Flight Training
Training Prices & Cost Guide
How much does helicopter training cost?
Helicopter Training Prices & Cost Guide
Our goal is to provide clear, transparent pricing so you can plan your training at Bankstown Airport in Sydney with confidence
01
Aircraft hourly rates
Flight training is charged based on engine running time, calculated in decimal flight time (6-minute increments).
Example: 0.6 hours flown = 0.6 × hourly aircraft rate.
Aircraft | Hourly Rate ($AUD) |
|---|---|
| Guimbal Cabri G2 | $725 / hour |
| Robinson R44 | $1,100 / hour |
| Bell 206 | $1,575 / hour |
| Airbus EC120 | $2,100 / hour |
*CPL training activities are GST-exempt.
02
Typical lesson cost
All flight lessons include:
- Pre-flight briefing
- Aircraft flight time (usually 1 – 1.5h)
- Post-flight debrief
Aircraft | Typical lesson cost |
|---|---|
| Guimbal Cabri G2 | ~$700 – $1,050 per lesson |
| Robinson R44 | ~$1,050 – $1,575 per lesson |
03
How often do students train?
Training Pace | Typical Monthly Spend |
|---|---|
| Part-time | $2,500 – $4,500 / month |
| Accelerated | Higher depending on schedule |
04
Typical total training investment
Putting this together, many students want to understand the overall investment required to reach their licence goal.
Training Goal | Typical Total Investment |
|---|---|
| Trial Instructional Flight (TIF) | $650 special price |
| Private Pilot Licence (PPL) | $35,000 – $55,000 |
| Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) | $85,000 – $120,000+ |
05
What affects total training cost?
Training cost varies based on:
- Training frequency
- Study and preparation
- Individual learning pace
- Aircraft type used
- Weather and scheduling
06
Pay-as-you-go training (no large deposits)
Many flight schools require large upfront deposits and offer discounts for bulk payments. At The Main Rotor Hub, every student receives our best rate whether paying lesson-by-lesson or in advance.
For your peace of mind:
- Advance payments are held in a separate trust account
- Funds are only used as training occurs
- Unused funds are refunded immediately on request
You are never locked into a fixed program.
Train at a pace that suits your lifestyle and budget.
07
Third-party training costs
Some additional training associated
costs are charged by external providers.
Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Aviation headset | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| ASIC Security Card | $250 – $300 every 2 years |
| CASA medical | ~$300 per year |
| CASA theory exams* | ~$250 per exam sitting |
| Study materials & navigation equipment | Varies |
• PPL: 1 CASA exam
• CPL: 7 CASA exams
08
Instructor time
Instructor briefing, debriefing and flight time is included as part of your training costs when conducted in an aircraft supplied by The Main Rotor Hub.
Instructor training costs in visiting aircraft are $200 per hour +GST
09
Adverse Weather and Late Cancellations Policy
Safety always comes first. If weather conditions are unsuitable for your stage of training:
- Your lesson will be rescheduled at no charge
- We will provide as much notice as possible
Weather cancellations are a normal part of aviation training, and we will always fly when it is safe to do so.
We understand your plans can change, even on good weather days. Please provide at least 24 hours notice if you wish to cancel a booking. Late cancellations may incur a fee.
10
What happens after your Trial Introductory Flight?
After your first flight we:
- Discuss your goals
- Explain training pathways
- Provide personalised cost guidance
- Help plan your training schedule
