Helicopter Tours & Pilot Training FAQ’s

• The minimum age to engage in Flight Training is 16 and the individual must be able to reach the controls.
   
• An English language proficiency assessment is required and proof of completion presented prior training commencement.
   
• The individual must meet CASA medical requirements:
  
  • For a commercial licence, a Class 1 Medical Certificate is required, while a private licence needs a Class 2 Medical Certificate. A recreational licence can use either a Class 2 or a Recreational Aviation Medical Practitioners Certificate.

There are 3 levels to becoming a licensed helicopter pilot: 

• The Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) is the very first step and includes a minimum of 25 flight hours. It’s designed for those who want to experience the freedom of flying locally without committing to the full training required for private or commercial licences. The theory side is straightforward at this level, covering air law, basic navigation, and helicopter operations. With an RPL, you can fly in the local area and take passengers, but you’re limited in distance and airspace access. Many students use this licence as a stepping stone, a way to test the waters before moving on to a Private Pilot Licence.
   
• The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is the second step and includes a minimum of 50 flight hours. In this stage students progress to eventually fly solo and navigate airspace. The theory for PPL includes 5 core topics (meteorology, navigation, aircraft general knowledge, and human factors) with the final examination testing practical knowledge and flight safety ability. Completing this stage will allow you to carry passengers and fly with a certified instructor.
   
• The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is the third and final step and includes a minimum of 105 flight hours. Training includes everything from core flying skills and emergency procedures to advanced navigation and solo command experience. The theory for CPL includes 7 CASA exams (Aerodynamics, Navigation, Air Law, Meteorology, Human Factors, Aircraft General Knowledge, and Operations/Performance/Flight Planning). The average student can take between 12-24 months to complete this spending on full-time or part-time. This is the stage where flying shifts from being a passion to becoming your profession.

• Flight Training rates start from $670 per hour. For theory training, a distance learning theory pack is available for both Private and Commercial Pilot Licence subjects. 
   
• Additionally, if you wish to experience flying before committing to a full course, a Trial Introductory Flight is available from $400 per person.

Yes, flexible payment options are available for all Flight Training stages. Call or email us to inquire about catering a training plan for your needs.

All around Melbourne and Victoria! Explore our current Scenic Flights options here.

We will make every effort to provide as much notice as possible if a flight needs to be cancelled due to adverse weather. 

If your flight cannot proceed as planned, you are welcome to change your booking date (subject to availability). 

Should a flight be cancelled by the pilot because of weather, only the unused portion of the fare will be refunded. Additionally, if a flight does not depart at all, Helicraft reserves the right to either refund the fare in full or reschedule your flight.

The cancellation and refund policy is as follows: If you need to make changes after your booking has been confirmed, a $50 charge applies for each change. For changes made with less than 24 hours’ notice, the charge increases to $100 per booking change. In the event that Helicraft cancels your flight due to aircraft issues, availability, pilot illness, regulatory requirements, or force majeure, you will receive a full refund for any unused portion of your flights.

• Long pants or jeans are recommended along with closed-toe shoes.
   
• Sunglasses and sunscreen are also recommended.
  
  *Selfie sticks are banned at all helicopter loading sites and on aircraft