There is no better place to learn to fly a helicopter than in the stunning Kimberley region in Western Australia. Australian Helicopter Academy (AHA) is one of the very few helicopter training schools which provides scenario based flight training in the environment that you are likely to get your first job. With instructors who are experienced professional helicopter pilots, students will learn far more here than the basic helicopter licence. AHA is a unique training facility in Australia. Our qualified instructors will train you on all aspects of flying helicopters from the effects of control movement, how to hold the controls and what the controls do, as well as general care and maintenance of all the aircraft. You will then progress to learning to fly the helicopter, circuits, hovering, emergency procedures, navigation and operating in a controlled airspace. Flying in the top end of Australia is exciting and Darwin is close by for controlled airspace training. There is employment opportunity for the right candidates with HeliSpirit, a charter helicopter business with a fleet of 21 helicopters operating across Esperance, the Kimberley and in the Northern Territory.Now accepting enquires for 2026 and 2027.
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TESTIMONIALS
- Stellar Maeve - SA
"AHA is one of the hardest, most rewarding, and enjoyable three months you’ll ever experience.
Becoming a pilot once felt like an “out there” dream, but working in aviation showed me that with dedication and training, it’s absolutely achievable. I asked every pilot I knew, how they got their licence and where they’d train if they had their time again- Australian Helicopter Academy was the clear standout, so I reached out and eventually started my training.
It’s hard to fully describe the experience of learning to fly with AHA in the Kimberley. You’re training in one of the most incredible environments imaginable, flying over waterfalls, Kununurra, Lake Argyle, the Cockburn Ranges and much more, all while taking in more knowledge than you ever thought possible. It’s an unforgettable way to begin a career!
A big part of that comes down to the instructors. They bring years of experience, not just in teaching but flying in the Kimberley itself. Their deep understanding of the terrain and conditions really shows, and it makes a huge difference to the quality of training you receive" - Jamie Brander - WA
"Upon deciding to take on the journey to become a helicopter pilot there were many options around the country but nothing excited me more than learning to fly in the Kimberley. AHA offered invaluable experience learning to fly and operate in remote areas with incredible sceneries. Being in a class of 3 meant I had direct and uninterrupted access to my instructors. It wasn’t until I began my training with AHA that I realised how devoted the instructors were to not only my education but my longevity in this new career I was undertaking.
With their classroom based inside an operational hangar we had access to view and understand helicopters onsite as well as a wealth of knowledge from the entire AHA and HeliSpirit team, willing to engage and educate us. The whole team was incredibly supportive and welcoming from the moment we arrived.
The quality of training we received was extremely high with a wide range of experience being applied from the instructors.
The opportunity for work as a junior pilot upon completion of the AHA training is invaluable as gaining employment at the beginning of your flying career can be very difficult.
I would highly recommend AHA to any aspiring pilots looking to receive in-depth and practical training in a beautiful part of the country." - Yannis Karrer - Germany
"AHA goes far beyond just teaching you how to fly, they prepare you for a career as a pilot. The instructors are incredibly supportive while holding you to very high standards, which shows just how much they care about their students. These standards aren’t just about flying, they shape how you show up as a student and junior pilot: arrive prepared, leave your ego at the door, and learn from the wealth of knowledge of everyone at the hangar. I'd be lying if I said training was a walk in the park, it can definitely be challenging at times, but that’s exactly what makes you a good pilot. If you want to be truly prepared for a career in aviation and are ready to put in the work, training at AHA is a no-brainer." - Harry McGinn - QLD
"I spent 7 years working around helicopters on the ground before finally committing to getting my CPL. When I asked other pilots “where should I do my training?” the highest recommendations were for AHA. I am very happy to say that AHA lived up to its reputation. The quality of training I received has been second to none. Working with experienced instructors who are also still very much involved with the day to day operations of a busy and successful commercial operation like HeliSpirit, you are taught to think about more than just how to fly the helicopter, you are given an insight into real world situations and how to deal with them. The Kimberly is a beautiful and ideal training ground with consistently good weather and no controlled airspace to contend with, meaning that more of your time in the helicopter is spent building skills and not waiting for clearances. I cannot think of a better way to have started my career flying helicopters." - Dan - QLD
Originally from Brisbane, I came across AHA while doing research about helicopter career opportunities in Australia. Training alongside the engineers, current pilots and admin teams made a big sway in my decision to apply.Some highlights of my training at AHA include being part of a small class and having very individually focused training with incredible instructors who could tailor to my needs.I would highly recommend training with AHA for a wider scope of learning and the incredible flying opportunities on offer in the Kimberley. - Elliott - QLD
I had done a considerable amount of research into flight schools around the country before I came across Australian Helicopter Academy (AHA). AHA immediately stood out as the best fit for me. I felt there was a level of care that went into their students over and above the norm. The head of operations was extremely helpful in answering any questions I had about the industry and career opportunities.Living in and flying around some of the most beautiful parts of the Kimberley was a highlight. The opportunity to land in any number of remote areas with incredibly experienced instructors using real-world scenarios was great. To top it off, being able to speak with current working pilots and engineers in the hangar each day helped me to build a great network and learn so much beyond what is covered in the syllabus.I absolutely recommend AHA - the approach to training, instructors and lifestyle all surpassed my expectations and have given me a strong foundation to continue my flying career