How to become a Helicopter Pilot

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

Main tasks

• 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

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command) (AVI60219); Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter) (AVI50322); Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) (AVI50519)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $137,852 a year
• About 15,500 people work in this job group now, and about 17,600 are projected by 2035. (+13.7%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Aeroplane Pilot
• Air Traffic Controller
• Flight Instructor

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Helicopter Pilot?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command); Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter).

How much does a Helicopter Pilot earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $137,852 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Helicopter Pilot a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2035, from about 15,500 to about 17,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Helicopter Pilot?

Not always. 28% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command); Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter).

Will AI change the work of a Helicopter Pilot?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04