GOT A QUESTION?
Please do not hesitate to call or email us with any questions you may have. We have a strong focus on customer service and are only to happy to accomodate your specific needs and requirements.
For bookings or enquiries
Phone: (02) 6365 5479
» Frequently Asked questions
How long has Central West Helicopter School been operating?
Central West Helicopter School have been in business for over 20 years and have trained in excess of 700 Students. The Chief Flying Instructor has in excess of 10,000 hours of helicopter flying experience.
What are employment prospects in the industry once qualified?
Due to the impressive reputation that Central West Helicopter School possess in the industry, many of our
commercial students go on to achieve the personal goals they had before they started training with us.
Childflight, Westpac Rescue, Bristows, CHC (Lloyds), NSW Police, Rescue, Film services, VIP charter, oil rig transfers, instructing and Aerial surveying both locally and internationally, are just the start of where many of our commercial students now work.
Is it important to train with a well established flying school?
Absolutely! Training at a well established school will ensure that your qualifications will be well recognised in the industry, giving you peace of mind that your training and future prospects in the industry are second to none.
I'm not sure whether I would feel comfortable flying a helicopter or not?
We invite you to come and try with a 1/2hr Trial Introductory Flight. One of our instructors will take you through your first helicopter flying experience from start to finish and from their you can decide, For more information on a Trial Introductory Flight contact info@bankstownhelicopters.com.au or contact our office on ph: 6365 5479.
If the engine in a helicopter stops will it just drop out of the sky?
Helicopters have the ability to glide with the engine off. All of these exercises are fully conducted in your flying training. Unlike fixed wing, helicopters can land safely with engines off in a confined area with no forward speed.
Should I learn to fly an aeroplane before a helicopter?
Most of our students have never flown before. Flying a helicopter is different and there is no real advantage in flying a fixed wing first. We also cater for those who do fly fixed wing who now want to learn to fly a helicopter and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) will even offer a reduced amount of flying hours needed to convert over to helicopter flying.
What type of licence do I need?
A Private Licence allows you to carry passengers for recreational purposes, such as taking friends or relatives for joy flights (but not for hire or reward), whereas a Commercial Licence allows you to be employed as a pilot.
If I achieve my Private Licence can I continue later on with my Commercial Licence?
Absolutely! With more training,a pass in the Commercial theory exams and a flight test you will go on to achieve your Commercial licence.
How long will it take me?
The time taken to gain your licence depends on how long it takes you to complete your theory, and how often you fly. The frequency that you fly can vary to suit you; it can be anywhere from once a fortnight, to twice a day – five days a week, depending on the availability of bookings, the weather conditions and your availability.
Can I fly at night once I have my licence?
A ‘night rating' is available thru Central West Helicopter School. This requires a minimum of 10 hours training plus the flight test. CASA requirements stipulate that this training be in addition to the hours required for your licence.
FLIGHT TRAINING