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There are several helicopter licences. Here at Bankstown Helicopters we specialise in Private and Commercial helicopter licences.

PRIVATE LICENCE

A Private licence is suited to people who wish to fly for pleasure. It will allow you to fly an Australian registered helicopter (subject to endorsements and ratings).
The requirements for a private helicopter licence are:

  • A minimum 50 hours flight experience in accordance with our CASA approved flight training syllabus.
  • To pass a Class 2 aviation medical examination.
  • To demonstrate adequate aeronautical knowledge by passing the Private Pilot licence
    - Helicopter theory exam
  • To pass a practical flight test.

COMMERCIAL LICENCE

A Commercial licence is suited to those who wish to fly as a career. It allows you to fly for financial reward (i.e. work as helicopter pilot). The requirements for a Commercial licence are:

  • A minimum of 125 hours flight experience in accordance with our CASA approved flight training syllabus.
  • To pass a Class 1 aviation medical examination.
  • To demonstrate adequate aeronautical knowledge by passing 7 helicopter specific theory exams.
  • To pass a practical flight test.

The aeronautical experience component (50 hours for Private, 125 hours for Commercial ) are the minimum hours required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Every student is different and therefore we recommend budgeting for additional hours above the CASA minimum recommendations.

Several dispensations exist for obtaining a helicopter licence, which include but are not limited to the following;

Previous flying experience:

  • Private pilot aeroplane – 38hrs for a Private & 80hrs for a Commercial helicopter licence.
  • Commercial pilot aeroplane – 38hrs for a Private & 70hrs for a Commercial helicopter licence.

A reduction to 105hrs can be obtained for the Commercial helicopter licence if:

  • The last 30hrs are completed within 90 days.
  • The licence is completed on a maximum of 2 aircraft types with a minimum of 20hrs to be
    completed on each type.

NOTE: Additional information can be found at www.casa.gov.au/fcl/vfrday.htm