AustralianCourses
Career pathway

Helicopter Pilot

OSCA 299134·ANZSCO 231114

Employed

1,100

Part-time share

13.3%

Female share

4.3%

Median age

41 yrs

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

Pay and some job figures are hidden for this job. Jobs and Skills Australia and the ABS do not publish figures for small groups, often under 50 people, or they change the figures to protect privacy. A blank means the figure is not published. It does not mean zero.

Helicopter Pilot is a job in Australia. The job figures on this page come from Jobs and Skills Australia and the ABS Census, where they are published. The courses listed here lead to this job. Compare the fee, study mode, length, place, and how to get in before you enquire.

Courses linked to this job include Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter) and Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command).

Jobs, part-time share, age, and pay appear on this page only when Jobs and Skills Australia or the ABS has published them for Helicopter Pilot. A blank is a missing figure, not a pay of zero. The courses below are linked to this job. Open one to compare the fee, study mode, length, campus, and how to get in.

There is no single national fee or length for training that leads to Helicopter Pilot. Each provider sets its own price, study mode, and entry rules. Those rules can include past study, an English level, work experience, or an interview. Check the AQF level, and whether you study in Australia or online, before you enquire.

About this career

Flies helicopters to transport passengers, mail or freight, or provide agricultural, aviation, emergency medical or aerial surveillance services.

What they typically do

  • Controls the speed and angle of rotor blades to determine the elevation, velocity and direction of helicopters
  • Takes off and lands helicopters on clear, level surfaces, including helipads and platforms
  • Performs precise manoeuvres such as spot landings and low-level flights, in various weather conditions
  • Communicates with air traffic control, ground crew and other pilots to ensure safe and coordinated flight operations
  • Performs pre-flight inspections, and records and adjusts flight plans as necessary to ensure passenger and crew safety
  • Performs emergency procedures and manoeuvres in response to in-flight emergencies or equipment malfunctions of the helicopter
  • May perform search and rescue missions, aerial photography, or transport critically ill or injured patients to hospital
  • May inform passengers of safety procedures, assist passengers to board and disembark the helicopter, and load belongings or freight on and off helicopters

Where they work

Transport, Postal and Warehousing

States and territories

Share of workers by location

QLD
38%
NSW
24%
VIC
13.2%
WA
11.4%
NT
6.1%
SA
3.4%
TAS
2.9%
ACT
0.7%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Helicopter Pilot.

  • Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter)

    AVI50322 · AQF 5 · 8 providers

    View qualification
  • Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command)

    AVI60219 · AQF 6 · 8 providers

    View qualification