AUSTRALIA’S LAST FRONTIER
Living and studying in Kununurra is a unique experience that combines hands-on training with the incredible backdrop of the East Kimberley region. Located in Western Australia’s far north, Kununurra is surrounded by iconic natural landmarks like the Ord River, Lake Argyle, and the stunning Bungle Bungle Ranges. It’s an ideal base for anyone interested in aviation, especially with so much diverse terrain to explore from above.
Life here has a friendly, close-knit feel. The community is supportive, and there’s a relaxed pace that fits well with the Kimberley’s laid-back lifestyle. With warm weather year-round, weekends are made for exploring – whether you’re fishing on the Ord, hiking at Mirima National Park, or just catching a sunset over Lake Argyle. And for the adventurous, the nearby Gibb River Road opens up opportunities to discover remote gorges, waterfalls, and ancient rock art.
Kununurra has all the essentials you need, including shops, restaurants, and recreational spots where you’ll get to know other locals and students. It’s the kind of place where people look out for each other, and the sense of community makes it easy to settle in.
If you’re up for an unforgettable experience both on the ground and in the air, the East Kimberley offers a perfect mix of
professional training and natural beauty that’s hard to beat.
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HeliSpirit – Kununurra (1)
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Accommodation – Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge (5)_edited
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Day 3 – Kununurra and Lake Argyle (4)_edited
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HeliSpirit – Kununurra (1)_edited
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- 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. - Sam Bleakley - VIC
"The decision was easy for me when choosing to do my training with AHA. They have experienced instructors who have incredible experience in all areas of the helicopter industry such as long lining, fire fighting, mustering etc. Being exposed to a large helicopter business has also been brilliant as you get real insight into how a professional helicopter company is run and what they expect from a professional pilot.
Having LAME’s and Avionics engineers on hand has been a huge bonus as they gave me a solid understanding to the ins and outs of a wide range of aircraft. Most of all l was influenced with the scenario based flying and the attention to detail that AHA provide so I can become a true professional in the industry." - 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." - Harry Shaw - ACT
"Highlights of the training has to be the training locations available to AHA. There is everything from open paddocks to tight gorges to remote pinnacles. Everywhere is stunning and with a bit of rain waterfalls pop up everywhere. I would 100% recommend AHA to people looking to get there CPL. Being in the Kimberley means you don't waste any time with controlled airspace, get to explore stunning areas and have top tier instructors as well as the added bonus of working side by side HeliSpirit and gaining an understanding of how a commercial operator works and the potential for employment straight out of training!" - Callum MacKellar - WA
"I couldn’t recommend AHA highly enough. The training environment fully immerses you in the industry which helps endlessly in learning all that is required to get your licence. The people involved in the training and the HeliSpirit employees made the entire process an unforgettable experience." - 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"