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| Gippsland Helicopters flight training location at Latrobe Valley |
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Obtaining your helicopter pilot's licence is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience. Whether you’re interested in learning to fly for enjoyment or to develop your career, Gippsland Helicopters offers professional pilot training to anyone who wants to learn how to fly a helicopter.
Gippsland Helicopters flight training is based from Latrobe Valley in a low stress environment for both coastal and mountain flying. The flight school training helicopters include a Robinson 44 and Bell 47.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
The Australian Civil Aviation Authority (CASA) lays down minimum training requirements for each license sought, hour requirements for each license are detailed below.
Private License (PPL) – for people who wish to fly for pleasure
Minimum 17 years of age
Pass a class 2 aviation medical examination
Pass the Private Helicopter Theory exam
Complete at least 50 hours of helicopter flight training
Pass the Private Helicopter flight test
*There are exemptions to the rules, if you already hold a Private or Commercial Airplane License the hours required are reduced to a minimum of 38 hours of helicopter flight training.
Commercial License (CPL) – for those who wish to fly as a career
Minimum18 years of age
Pass a class 1 aviation medical examination
Pass the commercial helicopter theory exam
Complete at least 105 hours of helicopter flight training
Pass the commercial helicopter flight test
*There are exemptions to the rules, if you already hold a Private or Commercial Airplane License the hours required are reduced. If you hold a Private Airplane License the hours are reduced to minimum of 70 hours of helicopter flight training. If you hold a Commercial Airplane License the hours are reduced to a minimum of 60 hours of helicopter flight training.
Training Skills covered during the syllabus include:
Aircraft performance
Contour and valley flying
Saddle crossings
Confined areas
Horizon orientation
Disorientation and illusions
Sun and valley shadows
Weather interaction
The decision making process
Low level navigation
Emergency actions
MOUNTAIN FLYING
With close proximity to mountainous terrain, Gippsland Helicopters can offer the ultimate experience of an array of flying conditions whilst learning to fly. As well as spectacular scenery and terrain, you will also have the advantage of learning to fly in low stress surroundings without control towers, and challenge your skills and ability to perform precisely.
COSTS
Students pay for lessons as they go. In “ball-park” figures you could expect to pay approximately $25,000 to $30,000 for a private helicopter licence. Alternately, a commercial license may cost from $50,000 to $60,000. GST is applicable to private licences, Commercial licences are GST free. Please contact us if you would like more information about the pricing.
The bracketed numbers in the table above indicate the minimum hour requirement when you complete the last thirty hours of the course in a ninety day period.
In the outset it’s very difficult to absorb information and control the helicopter. Flying sessions are limited to what the student can handle. When your motor memory starts looking after the handling of the machine, it’s much easier to learn and your hours in the machine will start ramping up. Towards the end of the course you’ll be spending two or more hours on cross country solo navigations and flying far more fluently and frequently than you ever thought possible.
When comparing costs with other schools, please note we do not charge for landing fees, instructor briefings, log books or fuel.
SLING ENDORSEMENTS
Gippsland Helicopters can offer all pilots the opportunity to attain a sling endorsement, regardless of experience.
External sling load operations are used throughout the industry on a daily basis and as a commercial pilot, you will at some stage in your career, be offered a job that will require a sling endorsement. For private pilots, it's a great way to take your skills to the next level.
Our staff will train you in all forms of sling techniques and will cover everything you need to safely conduct sling operations. Gippsland Helicopters utilizes the Robinson R44 helicopter, which combines great visibililty and safety with good lifting capability at a great price. Upon request, training can also be conducted in our Bell 47.
Topics covered in the course include:
Air Law considerations
Ground crew procedures
General operations
Flight procedures
Equipment type and maintenance
Rigging techniques and load preparation
Airmanship
Gippsland Helicopters can offer a standard sling package of 2 hours flight plus ground school. Alternately, for pilots wishing to gain further experience, we offer a 3 hour advanced package.
Our standard sling package is a one day course, with the morning session covering the theory aspect leaving the afternoon for practical. The advanced package is a two day course with ground school in the morning and practical after lunch.
For more information about helicopter flight training or sling endorsements at Gippsland Helicopters, please contact cfi@gippslandhelicopters.com.au or call Terry on 0407 447 115.© 2010 Gipplsand Helicopters, PO Box 1323, Bairnsdale VIC 3875 mob. 0409 179 652 email. fly@gippslandhelicopters.com.au | website design : www.onelittledesignstudio.com