recognised aviation licences.
We train students from Brisbane and across South East Queensland, with many travelling from throughout Queensland to complete their helicopter flight training.
Whether you’re learning to
fly recreationally, pursuing a
career as a commercial helicopter pilot, or expanding your qualifications, our experienced flying instructors provide structured helicopter flight training to help you develop the skills and confidence to fly safely.
Explore our Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training options available through our helicopter flight school below to find out how to become a helicopter pilot, or contact our team to book your first helicopter flight lesson.
Helicopter Training Brisbane
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
A Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) allows you to work as a professional helicopter pilot and be paid for your flying.
At HeliAus, we offer CPL helicopter training in Brisbane, helping students gain the skills, flight experience and qualifications needed to begin a career in aviation.
CPL Requirements
To obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter) in Australia, students must complete:
- 105 hours of helicopter flight time
- Class 1 medical examination
- Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)
- English language proficiency test
- Commercial Pilot Flight Test
- Seven Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) theory exams
Students have up to 2 years to complete all theory exams. Each exam requires a minimum pass mark of 70%, except Air Law which requires 75%.
- Human Factors
- General Aircraft Knowledge
- Aerodynamics
- Meteorology
- Navigation
- Air Law
- Operations Performance and Planning
CPL Helicopter Training Cost
The cost of CPL helicopter training in Brisbane varies depending on factors such as the helicopter used for training and individual student requirements.
Most students can expect the total cost to be approximately $85,000.
For more information about commercial helicopter pilot training in Brisbane, contact our team to discuss course details and training options.
Helicopter Training Brisbane
Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
A Private Pilot Licence (PPL) allows you to fly helicopters recreationally. You can fly yourself and passengers, but you cannot be paid for your flying. Pilots with a PPL can share the cost of helicopter hire equally with passengers.
At HeliAus, we offer PPL helicopter training in Brisbane, helping students learn the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a helicopter for recreational flying.
PPL Requirements
To obtain a Private Pilot Licence (Helicopter) in Australia, students must complete:
- 40 hours of helicopter flight time
- Class 2 or Class 5 medical examination
- Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)
- English language proficiency test
- Private Pilot Flight Test
One CASA theory exam containing 7 subjects (a minimum mark of 70% is required):
- Human factors
- General Aircraft Knowledge
- Aerodynamics
- Meteorology
- Navigation
- Air Law
- Operations Performance and Planning
PPL Helicopter Training Cost
The cost of PPL helicopter training in Brisbane can vary depending on factors such as the helicopter used for training and individual student requirements.
Most students can expect the total cost of training to be approximately $50,000. It is possible to complete training for as low as $35,000 if the student is able to complete their training full-time in an R22 and self-study their theory courses.
If you’re interested in starting private helicopter pilot training in Brisbane, contact the HeliAus team to learn more about course details and training options.
Helicopter Training Brisbane
advanced helicopter training
Take the next step in your aviation career with advanced helicopter training in Toowoomba. HeliAus offers a range of specialised training and testing options designed to expand your flying skills and professional qualifications.
These courses are suitable for qualified pilots looking to broaden their capabilities or meet additional operational requirements.
Advanced Training Options
We offer training and testing for:
Low Level Rating – training and test
Sling Load Operations – training and test
Instructor Ratings (Grade 2 & 3) – training
- Low Level Instructor Rating – training and test
- Sling Instructor Rating – training and test
- Gas Turbine initial and type Endorsement (R66 or Squirrel) – training and test
- Aerial Platform Shooting (pilot and shooter) – training and test
- Helicopter Flight Review - test
If you're looking to expand your qualifications through advanced helicopter pilot training in the Darling Downs region, contact the HeliAus team to discuss available courses and training options.
FAQs
How long does it take to become a helicopter pilot?
The time required to get a helicopter licence depends on the licence you are completing and how often you train. Full-time students typically take 3 months to complete a PPL licence and 6 months to complete a CPL licence. However, this timeline may vary depending on individual student needs and availability.
How much does it cost to learn to fly a helicopter?
Training costs vary depending on the type of licence, the helicopter used for training, and individual student requirements. As a guide, a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) typically costs around $50,000, (although it can be as low as $35,000 if the student is able to complete their training full-time in an R22 and theory is self-studied). While a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) can cost approximately $85,000.
Do I need any previous flying experience?
No prior flying experience is required to begin helicopter pilot training. Most students start with no aviation background and learn the fundamentals during their helicopter training and flying lessons.
What jobs can you get with a Commercial Pilot Licence?
Helicopter pilot jobs exist across Australia in industries such as tourism, agriculture, emergency services, media, and offshore operations. Obtaining a Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) allows you to work as a professional helicopter pilot across a range of industries. Career opportunities may include:
- Tourism and charter flights – scenic joy flights and passenger transport
- Aerial stock mustering
- Aerial survey and aerial photography
- Agricultural operations, including crop spraying
- Bushfire support and firefighting operations
- Flight instruction (with additional instructor ratings)
- Search and rescue (SAR)
- Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS)
- Marine pilot transfers
- Media, news and traffic reporting
- Offshore operations, including oil and gas support
- Police and law enforcement airwork
- Powerline and infrastructure inspections
Note: Some roles may require additional endorsements or specialised training beyond a CPL. It’s recommended to discuss your career goals with your instructor so they can guide you on the most suitable training pathway.
Many pilots begin their careers in tourism or mustering roles before progressing into specialised aviation sectors.