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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 North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Full Fee
$83,740 - $112,175
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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

Ways to study

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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. 

See if you qualify for a subsidy

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.

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VET Student Loan - $90,497 cap

This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.

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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 license 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 license or a statement from the issuing authority stipulating that the license holder, at least meets, Operation Level 4 for English language proficiency. A license 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 Math; 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 $161.79
  • Aerodynamics $161.79
  • Aircraft General Knowledge $161.79
  • Meteorology $161.79
  • Navigation $173.89
  • Flight Rules and Air Law $173.89
  • Operations, Performance and Flight Planning $186.01

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

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

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.

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