We have built a solid reputation based on our unwavering commitment to excellence and safety. Our goal is to equip pilots with the necessary skills to confidently navigate the skies, empowering them to become industry leaders in their craft.
Aircraft RatingsLow Level RatingSling EndorsementAerial Application Rating with Fire EndorsementMustering EndorsementGas Turbine EndorsementFlight Instructor RatingFlight Instructor Training EndorsementsLicence Conversions
Helicopter Pilot Ratings & Endorsements
At Utility Helicopters we provide a comprehensive range of aircraft endorsement services tailored to enhance your skills and instill the necessary confidence for safely piloting a diverse array of helicopters. Our specialised training programs are designed to cater to various aircraft, including the agile Robinson R22 all the way to the powerful AW119 Koala.
Our team is made up of skilled and knowledgeable instructors who are dedicated to creating a positive and engaging learning experience for you. We prioritize your progress and satisfaction, ensuring that your time with us is both rewarding and enjoyable. Following the CASA guidelines, our endorsement training is designed to be competency-based, allowing you to progress at your own pace without any minimum hourly requirement.
- Robinson R22: A light utility helicopter manufactured by Robinson Helicopter Company, featuring two seats, two blades, and a single engine.
- Robinson R44: Since 1992, the Robinson R44 has been a renowned four-seat light helicopter produced by the Robinson Helicopter Company.
- Bell 206 Jet Ranger: Manufactured by Bell Helicopter, the Bell 206 Jet Ranger is a turbine-powered, single-engine helicopter with a seating capacity of up to five individuals.
- Cabri G2 – subject to availability
- AW119 Koala – subject to availability
- AS350/H125 – subject to availability
- Hughes 300 – subject to availability
Requirements
- Australian PPL Licence or Higher
Includes
- Competency based flying
- POH Familiarisation
Low Level Rating
In Australia, the regulations governing helicopter flight specify that a pilot is not allowed to fly their helicopter below a height of 1000ft above the highest terrain or object in a town or city. During other times, the minimum altitude is set at 500ft above the ground. However, as a helicopter pilot engaged in commercial operations, there may be situations where going below these minimum altitudes is necessary to fulfill your tasks, such as filming, mustering, agricultural operations, and survey work. Obtaining a low level rating provides you with the necessary authorization to conduct low level operations, which is a highly valuable skill to have listed on your licence.
Utility Helicopters provides low level rating training for commercial and private pilots. The training course begins with a classroom briefing covering important topics like risk management, environmental considerations, and planning, followed by the flight component. This module encompasses various aspects of low flight, including quicksteps, downwind turns, agricultural turns, torque turns, low-level terrain flying, and low level autorotations.
Requirements
- Australian PPL Licence or higher
- Low Level Training (5 hours)
Includes
- 5 hours of flight training
- Classroom theory training
- Flight Test
Sling Endorsements (Short and Long line)
This training program holds great importance for pilots working in sectors like construction, firefighting, agriculture and rescue missions. Mastering the art of handling suspended loads allows pilots to make a substantial impact on the overall effectiveness and efficiency of these critical services. This skill boosts safety and operational capabilities in demanding environments where conventional transportation methods may not be viable. By enrolling in this course, pilots won’t just acquire a new skill; they’ll also unlock fresh career opportunities and join a distinguished group of professionals proficient in executing intricate aerial operations.
Requirements
- Australian PPL Licence or higher
Includes
- Competency based flying, no minimum hours
- Classroom theory training
- Flight Test
Aerial Application Rating with Fire Endorsement
Utility Helicopters are one of the few companies in Australia that can conduct this training for commercial or private pilots. You will require a minimum of 5 hours of training followed by a flight test.
You require an Aerial Application Rating with Fire Endorsement to conduct fire operations in a helicopter.
Requirements
- Australian PPL Licence or Higher
- Hold a Low Level rating
- Sling Endorsement
- Have completed at least 200 hours
Includes
- Minimum 5 hours of flight time – Competency based
- Flight Test
Mustering Endorsement
To muster livestock in a helicopter, you require a low level rating & a mustering endorsement. Mustering training & endorsements are conducted in the field, in your own helicopter (we can provide one upon request).
Utility Helicopters can conduct mustering training for commercial or private pilots. You will require a minimum of 5 hours training followed by a flight test. As this training takes place in the field, we will need plenty of notice if you are interested in this course to arrange travel & suitable dates.
Requirements
- Australian PPL Licence or Higher
- Hold a Low Level rating
Includes
- Minimum 5 hours of flight time
- Flight Test
Gas Turbine Engine Endorsement
A Gas Turbine Engine design feature endorsement allows a pilot to operate an aircraft with a turbine engine. As part of the training, pilots will undertake a basic gas turbine engine ground theory course and complete the flight training in a turbine powered aircraft.
Training in conducted in one of our turbine helicopters. You should plan for approx. 5 hours of training including a flight review.
Requirements
- Australian PPL Licence or higher
Includes
- 5 Hours of flight training
- Classroom theory training
Flight Instructor Rating
If you already hold a Commercial Licence and have a minimum of 250 flight hours, you may be eligible to begin your Flight Instructor Rating (FIR).
The FIR enables you to teach students how to fly helicopters, for both the private and commercial licences.
The course consists of the following structure and elements:
- 1 week ground school (full time)
This will review the PMI, aerodynamics and long briefs of the standard CASA syllabus for the delivery of RPL, PPL and CPL training for the issue of a Flight Instructor Rating with a Grade 3 Training Endorsement. - 3 weeks (approx) practical flight training (full time)
This will include pre flight briefing and practical flying training. The entire course is expected to be completed within 25 hours. 23 hours of practical flight instruction is included, which will be conducted in the R22 (20 hours) and R44 (3 hours) followed by a flight test in the R44 (2 hours).
The following items are excluded:
- Flight examiner fee and associated expenses (expected to be circa $2,000);
- Any additional instruction or ground school over and above the hours listed above;
- Sitting fees associated with the CASA PIRC exam (circa $150); and
- Any other item not listed above.
Requirements
- Australian PPL licence or higher
- Minimum 250 hours of flight time as a pilot of a helicopter (100 hours PIC)
Includes
- 25 Hours flight training
- Theory tuition including PMI and Board Briefings
- Flight Test
Flight Instructor Training Endorsements
If you want to expand your Instructor training to cover a broader range of operations, you will need Additional Flight Instructor Training Endorsements.
To acquire a Training Endorsement, you will undergo both briefing and flying training sessions with our skilled instructors. Afterward, you must pass the test specific to the desired Training Endorsement, which includes both a briefing and flying component.
The fees for each endorsement and the amount of training needed for each student may vary.
For more information, please reach out to us.
Flight Instructor Training Endorsements we offer:
- Low Level
- Sling
- Design Feature
- Grade 1 and 2 Training Endorsements
Requirements
Includes
- Flight training
- Theory/Board Briefings
- Flight Test
Licence Conversions
The process of converting your license is meticulously crafted to uphold the utmost levels of safety and competence. It encompasses a comprehensive proficiency check, evaluating your practical flying skills, a theory examination to assess your comprehension of aviation principles and regulations, and a mandatory flight test, demonstrating your overall aptitude as a pilot.
Overseas CPL to CASA CPL
For most conversions from a foreign Commercial Pilots Licence to a CASA Commercial pilots licence you will need to complete the following exams:
- CPL Human Factors (CHUF)
- CPL Overseas conversion exam (COSH)
Overseas PPL to CASA PPL
There are no theory exam requirements for the conversion of a foreign Private pilots licence to a CASA Private Pilots Licence
Follow this link on converting an overseas flight crew licence:
Converting an overseas flight crew licence | Civil Aviation Safety Authority (casa.gov.au)
What Flying do I need to complete?
Once again this will depend on exactly what you are converting from and to and what your previous experience is. Assuming you have at least a couple hundred hours of flight time on your foreign licence, the conversion is quite straight forward, we would usually expect to do around 5 hrs of familiarization flying with you so you can get used to the local airspace and procedures before we then recommend you for a flight test.
Licence conversions do require a full flight test to the level you wish to convert to. Flight tests are usually around 3-4 hours of theory followed by around a 2 hour flight test for commercial applicants.
There is a lot more information on the CASA website regarding conversions which can be found here: Converting An Overseas Flight Crew Licence
- We strongly recommend you get in touch with your specific circumstances so we can find the best path for you!
Upgrade from CASA PPL(H) to CPL(H)
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Obtain class 1 medical certificate
- Complete the 7 x Commercial Theory CASA exams
- Minimum of 105 hours flying. The last 30 hours need to have been completed within the last 90 days
– If 90 days is exceeded, minimum 150 hours is required.
– Out of the 105/150 hour minimum; 35 hours solo is required (10 hours solo Navigation) - Complete the following flight training with Utility Helicopters: 10-20 hours of flight training for pinnacle and ridgeline training, advanced Emergencies and a 150 nautical mile navigation
- Pass the CPL(H) flight test (this will include a theory and flight component)
Includes
- Flight Training
- Classroom theory training
- Flight Test