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.
AVI50319 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter)
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.
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.
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.
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 1 elective unit from the list below.
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
AVIE0006Maintain aircraft radio communicationsUnit code: AVIE0006 |
Maintain aircraft radio communications | |
AVIF0026Implement aviation risk management processesUnit code: AVIF0026 |
Implement aviation risk management processes | |
AVIF0027Implement aviation fatigue risk management processesUnit code: AVIF0027 |
Implement aviation fatigue risk management processes | |
AVIF0029Implement threat and error management strategiesUnit code: AVIF0029 |
Implement threat and error management strategies | |
AVIF0030Manage safe flight operationsUnit code: AVIF0030 |
Manage safe flight operations | |
AVIF0033Manage aircraft passengers and cargoUnit code: AVIF0033 |
Manage aircraft passengers and cargo | |
AVIF0035Manage human factors in aviation operationsUnit code: AVIF0035 |
Manage human factors in aviation operations | |
AVIH0010Plan a flight under visual flight rulesUnit code: AVIH0010 |
Plan a flight under visual flight rules | |
AVIH0014Navigate aircraft under visual flight rulesUnit code: AVIH0014 |
Navigate aircraft under visual flight rules | |
AVILIC0004Licence to operate a commercial helicopterUnit code: AVILIC0004 |
Licence to operate a commercial helicopter | |
AVIO0017Manage disruptive behaviour and unlawful interference with aviationUnit code: AVIO0017 |
Manage disruptive behaviour and unlawful interference with aviation | |
AVIW0029Manage pre- and post-flight actionsUnit code: AVIW0029 |
Manage pre- and post-flight actions | |
AVIW0032Operate and manage aircraft systemsUnit code: AVIW0032 |
Operate and manage aircraft systems | |
AVIY0034Operate in controlled airspaceUnit code: AVIY0034 |
Operate in controlled airspace | |
AVIY0035Operate in Class G airspaceUnit code: AVIY0035 |
Operate in Class G airspace | |
AVIY0036Operate at non-towered aerodromesUnit code: AVIY0036 |
Operate at non-towered aerodromes | |
AVIY0037Operate at a controlled aerodromeUnit code: AVIY0037 |
Operate at a controlled aerodrome | |
AVIY0040Apply aeronautical knowledge to aviation operationsUnit code: AVIY0040 |
Apply aeronautical knowledge to aviation operations | |
AVIY0041Apply the principles of civil air law to aviation operationsUnit code: AVIY0041 |
Apply the principles of civil air law to aviation operations | |
AVIY0048Taxi helicopterUnit code: AVIY0048 |
Taxi helicopter | |
AVIY0058Manage aircraft fuelUnit code: AVIY0058 |
Manage aircraft fuel | |
AVIY0059Control helicopter on the groundUnit code: AVIY0059 |
Control helicopter on the ground | |
AVIY0060Control helicopter in hovering flightUnit code: AVIY0060 |
Control helicopter in hovering flight | |
AVIY0061Take off helicopter and approach to hoverUnit code: AVIY0061 |
Take off helicopter and approach to hover | |
AVIY0062Control helicopter in normal flightUnit code: AVIY0062 |
Control helicopter in normal flight | |
AVIY0063Execute advanced helicopter manoeuvres and proceduresUnit code: AVIY0063 |
Execute advanced helicopter manoeuvres and procedures | |
AVIY0064Manage abnormal and emergency helicopter flight situationsUnit code: AVIY0064 |
Manage abnormal and emergency helicopter flight situations | |
AVIZ0006Manage situational awareness in aircraft flightUnit code: AVIZ0006 |
Manage situational awareness in aircraft flight |
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
AVIY0049Operate helicopter at low levelUnit code: AVIY0049 |
Operate helicopter at low level |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
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
Campus | START DATES
![]() When your course is scheduled to begin |
Duration | WORKLOAD
![]() How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements. |
STUDY MODE
![]() Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more |
COST
![]() The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Townsville Helicopters | 05 April 2021 | 25 weeks | R44 - Turbine: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $152,745 |
Townsville Helicopters | 05 April 2021 | 25 weeks | Turbine: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $222,375 |
Townsville Helicopters | 05 April 2021 | 25 weeks | R44: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $136,970 |
Townsville Helicopters | 05 April 2021 | 25 weeks | R22 - R44: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $85,000 |
Townsville Helicopters | 05 April 2021 | 25 weeks | R22- Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $80,970 |
Townsville Helicopters | 05 April 2021 | 25 weeks | R22 - Turbine: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $112,175 |
Townsville Helicopters | 28 June 2021 | 25 weeks | R44 - Turbine: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $152,745 |
Townsville Helicopters | 28 June 2021 | 25 weeks | Turbine: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $222,375 |
Townsville Helicopters | 28 June 2021 | 25 weeks | R44: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $136,970 |
Townsville Helicopters | 28 June 2021 | 25 weeks | R22 - R44: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $85,000 |
Townsville Helicopters | 28 June 2021 | 25 weeks | R22- Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $80,970 |
Townsville Helicopters | 28 June 2021 | 25 weeks | R22 - Turbine: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $112,175 |
Townsville Helicopters | 27 September 2021 | 25 weeks | R44 - Turbine: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $152,745 |
Townsville Helicopters | 27 September 2021 | 25 weeks | Turbine: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $222,375 |
Townsville Helicopters | 27 September 2021 | 25 weeks | R44: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $136,970 |
Townsville Helicopters | 27 September 2021 | 25 weeks | R22 - R44: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $85,000 |
Townsville Helicopters | 27 September 2021 | 25 weeks | R22- Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $80,970 |
Townsville Helicopters | 27 September 2021 | 25 weeks | R22 - Turbine: Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $112,175 |
Campus | START DATES
![]() When your course is scheduled to begin |
Duration | WORKLOAD
![]() How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements. |
STUDY MODE
![]() Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more |
COST
![]() The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Caboolture | 05 July 2021 | 26 weeks | Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $82,000 |
Caboolture | 27 September 2021 | 26 weeks | Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $82,000 |
Campus | START DATES
![]() When your course is scheduled to begin |
Duration | WORKLOAD
![]() How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements. |
STUDY MODE
![]() Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more |
COST
![]() The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunshine Coast Airport | 13 May 2021 | 26 weeks | Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $82,000 |
Sunshine Coast Airport | 08 September 2021 | 26 weeks | Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $82,000 |
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.
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 pathwaysNo 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.
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
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.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
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.
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:
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:
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.
North and Far North Queensland
As part of this program the following resources will be required:
If you are completing this program in Townsville, you will also require the following region-specific charts for practical navigation:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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