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Certificate IV Aviation

nav-l Course
Overview		 nav-s Entry Req. &
Prerequisites		 nav-s Assessments nav-s Aircraft nav-s RPL & Course
Credit		 nav-s Recognition of
Qualifications		 nav-s Course
Units		 nav-s Course
Calendar		 nav-s Sample
Timetable		 nav-r

Course Overview

Qualifications

AVI40208 - Certificate IV in Aviation (Commercial Pilot Helicopter Licence)

Duration

51 weeks (3 semesters of 17 weeks). This comprises 38 teaching weeks and 13 weeks of holidays.

Flight Hours

Standard Course: 105 hours
Extended Course: 125 hours if final 30 hours not completed in 3 months
International Course: 155 hours to meet ICAO international standard for a Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence.

Electives

During the course of training you may choose between 1 of the following 3 electives:

  • Advanced flight techniques 7 hours
  • Sling training 7 hours
  • Basic Instrument 7 hours

Course Outcomes
  • AVI20408 Certificate IV in Aviation (Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence)
  • Statement of Attainment (list the units successfully completed as part of the Certificate IV in Aviation (Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence) qualification.)
  • Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopters) issued by the authority of CASA

Lesson Formats
  • Classroom training for commercial helicopter theory subjects
  • Board briefs (usually about an hour) covering key flight training concepts and techniques
  • Flight training (from 1 hour to 3 hours) which is normally one on one with the instructor where you will:
    • Prepare a flight plan for navigation flights
    • Have a pre flight briefing reviewing the plan of action for the lesson
    • Conduct the pre-flight inspection preparing the aircraft for flight
    • Conduct the flying lesson in the aircraft:
      • Demonstration (instructor shows you how)
      • Direction (the instructor directs you as you perform a task), and
      • Review (the instructor reviews you performing an action and provides feedback, when required)
    • Conduct the post flight review discuss your performance during the lesson, prepare a student record of the lesson and discuss preparation for the next lesson.

Aircraft

  

Standard Helicopter

 

Normally completed in a Robinson R22 helicopter, which is a 2 seater piston aircraft. It is a popular training helicopter because it is cost effective.

Optional Helicopter Endoursement

Some students may elect to include an endorsement for an additional aircraft as part of their course, at a higher per hourly rate. Some aircraft which you may choose to do an endorsement in includes:

  • Robinson R44 (4 seater, piston helicopter popular in tourism and as private aircraft)
  • Bell 206BIII Jet Ranger (5 seater, turbine helicopter, the workhorse of helicopters).
  • Eurocopter AS350D (5 seater, turbine helicopter)
  • Agusta 109E Power (7 seater, turbine, twin engine helicopter)

 

Additional CASA Requirements

When carrying out a 2nd aircraft endorsement, you may also need to complete:

  • A Basic Gas Turbine endorsement for your first turbine aircraft, and
  • A twin-engine endorsement for your first twin-engine endorsement.

Assessments

Assessments
  • Trial Exams On completion of the commercial helicopter theory subjects, students will complete several trial exams.  These are practice exams allowing student to become familiar with the style of questions presented in the CASA cyber exams.
  • Cyber Exams The CASA Cyber exams are conducted at an off-site exam centre.  There is a cyber exam for each of the 7 commercial helicopter theory subjects, which must be completed with a pass rate of 70% before you can sit the final flight test.
  • Written assessments The student completes a written assessment answering a range of different questions about a subject.  They are an instruction tool to assess a student’s understanding of a subject.  They are used to assess whether a student has the knowledge and understanding required to progress onto the next stage of flying. 
  • Oral assessments the student answers questions presented by the Instructor.  They are used to assess whether a student has the knowledge and understanding required to progress onto the next stage of flying.
  • Flight assessments at key points during the course, the instructor will perform a flight assessment, by observing the students flight techniques and marking them as being competent or not competent.  A student must successfully complete all flight assessments before they can undertake the final flight test.
  • Flight tests at the conclusion of the course, the student will sit a flight test conducted by a CASA approved testing officer (ATO).  The student must successfully complete the flight test in order to be awarded with the CASA Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopters).

Formal Assessments

Successful completion of the commercial pilot licence depends on the successful completion of the following formal assessments:

  • 7 Theory assessments (conducted off-site at a CASA approved testing centre)
  • Final CPL Flight Assessment (conducted in the Aircraft by an Approved Testing Officer)

Failing to pass your formal assessments
  • Every effort is made by the instructors to ensure you are ready for your final assessment.
  • In the event that you fail your final assessment, your instructor will carry out remedial training to help you address any problems encountered in your final assessment.
  • The minimum flight hours for the qualification is 105 flight hours.  However, it may take more than 105 hours to successfully complete your assessment.  You need to consider that possible eventuality in planning your budget and calculating your course costs

Entry Requirements & Prerequisites

Entry Requirements

Prior to commencing this course, you need to have:

  • be at least 16 years old to qualify for the Student Pilot Licence.
  • be 18 years old prior to sitting the final CPL(H) flight test. 
  • pass a Class One Medical in order to obtain a Student Pilot Licence.
  • completed minimum Year 10 (Year 12 preferred)
  • meet the English language proficiency requirements as specified by CASA in CAO40 in order to obtain a Student Pilot Licence, and
  • must meet Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) requirements as determined by Becker Helicopters Chief Pilot, as per the CASA regulations.

    • We strongly recommend you ensure you meet these criteria prior to enrolling in this course.
    You can commence flight training without a Student Pilot Licence, but you can:
    not fly solo, and
    not complete the final flight test.

Pre-requisites

There are no pre-requisites qualifications required for this course. 
Note:  Please make sure you meet the Entry Requirements for this course.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RPL & Course Credit

Recognition of Prior Learning

 

 

 

Due to the nature of the helicopter training syllabus there are many and varied levels of competencies that the student could have obtained throughout either prior flying and/or theory.  We recognise prior learning, but assessments must be determined upon application.  Fees for the RPL assessments shall be determined upon application.
Despite the student having the minimum number of hours to achieve his Licence the flying standard is competency-based and even with prior learning the student may need to allow for revision and currency of their flying training and / or ability.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has guidelines in the regulations in regards to overseas licence recognition.

RPL is very much a liaison process with CASA and the flight school. At times it cannot be determined how much RPL can be attributed until validation of log books and syllabus item that also are under joined by the ICAO standards internationally.

Course Credit

If you have completed flight training previously (without completing a qualification) and you want recognition for that training, then the following policy applies:

  • A student must present their flight log book, statement of attainment and all other training records.
  • Advice from CASA may be sought where training has been undertaken at an overseas training provider.
  • Course credit may be given for units within the course, on the basis of:
    • a full CASA recognised qualification has been awarded (e.g. GFPT, PPL, CPL(S)) or
    • a foreign or military qualification has been recognised by CASA, or
    • a student completes a gap analysis (3 flight hours, not necessary all at the same time) to evaluate their competency and currency in course units. 
  • The Head of School and Senior Flight Instructor will consider the records of prior learning and the results of the gap analysis and will award any course credit and prepare a plan to complete the remaining course credits.
  • A student must complete at least 20% of the course flight hours (to the nearest full hour) with BHS in order to finalise a qualification, even if a student already has the minimum flight hours as required by CASA.  This allows instructors to carry out an effective gap analysis, and to ensure the student is competent in all areas required to successfully complete the qualification.

Recognition of Aviation Qualifications

You may receive recognition for other aviation qualifications in order to reduce the number of flight hours required to complete this course. 
CASA recognises the following qualifications, which will reduce the number of hours required to complete this course:

Licence Held

Min Hrs CPL (H)

Exam Requirements

Nil Flying Experience

105 hours
125 hours *
155 hours International Course
*if final 30 hours not completed in 3 months

  • Flight Radio Telephone Operator Rating
  • Basic Aeronautical Knowledge BAK
  • Pre-Solo Air Legislation
  • Technical Courses and questions on helicopters trained in
  • CASA PPL(H) Theory Exams or for CASA CPL(H) Theory Exams
  • Flight Test
  • Current Medical Class 1 or 2
  • Sling load course if required

Private Fixed Wing PPL(A)

70 hours
  • Pre-Solo Air Legislation
  • Basic Aeronautical Knowledge BAK
  • Technical Courses and questions on helicopters trained in
  • CASA Helicopter Theory Exams (all 7 exams) – for CPL
  • Flight Test
  • Current Medical Class 1 or 2

Commercial Fixed Wing CPL(A)

60 hours
70 hours *
*if final 30 hours not completed in 3 months

  • Basic Aeronautical Knowledge BAK
  • Technical Courses and questions on helicopters trained in
  • CASA Helicopter Theory Exams (all 7 exams) – for CPL
  • Flight Test
  • Current Medical Class 1 or 2

CASA may also accept other foreign or military qualifications.  The CASA website details some foreign or military qualifications that will be accepted.  If your foreign or military qualification is not listed, we can request advice from CASA specific to your qualification.


Course Units

The table below lists the course units and competencies for the Certificate IV in Aviation (Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence).  It also identifies the lesson in which these competencies are assessed. 
Note:    Please refer to the course syllabus for a detailed list of lessons covered in this course, including the flight hours in the Simulator, Dual and Solo/Pilot in Command (PIC).


AVI40208 - Certificate IV in Aviation (Commercial Pilot Helicopter Licence)
Cert IV Units (15 Units)  
Unit Code Title  
4A   AVI4E108B  Maintain Aircraft Radio Communications  
1 Conduct Radio Communications
2 Manage Radio Equipment Malfunctions
3 Operate Transponder
4B   AVI4F108B:  Manage Human Factors in Aircraft Flight  
1 Manage Personal Performance
2 Recognise threats and errors, and manage preventative and corrective action
4C   AVI4F108B:  Navigate Aircraft VFR  
1 Prepare chart and flight plan
2 Comply with airspace procedures
3 Conduct departure procedures
4 Navigate helicopter enroute
5 Navigate at low level & in reduced visibility
6 Perform lost procedure
7 Perform diversion procedure
8 Use navigation aids
9 Execute arrival procedures
4D   AVI4I1208B:  Manage Aircraft Passengers and Cargo  
1 Manage passengers during normal operations
2 Manage passengers during an abnormal of emergency situation
3 Manage cargo
4E   AVI4W108B: Manage Pre & Post Flight Actions  
1 Complete pre- and post-flight administration
2 Perform pre- and post-flight actions/inspection
3 Perform & certify daily inspection
4F   AVI4Y708B:  Manage Aircraft Fuel  
1 Plan fuel requirements
2 Manage fuel system
3 Refuel aircraft
4G   AVI4Y1108B:  Control Helicopter On The Ground (PPL & CPL)  
1 Start & stop engine
2 Engage and stop rotor
3 Control main rotor disc & anti torque system
4H   AVI4Y1208B:  Control Helicopter in Hovering Flight  
1 Lift off, hover helicopter & perform hover checks
2 Hover helicopter in cross & tail wind
3 Perform spot/pedal turns
4 Perform turns around nose & tail
5 Perform sidewards & backwards flight
6 Land from the hover
7 Manage a mis-handled landing
8 Abort a lift off
4I   AVI4Y1308B:  Taxi Helicopter  
1 Perform ground taxiing manoeuvres where applicable
2 Perform air taxiing manoeuvres
3 Perform air transiting manoeuvres
4J   AVI4Y1408B:  Take Off Helicopter & Approach To Hover  
1 Carry out pre-takeoff checks
2 Take off helicopter
3 Approach to hover
4 Perform go-around procedure
4K   AVI4Y1508B  Control Helicopter in Normal Flight  
1 Climb helicopter
2 Maintain straight & level flight
3 Descend helicopter
4 Turn helicopter
5 Control helicopter at any speed
6 Perform circuits and approaches
7 Comply with airspace requirements
4L   AVI4Y1708B:  Execute Advanced Manoeuvres & Procedures  
1 Turn helicopter steeply
2 Perform autorotative flight
3 Lift off & Land on sloping ground
4 Land, take off & manoeuvre in a confined area
5 Execute limited power take off, approach & Landing
6 Take off & Land at a pinnacle & ridge line
4M   AVI4Y1808B:  Manage Abnormal & Emergency Helicopter Flight Situations  
1 Manage forced Landing from level flight, after take off or on approach
2 Manage engine failure at the hover or during taxi
3 Manage tail rotor malfunctions
4 Manage a jammed flight control system
5 Manage adverse aerodynamic conditions
6 Manage a malfunction of a helicopter operating system
4N   AVI4Y1908B:  Operate Helicopter At Low Level  
1 Plan low level operations
2 Manoeuvre helicopter at low level
3 Perform quick stop manoeuvres
4 Execute reversal turn
5 Execute forced Landing from below 200 feet AGL
4O   AVI4Z108B:  Manage Situation Awareness in Aircraft Flight  
1 Maintain situation awareness
2 Assess situations & make decisions
3 Set priorities & manage tasks
4 Work with others in the management of situation awareness

 

Course Calendar

This course calendar is a guide only to the progress of your flight training.  Normally the dates of the Theory training are fixed for the year.  Flight training varies due to:
Weather
Aircraft availability (helicopters goes through regular maintenance cycles.  Every effort is made to minimise the impact of maintenance on flight training, however, there may be unforseen repairs, parts recalls or other events which may impact aircraft availability)
Your choice of aircraft, total flight hours, electives and options, e.g. endorsements.
Study Breaks.  You can takes breaks during your flight raining, as long as the Head of School has given his approval, and your flight training is progressing on or ahead of schedule.
Your own progress.  Whilst we have a recommended learning path, every student is different.  Some students may struggle to find the initial co-ordination required to manipulate an aircraft and get it to hover.  Other students will take to helicopter flight easily, managing to hover quickly and to go solo early, but then may struggle with more advanced lessons further down the course.  Every student is different.  This is why we do 10 hours plans.  Every 10 hours we review your progress and plan the next 10 hours of flight training. 

TERM 1 - FIRST SOLO TERM 2 - PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE TERM 3 - COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE

T
E
R
M

1

 FLT 4 Week 1

T
E
R
M

2

 FLT 4-6 Week 1

T
E
R
M

3

 9 BRK Week 1
THY AER 2 FLT 4-6 2 FLT 4-6 2
THY AER/AGK 3 FLT 4-6 3 FLT 4-6 3
THY AGK 4 4 BRK 4 FLT 4-6 4
1 BRK 5 FLT 4-6 5 10 BRK 5
FLT 4 6 FLT 4-6 6 11 BRK 6
THY LAW 7 FLT 4-6 7 FLT 4-6 7
THY LAW/MET 8 5 BRK 8 FLT 4-6 8
THY MET 9 6 BRK 9 FLT 4-6 9
FLT 4 10 FLT 4-6 10 12 BRK 10
2 BRK 11 FLT 4-6 11 FLT/ELC 4-6 11
THY NAV 12 FLT 4-6 12 FLT/ELC 4-6 12
THY NAV/P&O 13 7 BRK 13 FLT 4-6 13
THY P&O 14 8 BRK 14 FLT 4-6 14
FLT 4 15 THY TYP 15 13 BRK 15
3 BRK 16 FLT 4-6 16 FLT 4-6 16
THY HUM 17 FLT 4-6 17 FLT 4-6 17

 

Key
THY Helicopter Theory
FLT Flight Training
4-6 4 to 6 flying hours
FLT/ELC Flight Training Elective
BRK Study Break

 

Key Theory Subjects
AER Aerodynamics
AGK Aircraft General Knowledge
LAW Air Law and Flight Rules
MET Meteorology
NAV Navigation
P&O Performance and Operations
HUM Human Factors
TYP Type Technical

Sample Timetable

 

Theory timetable

Time

Theory Timetable
0730  
0800  
0830 Theory Session 1
0900 Room: Theory Room
0930 Instructor:  Theory Instructor
1000 Morning Tea
1030 Theory Session 2
1100 Room: Theory Room
1130 Instructor:  Theory Instructor
1200 LUNCH
1230  
1300 Theory Session 3
1330 Room: Theory Room
1400 Instructor:  Theory Instructor
1430 Afternoon Tea
1500 Theory Session 4
1530 Room: Theory Room
1600 Instructor:  Theory Instructor
1630  
1700  
1730 Min 6 Hours per Day

 

 

 

  

 

Flight training timetable

Time

Flight Training - Flights Timetable

Flight Training - Ground Timetable
0730 Flight Wave 1  
0800 Room:  Instructor Briefing Room / Aircraft  
0830 Type: one-to-one practical Ground School
0900 Instructor:  Flight Instructor  
0930 Flight Wave 2 Room:  Operations Room
1000 Room:  Instructor Briefing Room / Aircraft Type: Directed Self-Study
1030 Type: one-to-one practical Instructor:  Flight Instructor
1100 Instructor:  Flight Instructor  
1130 Flight Wave 3  
1200 Room:  Instructor Briefing Room / Aircraft LUNCH
1230 Type: one-to-one practical  
1300 Instructor:  Flight Instructor Assigned Activities:
1330 Flight Wave 4 - Pre Reading / View DVDs
1400 Room:  Instructor Briefing Room / Aircraft - Flight Planning
1430 Type: one-to-one practical - Long/Board Briefs
1500 Instructor:  Flight Instructor - Post Flight Assessments
1530 Flight Wave 5  
1600 Room:  Instructor Briefing Room / Aircraft  
1630 Type: one-to-one practical  
1700 Instructor:  Flight Instructor  
1730 Min 6 Hours per Day