How do I become a helicopter pilot?
Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Related occupations
Survey Pilot
A Survey Pilot flies aircraft for land measurement and aerial photography, ensuring safety and liaising with air traffic control.
Commercial Pilot
A Commercial Pilot flies aircraft for various purposes, requiring strong aviation skills, calmness under pressure, and clear communication.
Flying Instructor
A Flying Instructor teaches students aviation theory and flying techniques, supervising flights and ensuring safety throughout the process.
IFR Pilot
An IFR Pilot operates aircraft solely by instruments, transporting passengers or freight while ensuring safety and effective communication.
Airport Ground Crew
Airport Ground Crew handle tasks like baggage, tarmac duties, and cleaning. Strong teamwork, safety focus, and flexibility with hours are essential skills.
Flight Attendant
A Flight Attendant ensures passenger comfort and safety during flights by checking tickets, demonstrating procedures, and serving refreshments.
Airport Operations Manager
Airport Operations Managers oversee airport activities, security, and maintenance. Strong leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills are essential.
Multi-Crew Pilot
A Multi-Crew Pilot operates as part of a flight team, handling communication with air traffic control and performing safety checks during flights.
Freight Pilot
A Freight Pilot transports goods via aircraft, ensuring timely delivery, conducting safety checks, filing flight plans, and maintaining communication with air traffic control.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer repairs and maintains aeronautical systems, ensuring safety, precision, and teamwork, with specialisations in structures, avionics, or mechanics.
Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
An Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer assists with aeronautical repairs, working under a qualified engineer, focusing on safety, detail, and adaptability.
Aircraft Surface Finisher
An Aircraft Surface Finisher carries out a range of treatments on the surface of an aircraft. You might spray paint surfaces or apply new printed m...
Aviation Manager
An Aviation Manager oversees air transport operations, including safety, security, maintenance, and customer services, while ensuring efficient multitasking and leadership.
Aerodrome Operations Supervisor
An Aerodrome Operations Supervisor ensures safe and efficient operations at an aerodrome, handles security and maintenance, and communicates with staff.
Cabin Crew Supervisor
A Cabin Crew Supervisor manages flight attendants, ensures excellent service, resolves security or passenger issues, and demonstrates strong leadership.
Ground Operations Supervisor
A Ground Operations Supervisor oversees ground crew activities, ensures safety, handles emergencies, resolves issues, and manages multiple tasks efficiently.
Air Traffic Controller
An Air Traffic Controller manages aircraft movements in designated airspace, ensuring safety and clear communication during flights and landings.
Aviation Consultant
An Aviation Consultant advises airlines and airports on operations, safety, and compliance, analysing data to recommend improvements in the industry.
Flight Dispatcher
A Flight Dispatcher coordinates flight plans and communications between pilots and air traffic control to ensure safe and timely aircraft operations.
Common questions
How much does a Helicopter Pilot earn?
In Australia, a full time Helicopter Pilot generally earns $2,400 per week ($124,800 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Helicopter Pilot?
The number of people working in this industry has remained stable in recent years. There are currently 1,100 people employed as a Helicopter Pilot in Australia, and this number remained the same five years ago. Helicopter Pilots may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Helicopter Pilot?
If you’re interested in a career as a Helicopter Pilot, consider enrolling in a Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter). This course covers topics including helicopter control and handling and advanced navigation skills. You’ll learn through a combination of theory lessons, group briefings and individual flying sessions.