Helicopter Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is the qualification that turns a passion for flying into a career. It's the licence required to be paid as a pilot, and it opens the door to roles in tourism, charter, aerial work, mustering, emergency services and beyond. At The Main Rotor Hub, we offer a non-integrated CPL pathway — meaning you train at your own pace, around your life, without being locked into a rigid college-style schedule.

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What the CPL allows you to do

A CPL(H) qualifies you to act as pilot in command in commercial helicopter operations — carrying passengers or cargo for hire or reward. It's recognised across Australia and is the foundation for building a professional aviation career.

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Career pathways after CPL

Most CPL graduates begin by building hours in entry-level commercial roles — scenic flights, charter operations and aerial support work. As experience grows, pathways open into specialised operations: offshore work, utility flying, mustering, emergency services and corporate charter. Sydney's strong aviation network makes it an excellent starting point for these careers, and our instructors' industry connections actively support graduates in finding their first role.

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What are the requirements?

To be issued a CPL(H) you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of licence issue

• Hold a Class 1 Medical Certificate

• Pass all 7 CASA commercial theory knowledge exams within a 24-month window

• Complete 105 total helicopter flight hours, including at least 25 hours solo, of which 10 hours must be solo navigation. The final 30 hours must be completed within 90 days of your flight test

• Pass a CPL(H) flight test conducted by a CASA-approved examiner

Note: no more than 2 helicopter types may be used during training, with at least 15 hours in the same type at the start and at least 20 hours in each type overall.

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Combined fixed-wing and helicopter pathway

If you're also completing fixed-wing training with another school, a CPL(H) can be obtained with 150 total flight hours — at least 70 in a helicopter (the remaining 80 can be fixed-wing), including 25 solo hours of which 10 must be solo navigation.

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How long does CPL training take?

Students training full-time typically complete their CPL within 8 to 12 months. Part-time students working around employment typically take 12 to 24 months. The non-integrated structure at TMRH means there's no fixed end date — you progress when you're ready.

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Why train at Bankstown?

Bankstown Airport (YSBK) is one of Australia's busiest helicopter training environments. CPL students here operate daily in controlled airspace alongside commercial traffic — developing the radio discipline, situational awareness and decision-making that employers specifically look for. Schools at quieter regional airfields simply cannot replicate this environment.

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GST note

CPL training activities are GST-exempt under Australian tax law, which reduces the effective cost of your commercial training compared to recreational licences.

Ready to begin? Start with a Trial Introductory Flight — the cost is refunded across your next three lessons when you continue training with us.