THE CERTIFICATE IV IN TRANSPORT & DISTRIBUTION (AVIATION FLIGHT OPERATIONS) FOR AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS
(HELICOPTER)

Course Aim

The Certificate IV in Transport & Distribution (Aviation Flight Operations-Helicopter) has been designed to provide the best possible training for a Commercial Pilot. As well as covering the Civil Aviation Safety Authority syllabus for the Commercial Pilot Licence, other essential training includes ancillary subjects which not only provide a higher level of education but undoubtedly improve the graduate's prospects for employment.

The Certificate IV in Transport & Distribution (Aviation Flight Operations-Helicopter) has been developed in consultation with the aviation industry. The question was put, "What qualities and training would make a graduate commercial pilot more employable?" The Certificate IV award was then prepared with the responses of industry in mind.

The College graduate will have gained an Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority Commercial Pilot Licence. Also included will be current certificates for First Aid, Pilot Maintenance and Dangerous Goods.

Course Structure

The theory courses and practical training are conducted at the College which is based at Jandakot Airport. The course is designed for a 45 week program of approximately 30 hours per week on average. Modules include theory training followed by modules of flight training. This is followed at intervals by examination preparation, examinations and flight tests. Some modules have prerequisites which are noted at each stage.

The Certificate IV in Transport & Distribution (Aviation Flight Operations-Helicopter)is a 10-month full time course. The course revolves around the syllabus for the issue of an Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
Other subject areas include:

• Maths and Physics Principles for Pilots
• Pilot Helicopter Maintenance Training
• First Aid
• Dangerous Goods

Entrance Requirements

Applicants are required to prove they hold a current medical certificate demonstrating their fitness to hold a Commercial Licence Helicopter(CPL.H). The minimum age at the commencement of training is 17. An adequate performance in both spoken and written English is essential to be able to attempt the course. The College assesses each student's application by interview and written entrance examination independent of high school results.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Students who already have flight training experience may apply for exemptions for that portion of the Certificate IV course. Students with training from other institutions, including the Australian Defence Force or overseas bodies will also be able to apply for exemptions. Exemption applications are dealt with individually according to the level of prior training and the CASA recognition of that training.

Financial Assistance

Australian resident students who qualify for Austudy are able to apply for financial assistance.

Requirements for Awarding the Certificate IV

Prior to being awarded the Certificate IV in Transport & Distribution (Aviation Flight Operations-Helicopter) students must successfully complete:

• All theory examinations required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter)
• The 105 hour Commercial Pilot flying training course
• The flight test for the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter)
• The Senior First Aid Certificate
• The West Australian Aviation College examination for the carriage of dangerous goods
• The Pilot Helicopter Maintenance assessment
• All Western Australian Aviation College required module exams

International Recognition

A Certificate IV in Transport & Distribution (Aviation Flight Operations-Helicopter) from the Western Australian Aviation College certifies that graduates have achieved the licence category of Commercial Pilot . This is granted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the only licensing body in Australia, and is recognised world-wide by ICAO, the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Facilities

The modern training facilities cater for students without any overcrowding. The college provides all the modern technology and hardware necessary for efficient transfer from lecturer to student.

All  briefing rooms are designed to enable the student to study without interruption. They are fitted out with white boards, helicopter models, modern comfortable fittings and furniture, and they are all air conditioned to ensure that students study in a most congenial atmosphere.

The ground lecture theatres also incorporate all the above facilities. In addition these facilities can be structured to cater for groups ranging from 10 to 200 depending on the need. Lecture theatres have multi-media overhead projectors, audio equipment, videos, internet and individual aircraft instruments and components.

Uniforms

It is most important that your training and personal image is correct from the first lesson. Students are required to purchase, before the commencement of the course, the professional uniform that will be worn once training commences. The following are required:

• Five white epaulette shirts
• Two pairs of navy blue shorts or trousers or skirts
• Long white socks to be worn with shorts
• Black shoes

The College supplies:

• Pullover/jumper for cool weather
• Tie
• Epaulettes
• Winter Jacket
• Cap

Course Fees

Course Fees for the Certificate IV in Transport & Distribution (Aviation Flight Operations-Helicopter) (2008) are $6431 and include the following:

• Registration
• Aviation Induction Course
• Basic Aeronautical Knowledge
• Private Pilot Licence
• VFR Flight Planning
• Commercial Pilot Licence Theory
• Maths and Physics for Pilots
• Dangerous Goods Training
• Morse Code
• Pilot Maintenance Training
• Senior First Aid Training
• Learning Skills Development
• Site Visits
• Specified Uniform items
  

Certificate IV Course Fees (GST exempt) $6431

A non-refundable deposit of $290 is paid on application to the course; the balance is paid prior to commencement. The deposit is returned in full if the applicant does not pass the Class 1 medical or the entrance interview/exam.

The costs of CASA publications and examinations are additional to the above. The exams should total  approximately  $1000, however CASA reserve the right to vary examination costs.

The student must provide their own navigation equipment and Civil Aviation Safety Authority documents as required by a pilot for all his/her flying career. It is also the student's responsibility to ensure all CASA documents are kept up to date.

FLYING TRAINING

Course Fees

The cost of flight training will vary, dependent on the student's rate of progress, but the following is an average guide for Commercial Pilot Licence flying training conducted in a Robinson R22 or Schweizer 300CBi:

Included in the 105 hour Flying Training Course are:
Landing Fees
Briefings
Licence Fees
Student Manual
Navigation Guide
Robinson R22 or Schweizer 300CBi Manual
CPL Training Manual
Air Navigation Charges

105 Hours of Flying in R22 or S300 - $47,250
Flight Test (2Hrs Flying & 4Hrs Ground Preparation) - $1,180

Flying Fees GST Exempt Estimate $48,430
Total Investment for training (Theory & Flying) $54,861

Optional Bell 206 Jetranger Turbine Endorsement [5hrs] $5,500
Optional AS 350 Eurocopter Endorsement [5hrs] $8,250
Optional Night Rating 206 Jetranger[10hrs air,15hrs ground] $11,500.
Optional Night Rating Robinson R44[10Hrs air,15Hrs ground] $8,000