At a glance
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.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Commercial Pilot - Helicopter
- Commercial Helicopter Pilot
COURSE OUTCOME
AVI50315 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter)
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 Airwork Helicopters and Townsville Helicopters 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.
Students in Townsville can 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 a turbine-powered helicopter. Learn more >
You don't need any prior flight experience or logged hours in order to study aviation, but you won't have to wait long to get started. Students usually take to the skies with an instructor within the first two weeks of their studies. And as your skills progress, you'll be flying solo before you know it.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 1 elective unit from the list below.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| AVIE4001 |
Maintain aircraft radio communications | |
| AVIF0004 |
Implement aviation risk management processes | |
| AVIF0005 |
Implement aviation fatigue risk management processes | |
| AVIF0007 |
Implement threat and error management strategies | |
| AVIF0008 |
Manage safe flight operations | |
| AVIF0011 |
Manage aircraft passengers and cargo | |
| AVIF0014 |
Manage human factors in aviation operations | |
| AVIH0002 |
Plan a flight under visual flight rules | |
| AVIH4001 |
Navigate aircraft under visual flight rules | |
| AVILIC0002 |
Licence to operate a commercial helicopter | |
| AVIO0002 |
Manage disruptive behaviour and unlawful interference with aviation | |
| AVIW4001 |
Manage pre- and post-flight actions | |
| AVIW5018 |
Operate and manage aircraft systems | |
| AVIY0001 |
Operate aircraft using aircraft flight instruments | |
| AVIY0002 |
Operate in controlled airspace | |
| AVIY0003 |
Operate in Class G airspace | |
| AVIY0004 |
Operate at non-towered aerodromes | |
| AVIY0005 |
Operate at a controlled aerodrome | |
| AVIY0008 |
Apply aeronautical knowledge to aviation operations | |
| AVIY0009 |
Apply the principles of civil air law to aviation operations | |
| AVIY0020 |
Taxi helicopter | |
| AVIY4007 |
Manage aircraft fuel | |
| AVIY4011 |
Control helicopter on the ground | |
| AVIY4012 |
Control helicopter in hovering flight | |
| AVIY4014 |
Take off helicopter and approach to hover | |
| AVIY4015 |
Control helicopter in normal flight | |
| AVIY4017 |
Execute advanced helicopter manoeuvres and procedures | |
| AVIY4018 |
Manage abnormal and emergency helicopter flight situations | |
| AVIZ4001 |
Manage situational awareness in aircraft flight | |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| North and Far North Queensland / Greater Brisbane | ||
| AVIY0021 |
Operate helicopter at low level | |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
Choosing to study a TAFE at School course is a great way to get a vocational qualification while you’re still in high school. You also gain valuable credits towards your QCE, an apprenticeship, a diploma or university.
TAFE at School gives you a taste of what higher education is all about, makes you work-ready, and helps you build practical skills in an adult-learning environment. Successful completion of a TAFE at School qualification gives you direct entry into any of our diploma courses. Learn more
What you need to know about TAFE at School
Eligibility
You must be a year 10, 11 or 12 student, and enrolled at a participating high school. Speak to your high school guidance counsellor or careers advisor for more information.
Course placements are subject to availability.
Outcome
AVI50315 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter)
Information is current at time of publishing, to confirm the QCE points for your course please visit the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) website.
As an international student at TAFE Queensland you'll gain hands-on experience in our modern classrooms, laboratories and workshops using state-of-the-art facilities and the same tools and equipment used in industry.
The diversity of our campus locations means you can choose the study location that suits you. Get the internationally-recognised qualification you need to launch your career while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle.
No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.
What you need to know about studying as an International student
As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations.
In addition to your scheduled class hours you will be expected to complete additional study in your own time.
The course cost indicated is for students on an international student visa. If you’re visiting Australia on a non-student visa (e.g. partner visa, working holiday, employer sponsor etc.) please contact us directly for the price applicable to you.
Do you need help?
- email us your questions
- call us on +61 7 3244 5100
- find an agent to help with your application
- check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
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
Payment options
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.
Upfront payment
This is the total amount you need to pay when you enrol. This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Vet Student Loan - $77,571 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.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
International Student Payment
Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Western Union Global Pay for Students. Western Union allows you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
Learn more
Important Information
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
Domestic and International Students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply to International and Domestic Students:
Before enrolling in this program, the student 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.
International Students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to International Students:
- English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or ISLPR 3 on all skills or other - For a list of all English Language test accepted by TAFE Queensland International
- Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.
Students should be a minimum of 18 years of age. Student visa applicants under the age of 18 will be accepted where they demonstrate that they will be accompanied by a parent, legal custodian or a suitable relative who is aged 21 or over. This arrangement requires the approval of the Department of Home Affairs. For more information visit Department of Home Affairs - Welfare Requirements for Student Visa Applicants under 18.
Resources required
As part of this program the following resources will be required:
- A calculator
- Closed in shoes (not steel capped)
- Accurate wrist watch
If you're completing this program in Townsville the following additional resources will be required:
- Townsville/Cairns Visual Terminal Chart (VTC)
- Townsville /Cairns Visual Navigation Chart (VNC)
- Planning Chart Australia (PCA)
These charts can be purchased online from Aviation suppliers at an approximate cost of $70. Due to wear and tear it is recommended that you buy two copies of each Townsville/Cairns chart.
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 $154.65
- Aerodynamics $154.65
- Aircraft General Knowledge $154.65
- Meteorology $154.65
- Navigation $165.87
- Flight Rules & Air Law $165.87
- Operations, Performance and Flight Planning $177.09
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.
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.
How to apply
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.
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.
International students can either apply directly through our application portal Studylink, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more
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. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
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