Flies helicopters to transport passengers, mail or freight, or provide agricultural, aviation or aerial surveillance services. Registration or licensing is required.

Skill Level

1

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed below.

Skills Assessment authority for Helicopter Pilot is Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• Two pathways for skills assessment by CASA
  • Pathway A – Applicants who hold either a Commercial Pilot License or an Air Transport Pilot License that has been issued by CASA
  • Pathway B – Applicants who do not hold an Australian flight crew qualification
    • Must meet the requirements to convert their current overseas flight crew qualifications to the Australian equivalent
  • Competent English level = IELTS 4 and above
  • Required to provide:
    • Evidence of at least 5 years flying at the professional level
    • Written evidence of work done in your of flying expertise (this must include referee or statement of service letters from previous aviation employers etc)
    • Certified copies of log book openings showing flying evidence relevant to past employers you worked for
    • Last completed log book page of flying experience
    • Any other relevant information that CASA may use to assess your application

Did you know?

Conversion to Australian qualifications as part of the skills assessment will normally require applicants to travel to Australia to undergo medicals, written examinations and flight tests.

CASA will only convert licences issued by an ICAO contracting state. You can view what this means here

fly and navigate aircraft, control and direct air traffic to ensure the safe and efficient operation of aircraft in flight and on the ground, and instruct students in flying aircraft.

Tasks

• preparing and submitting flight plans giving consideration to factors such as weather conditions and aircraft performance
• flying aircraft in accordance with established air traffic control and aircraft operating procedures
• providing flight information for flight crews and air traffic services staff
• controlling aircraft movements, and directing aircraft taxiing, take-offs and landings by radio
• providing pre-flight briefings and aeronautical information services
• completing cockpit preparations and external inspections to determine that aircraft are acceptable for flight
• monitoring aircraft performance and reporting on mechanical condition
• giving in-flight instruction, supervising solo flights, accompanying students on training flights and demonstrating techniques for controlling aircraft

Skill Level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Aeroplane and Helicopter Pilots require a prescribed minimum amount of flying experience in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing is required.

Occupations in this Group

• 231111 Aeroplane Pilot
• 231112 Air Traffic Controller
• 231113 Flying Instructor
• 231114 Helicopter Pilot
• 231199 Air Transport Professionals nec