Commercial Pilots Licence

Discover what it takes to become a commercial helicopter pilot and fly for a living!

If your main ambition is to make a career out of flying helicopters, it is extremely important that you choose a helicopter pilot training establishment that will not only give you the skills to fly a helicopter, but also equip you with the knowledge and expertise essential for a professional and employable pilot. HELiPRO can provide you with this, and more!

The Commercial Pilots Licence continues on from the Private Pilots Licence. Training is undertaken in our Robinson R22 or Robinson R44 helicopters. It is possible to train in a light turbine helicopter such as our Hughes 500 or Bell Jetranger, although the R22 is the most cost effective and popular option.

A minimum of 150 hours of helicopter flight training will be carried out as per CAR AC 61.5, except for allowable cross-crediting experience. This helicopter pilot training will include exercises as listed for your PPL, but to a higher level of competency and perfecting of techniques.

The minimum flight time requirements:

Dual instruction: 35 hours
Solo Flight Time: 35 hours
Cross-country navigation training: 20 hours in accordance with the syllabus set out in
CAR AC61-1.5 Appendix II
Sling Load Training: 10 hours which includes 7 hours dual instruction
Mountainous-terrain flight training: 10 hours, which includes 7 hours dual instruction
Night Flying: 10 hours night flying which includes 5 hours dual instruction, 10 take-offs, translation circuits and landings solo, and 2 hours dual instrument flight instruction

Helicopter pilot training is available at Palmerston North Airport, and at Christchurch Airport in the South Island. Learning to fly with HELiPRO in New Zealand is a great experience! We also offer training for international students!

Learn to fly today with HELiPRO, and play your part in the exciting New Zealand Aviation Industry.