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Training

WHY TRAIN WITH US?

 

HIGH CHANCE OF EMPLOYMENT

The primary reason we set up AHA is to increase the standard of pilots we employ at HeliSpirit. While we can’t guarantee a position to every year, our students have had a 100% success rate of job applications with HeliSpirit following successfully completing their CPL through the Australian Helicopter Academy.

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS

We have a small number of instructors with extensive flying hours between them. This means you will always be flying with experienced instructor-pilots who have had a wide range of industry experience.

TRAINING ENVIRONMENT

Here in the Kimberley, we are very fortunate to have a diverse training environment that exposes you to different terrains and an unlimited number of off-field landing sites. Kununurra aerodrome is non-towered, which means reduced time waiting for clearance and traffic and being more cost-effective for you.

IN-HOUSE MAINTENANCE

You’ll have exposure to a large commercial helicopter company where we encourage students to interact with our company pilots and engineering staff. This allows you to gain valuable contacts and help with aircraft servicing to get a better understanding of how the helicopter works.

COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER LICENCE (CPL (H))

LIFE IN THE KIMBERLEY

LOOKING FOR A CAREER IN AVIATION?

A commercial helicopter licence (CPL (H)) allows the holder to fly for hire or reward anywhere in Australia. In other words you are allowed to make flying your career. A private licence does not allow you to fly for hire and reward. During your training to become a Commercial Helicopter Pilot, you will need to complete the following:

  • Pass the 7 CPL (H) theory exams
  • Pass the CPL (H) flight test
  • The 105 hour course requires the last 30 hours of the flight training to be completed within 90 days immediately before the flight test

  • Aviation reference number (ARN)
  • ASIC card
  • Class 1 medical
  • Radio Telephone operator licence (gained during your practical training)

STUDY/LIFE BALANCE

Another great aspect about training in Kununurra is the laidback and adventurous Kimberley lifestyle.

You’ll be able to enjoy the wonderful facilities Kununurra has to offer. All types of accommodation are available as well, depending on your budget and needs.

As the gateway to the Kimberley, there a wide variety of outdoor activities on offer and a welcoming and friendly community. With World Heritage-listed sites and national parks at your doorstep, it is the perfect place to explore while you complete your pilot training.

  • 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
    Elliott - QLD
  • "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!"
    Harry Shaw - ACT
  • "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."
    Callum MacKellar - WA
  • testimony-img "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."
    Sam Bleakley - Harrow, VIC
  • 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.
    Dan - QLD