Personalise my view
Personalise my view

😊 Personalise my view

We use cookies and third-party to provide a better online experience, including to serve targeted ads. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies and privacy agreement.  Learn more

AVI50319

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.

Apply Now
NEXT INTAKE On campus:
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Full Fee
$83,740 - $112,175
Eligibility Calculator

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 Helitec on the Sunshine Coast to deliver this course. The course provides all the theoretical and practical skills required to be issued with a 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:

AVI50319 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 the Sunshine Coast 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
  • AVIF0026
    Implement aviation risk management processes
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIF0026
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to implement aviation risk management processes in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Implement aviation risk management processes

  • 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
  • AVIF0030
    Manage safe flight operations
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIF0030
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage safe flight operations in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Manage safe flight operations

  • 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
  • AVIF0035
    Manage human factors in aviation operations
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIF0035
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage human factors in aviation operations in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Manage human factors in aviation operations

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIH0010
    Plan a flight under visual flight rules
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIH0010
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to plan a flight under visual flight rules (VFR) in compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Plan a flight under visual flight rules

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIH0014
    Navigate aircraft under visual flight rules
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIH0014
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to navigate an aircraft under visual flight rules (VFR) in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Navigate aircraft under visual flight rules

  • 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
  • AVIW0029
    Manage pre- and post-flight actions
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIW0029
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage pre- and post-flight actions in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Manage pre- and post-flight actions

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIW0032
    Operate and manage aircraft systems
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIW0032
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate and manage aircraft systems in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Operate and manage aircraft systems

  • 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
  • AVIY0040
    Apply aeronautical knowledge to aviation operations
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0040
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply aeronautical knowledge to aviation operations in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply aeronautical knowledge to aviation operations

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIY0041
    Apply the principles of civil air law to aviation operations
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0041
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply the principles of civil air law to aviation operations in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply the principles of civil air law to aviation operations

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIY0048
    Taxi helicopter
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0048
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to taxi a helicopter in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Taxi helicopter

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIY0058
    Manage aircraft fuel
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0058
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage aircraft fuel in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Manage aircraft fuel

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIY0059
    Control helicopter on the ground
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0059
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to control a helicopter on the ground in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Control helicopter on the ground

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIY0060
    Control helicopter in hovering flight
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0060
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to control a helicopter in hovering flight in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Control helicopter in hovering flight

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIY0061
    Take off helicopter and approach to hover
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0061
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to control a helicopter in hovering flight in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Take off helicopter and approach to hover

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIY0062
    Control helicopter in normal flight
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0062
    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
  • Control helicopter in normal flight

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIY0063
    Execute advanced helicopter manoeuvres and procedures
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0063
    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
  • Execute advanced helicopter manoeuvres and procedures

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIY0064
    Manage abnormal and emergency helicopter flight situations
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIY0064
    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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Manage abnormal and emergency helicopter flight situations

  • UNIT CODE
  • AVIZ0006
    Manage situational awareness in aircraft flight
    UNIT CODE :
    AVIZ0006
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage situational awareness in aircraft flight in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Manage situational awareness in aircraft flight

Ways to study
CAMPUS START DATES DURATION WORKLOAD STUDY MODE WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Airwork - Caboolture
06 Apr 2023
up to 6 months
Full time 5 days per week
Classroom
  • Full fee: $83,930
CAMPUS START DATES DURATION WORKLOAD STUDY MODE WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Townsville Helicopters
10 Apr 2023
up to 6 months
R22- Full time 5 days per week
Classroom
  • Full fee: $83,740
Townsville Helicopters
10 Apr 2023
up to 6 months
R22 - R44: Full time 5 days per week
Classroom
  • Full fee: $87,780
Townsville Helicopters
10 Apr 2023
up to 6 months
R22 - Turbine: Full time 5 days per week
Classroom
  • Full fee: $112,175
Townsville Helicopters
10 Jul 2023
up to 6 months
R22 - Turbine: Full time 5 days per week
Classroom
  • Full fee: $112,175
Townsville Helicopters
10 Jul 2023
up to 6 months
R22 - R44: Full time 5 days per week
Classroom
  • Full fee: $87,780
Townsville Helicopters
10 Jul 2023
up to 6 months
R22- Full time 5 days per week
Classroom
  • Full fee: $83,740
Townsville Helicopters
02 Oct 2023
up to 6 months
R22 - Turbine: Full time 5 days per week
Classroom
  • Full fee: $112,175
Townsville Helicopters
02 Oct 2023
up to 6 months
R22 - R44: Full time 5 days per week
Classroom
  • Full fee: $87,780
Townsville Helicopters
02 Oct 2023
up to 6 months
R22- Full time 5 days per week
Classroom
  • Full fee: $83,740

Download Brochure

Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter) (AVI50319)

Ask a question

Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter)

COURSE CODE: AVI50319
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. 

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.

Learn more
VET Student Loan - $83,949.00 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.

Learn more
Important Information

Read this before applying

Entry requirements

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). 

Prospective students must:   
be in possession of, or in the process of applying for a current Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) for flight crew. 

  • have an Aviation Reference Number (ARN).  produce evidence of a current Aviation Class 1 Medical carried out by a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME).
  • You will need to obtain your ARN prior to completing the medical. 
  • Be Eligible to obtain English language proficiency to meet the minimum requirements set by CASA. 
  • 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 (exit level 3 working at Level 4) of the Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) assessment through TAFE Queensland.     
  • Obtain a Unique Student Identifier (USI) prior to enrolment. 
  • Hold or be eligible to hold a Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate. 
  • Participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age prior to the completion of this qualification.
Selection criteria

In addition to the entry requirements, the following selection criteria requirements apply:

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.
  • 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.

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

North and Far North Queensland
As part of this course the following resources will be required:

  • A calculator
  • Closed in shoes (not steel capped)
  • Accurate wrist watch
  • Townsville Helicopters uses a customised version of the Advanced Flight Training CPL book back for theory training. Please contact Townsville Flight Training 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)

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.

Greater Brisbane and Sunshine Coast
You will be provided with the resource list at your orientation.

Need to know

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 $155.90
  • Aerodynamics $155.90
  • Aircraft General Knowledge $155.90
  • Meteorology $155.90
  • Navigation $168.20
  • Flight Rules and Air Law $168.20
  • Operations, Performance and Flight Planning $178.60

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

Transition statement

Replacement qualification
This qualification has been replaced by AVI50322 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter) as of 19 October 2022 . A transition period applies to enable current students to complete their study. The transition period finishes on 18 October 2023.

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.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more