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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.

  • "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
  • "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."
    Jamie Brander - WA
  • 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
  • "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
  • "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"
    Stellar Maeve - SA
  • "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."
    Yannis Karrer - Germany