Commercial Helicopter Pilot

License Requirements

HELICOPTERS AVAILABLE FOR TRAINING OR TYPE RATINGS

Training for private or commercial helicopter licences is carried out in Cabri G2 helicopter. We are also able to provide Type Ratings in our Robinson R44, EC120, AS350, EC130 or BK117 helicopters.

This licence entitles the person to pilot a helicopter carrying fare-paying passengers

Must be 18 years of age.
Must have passed a commercial pilot's medical examination by an approved medical examiner.
If an applicant has a valid commercial pilot airplane license will only need to sit and pass the following exams:
  • Principles of Flight and Helicopter Performance and General Aircraft Technical Knowledge (helicopter), then complete the required practical experience and flight tests.
  • Must have completed no less than 150 hours of flight experience which must include:
  • 35 hours of Dual helicopter instruction
  • 35 hours as Pilot in Command
  • 20 hours of Cross Country Navigation flying which shall include 16 hours of pilot Cross Country navigation training, 8 hours of Dual and 8 hours of Pilot in Command (Must be supervised by a Category A or B Instructor)
  • Up to 16 hours cross country may be credited to a Commercial Pilot Aeroplane license holder
  • 10 hours of Sling Loads which must include 7 hours of Dual
  • 10 hours of Mountain Flying which must include 6 hours of Dual
  • Additional Rations (Not Compulsory)
  • 10 hours Night Flying which must include 5 hours of Dual
  • STUDY REFERENCE AND RESOURCES

    Mechanics of Flight, Introduction to Aeronautical Engineering Series – A C Kermode

    Rule Part 135

    Principles of Helicopter Flight – W J Wagtendonk

    Basic Helicopter Handbook – FAA Publication AC-61-13

    General Aircraft Technical Knowledge Vol 8 – Pilot Books

    Aircraft Reciprocating Engines – Jeppeson

    Principles of Helicopter Flight – W J Wagtendonk

    Navigation and Flight Planning Vol 2 – Waypoints Aviation /Pilot Books

    NZAIP – Vol 1 and Vol 4

    Aviation Medicine and Other Human Factors for Pilots – Dr R Ewing

    Human Performance and Limitations – R D Campbell & M Bagshaw

    EASA PPL Training – Human Performance – Jeppesen

    Meteorology for Professional Pilots Vol 6 – Pilot Books

    Manual of Meteorology, Parts I and II – published by the Australian Publishing Service

    Aircraft Icing Handbook – published by CAA NZ – can be printed free from caa.govt.nz

    CURRENT LEGISLATION

    Civil Aviation Rules

    AIP New Zealand

    Aviation Information Circulars

    Civil Aviation Advisory Circulars

    PPL/CPL Air Law Vol 5 – Waypoints Aviation /Pilot Books

    The “Pilotbooks” series and some others can be purchased from the Waypoints Aviation website. Further information is available on the CAA website.

    It is recommended that you base your study on the exam syllabuses, which are available on the CAA website under “Advisory Circulars”. AC61-3 contains the PPL written exam syllabus, while AC61-5 contains the CPL syllabus.

    PILOT’S LOG BOOKS

    These are available from the Government Book Shop Section in selected Whitcoulls stores. They are also available from the Canterbury Aero Club. Please call prior to your visit to ensure stock is available.

    Civil Aviation Authority bulletins, rules and advisory circulars can be obtained from the CAA website  – Licensing information is in AC61.

    PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER PILOT FLIGHT TRAINING

    Download the PDF “Flight Training Guide”