Full Time Diploma of Aviation AVI50322
(Commercial Pilot Licence- Helicopter)
VSL Student Loan eligible
Ready to take the first step toward a career as a helicopter pilot? Our Full Time Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter) combines real-world flight time with a deep knowledge base and thorough hands-on instruction, leading to both a CASA Commercial Pilot Licence and an AQF-accredited Diploma of Aviation.
By the end of the course, you’ll have practical flying experience across diverse flight environments and the qualifications to start your career as a commercial pilot.
With limited spots available for 2026, now is the time to apply.
The Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter) is a 105 hour full time program delivered over 35 weeks.
On completion, you will hold both a CASA Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence and an AQF-accredited Diploma of Aviation (course code AVI50322).
- Combines full time ground school with practical flight training.
- Delivered primarily at Bankstown, with components at our Orange base for additional airspace and flying experience.
- As a working helicopter operator as well as a school, students train within an active aviation environment alongside commercial operations.
At Bankstown Helicopters, you’ll train on the Robinson R22 and R44 – the aircraft you’re most likely to fly early on in your career. Robinson is the world’s leading manufacturer of light helicopters, and both are trusted worldwide, with extensive use across agricultural, tourism, and training sectors. Training on these aircraft means the experience you build during the course reflects what you’ll encounter in the industry.
With flexible training options, you can choose the R22 only, the R44 only, or a combination of both, with most students flying both to gain broader experience across each. Whichever path you choose, you’ll graduate with the practical skills and aircraft familiarity that employers look for in new pilots.
At Bankstown Helicopters, you’ll learn from a team of deeply experienced instructors, with a combined flight time in excess of 60,000 hours. With over 25 years of instructional experience, we’ve trained pilots for commercial operations across a range of sectors.
Past students have gone on to fly for search and rescue, offshore oil and gas, mustering and agriculture, tourism, and aerial firefighting, among other things. You’ll be trained by people who understand what it takes to succeed in these roles, and who bring that experience directly into your training.
Working alongside our flight instructors is a full-time ground school staffed by dedicated theory instructors, giving you the foundation to carry you forward throughout your career.
Domestic Student Handbook
The Student Handbook provides a comprehensive guide to the course, including program structure, eligibility requirements, and application procedures. It answers key questions about training and what to expect.
Training is conducted primarily at Bankstown Airport, one of Australia’s busiest general aviation airports, with a complex and demanding airspace that make for an ideal training environment. Students also have the option to complete components of training at our Orange base, gaining exposure to different flying conditions and broadening the depth of experience gained throughout the course.
- Well-appointed facilities including multiple classrooms and break-out rooms.
- Briefing rooms for pre-flight and post-flight discussions.
- Student lounge.
- Back deck viewing area to watch live flight operations.
- On-site refuelling and maintenance facility.
To enrol in the Diploma course (Commercial Helicopter Licence – AVI50322), applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 or over at the time of application
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Complete an LLN assessment.
- Hold a valid Unique Student Identifier.
- Hold a CASA Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate prior to the course commencement date.
Students have the option to fund the course themselves, or apply for a VET Student Loan (VSL). Our course is VSL-approved, allowing eligible students to access up to $96,467, depending on prior VET funding usage. A gap payment may be required to cover any remaining tuition costs.
To view our course options for R22 only, R44 only, or R22 and R44 combination, please click the link below.
Start by submitting an inquiry online or via email, requesting an application form. Complete the student application form and provide the required documents.
After we review the application, you’ll attend an interview to discuss training and, if relevant, VSL options, after which an LLN assessment will be conducted. Successful applicants receive an offer letter and, if applying for a VET Student Loan, will complete the loan application after that.
Once everything is finalised, you’ll receive confirmation of enrolment along with induction details.
RTO: 46091 | CRICOS: 04192K
Quick Links
© Australian Helicopter Pilot School Pty Limited. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms | Payment Info
