There are several helicopter licenses.  Bankstown Helicopters specialises in Private and Commercial helicopter licenses.

A Private license 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 license are:

• A minimum 50 hours flight experience in accordance with our CASA approved flight training syllabus;

• Pass a Class 2 aviation medical examination;

• Demonstrate adequate aeronautical knowledge by passing the Private Pilot License – Helicopter theory exam; and

• Pass a practical flight test.

A Commercial license 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 license are:

• A minimum of 125 hours flight experience in accordance with our CASA approved flight training syllabus;

• Pass Class 1 aviation medical examination;

• Demonstrate adequate aeronautical knowledge by passing 7 helicopter specific theory exams; and

• Pass a practical flight test.

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

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

• Previous flying experience;

o   Private pilot aeroplane – 38hrs for a Private & 80hrs Commercial helicopter license;

o   Commercial pilot aeroplane – 38hrs for a Private  & 70hrs Commercial helicopter license;

o    

• A reduction to 105hrs can be obtained for the Commercial helicopter license if;

o   The last 30hrs are completed within 90 days;

o   The license is completed on a maximum 2 aircraft types with a minimum of 20hrs to be completed on each type.