The Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter) requires significant commitments in time to build skills and knowledge, and financial investment, before entering a lucrative career.  SM TAFE aims to ensure students have what it takes to succeed.

To study this course you must be over the age of 18 years. To express your interest in this course, you will need:

• a Unique Student Identifier number
• evidence showing you meet the minimum educational requirements
• your visa or citizenship status

In addition, we will help to guide you through the additional evidence required for entry to the course at a mandatory information session:

• a current Class 1 medical or equivalent (to satisfy CASA licencing requirements)
• a Ready for work Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) approval
• a CASA Aviation English proficiency assessment (GELP)
• log book showing two hours in a VH registered aircraft with a CASA approved flight training provider to ensure that you can meet the physiological and psychological demands required for successful completion of the course; and to address and identify issues (such as airsickness or claustrophobia) so you are well informed about the nature of study and work in this industry
• a mandatory pre-entry aptitude test

If seeking a student loan you must also demonstrate other minimum requirements that will be outlined at the session. Information relating to the dates and times of the pre-entry assessment and briefing sessions will be sent on application.

Please note, SM TAFE reserves the right to reschedule or cancel course due to insufficient enrolments. Please refer to the enrolment terms and conditions for further information. 

 Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.

To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.

Attendance in class

This course is delivered 5 days per week over 15 months. 

Work placement

Students are expected to engage in learning through 600 additional hours over the duration of the course. (Flight delivery can be up to 6 days a week including weekends, and holidays over the 15 months). This includes completing indirectly supervised and unsupervised activities, including but not limited to pre and post flight activities and briefings, solo flights, research, assignments, study, exams and flight tests.

What you need

On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID, industry exams, stationery (pen, pencil, exercise book, eraser, folder for notebooks and handouts). 

You will need to have the basic technical requirements for any at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.

Your pilot uniform is to be worn at all times as well as professional pilot gear as outlined in the mandatory pre-enrollment briefing.

In addition, the below is required to complete this qualification. These requirements will be discussed with you in the mandatory briefing session: 

• Current CASA Class 1 Aviation Flight Medical in accordance with CASA licensing requirements. (May take up to 2 months to receive)
• Current Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) in accordance with CASA requirements or evidence of an Approved Ready for Work ASIC (all Airports).
• Aviation Reference Number (ARN).  
• Please see CASA’s website www.casa.gov.au for additional information on both how to obtain an ARN and locations of DAME and detailed information on aviation medicals.
• CASA General English language proficiency assessment (GELP) **
• See CASA’s website for additional information on this assessment.
• Provide verifiable log book evidence of a minimum 2 hours of dual flight training in a VH registered aircraft with a CASA approved flight training provider
• Course Textbooks
• Maintian Pilot Publications and Charts
• CASA CPL Theory Exams (all)
• Signed Individual learning agreement

Practical component

The completion of this qualification will require the accumulation of flight time.  

This will be conducted by the contracted flight schools as directed by SM TAFE.

Progress checkpoints

Student progress throughout each phase of the Diploma of Aviation (Fixed Wing and Helicopter) will be consistently reviewed and monitored for the duration of a student’s enrolment and ongoing assessments will take place through the evaluation of individual Diploma units, CASA theory exams, and practical flight tests.

Key progress checkpoints include (but are not limited to):

• End-of-semester ground school reviews, where students’ theoretical knowledge and CASA exam results are assessed
• Collaborative progress evaluations with third-party flight training providers at each stage of flight training
• Post-theory completion reviews to determine if students have achieved the necessary competencies to proceed to flight training or the next stage of the course

Continued enrolment and advancement through the course depend on students meeting clearly defined milestones. Progress must align with industry-standard timelines and benchmarks, ensuring that students consistently perform at or above expected aviation industry levels.