Our Helicopter Theory Course has been carefully written by very experienced instructors to ensure you receive the most practical, comprehensive and interesting tuition possible. The CASA CPL(H) Theory Syllabus is constantly evolving and being updated by CASA. All examinations are delivered on a computer via the internet by the CASA CyberExam system. Under this system student pilots sit a separate theory exam for each of the seven ground theory subjects you need to study to obtain your helicopter pilot’s licence. We update our course notes and practice examinations to ensure the material you receive remains the most up to date available anywhere in Australia.
We have also developed our own very comprehensive, computer based Practice CyberExams to ensure our students always have the leading edge when preparing to sit the CASA CyberExams. Our Practice CyberExams recreate the CASA CyberExam environment almost perfectly which guarantees that students who may not have computer skills can confidently sit the CASA CyberExams. To allow our students to sit each of the separate theory exams at the end of their study for that subject our theory course is nine weeks and one day long.
COURSE OUTLINE
Our course is very intensive, however we have done everything possible to ensure adequate time is given to fully cover each of the parts in the CASA CyberExam. You don’t have to be Einstein to complete a CPL(H) course, so we never pretend you do. We have found that our short course format with our constant revision sessions, leads to better information retention, especially on exam day!
Please Note: There may be some slight variations to the format described below when public holidays interfer with the scheduled CASA CyberExams at the end of each subject.
Meteorology
Meteorology commences on a Monday, with six days spent in the classroom and the CASA CMET CyberExam scheduled for the Tuesday after class finishes.
Study Material Included:
- AFT Meteorology Notes
- Bob Tait Meteorology Notes
- AFT Meteorology Revision Tests and Answers
- Bob Tait Meteorology Revision Tests and Answers
- AFT Meteorology Made Easy Guide
- Bureau of Meteorology – Manual of Meteorology Textbook
- AFT CMET Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits
The course commences with the subject Meteorology. This is one of the most important topics covered, as every flight you undertake will be somehow influenced by the weather conditions experienced. The composition of the atmosphere, formation of clouds, understanding of synoptic charts and weather patterns and the effect of air temperature and air pressure on your helicopter’s performance are all discussed in detail. You will also learn to read aviation weather forecasts, which appear at first to be written in a foreign language, but with a bit of practice it will all become quite easy.
Our many years of flying experience allow us to show you the practical application of all you have learnt. Monday to Friday of the first week of our course are spent studying the entire Meteorology syllabus. You then have the entire weekend for final Meteorology revision before sitting the AFT Practice Meteorology CyberExams on Monday. The actual CASA Meteorology CyberExam is sat on Tuesday of week two.
Flight Rules and Air Law
Flight Rules and Air Law commences on Wednesday of week two, with five days spent in the classroom and the CASA CLWH CyberExam scheduled for the Wednesday after class finishes.
Study Material Included:
- AFT Flight Rules and Air Law Notes
- Bob Tait Flight Rules and Air Law Notes
- AFT Flight and Duty Information Sheet
- Lankatan Aviation Flight Rules and Air Law Index
- AFT Flight Rules and Air Law Revision Tests and Answers
- Bob Tait Flight Rules and Air Law Revision Tests and Answers
- CAAP 92-2 (1) – Guidelines for Helicopter Landing Sites
- CAAP 234-1(0) – Aircraft Fuel Requirements
- CAO 20.10 – Hot Refuelling (Helicopters)
- AFT CLWH Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits
- Bob Tait Radio Telephony Notes *
* Optional at extra cost
It is essential that you have a very good knowledge of the sometimes complex rules that need to be followed to ensure the safe conduct of a flight.
Some of the topics we discussed in meteorology are now put to use to determine if a flight can proceed, after considering the weather. You will also learn about the privileges and limitations that apply to your Helicopter Licence, the requirements to obtain mustering, agricultural and sling ratings and the rules that apply to conducting charter operations.
Radio procedures and basic rules of the air that allow aircraft to share airspace without risk of collision are an important part of this subject. Wednesday to Friday of week two and Monday of week three are spent studying the entire Flight Rules and Air Law Syllabus. On Tuesday Flight Rules and Air Law Practice CyberExams are attempted with the actual CASA Flight Rules and Air Law CyberExam being sat on Wednesday of week three.
Navigation
Navigation commences on Thursday of week three, with ten days spent in the classroom and the CASA CNAV CyberExam scheduled for the Friday after class finishes.
Study Material Included:
- AFT Navigation Notes
- Bob Tait Navigation Notes
- AFT Navigation Revision Tests and Answers
- Bob Tait Navigation Revision Tests and Answers
- AFT Navigation Formulae Check List
- Flight Planning Forms and Flight Notes
- AFT CNAV Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits
Once the rules of the air are understood, and weather forecasts can be read, we can start to plan flights all around the country, which brings us to the point where we need to be able to navigate.
Thursday of week three we commence studying the Navigation syllabus. You will learn how maps are made and with a little bit of practice you will be able to read all of the fine detail and information available to you on a map. You will also learn how to do basic navigation calculations on your slide navigation computer. The ability to navigate accurately is a skill that will always be of great benefit to a pilot. Unfortunately too many pilots don’t spend enough time learning the basics, and are never really able to take full advantage of the navigation flying training that comes later.
Your Navigation study continues right through to Wednesday of week five. You will become more proficient in using your flight navigation computer to calculate your expected ground speed, heading and fuel consumption during a flight, and are then shown how to plot positions on aeronautical charts.
Eventually you will be able to plan a complete flight. The procedures used when you are actually flying are discussed next, and you will even learn the various methods to apply if you are unfortunate enough to get lost out there!
Our students always seem to enjoy learning about navigation, as it is a very practical “hands on” subject. The exercises you do in class will be excellent preparation for not just the theory examination, but for your flight training as well. Thursday of week five is a full day of our Navigation Practice CyberExams, before sitting the actual CASA Navigation CyberExam on Friday.
Aircraft General Knowledge
Aircraft General Knowledge commences on Monday of week six, with four days spent in the classroom and the CASA CSYH CyberExam scheduled for the Friday after class finishes.
Study Material Included:
- AFT Aircraft General Knowledge Notes
- Bob Tait Aircraft General Knowledge Notes
- AFT Aircraft General Knowledge Revision Tests
- Bob Tait Revision Tests and Answers
- AFT Aircraft General Know Trial Exams and Answers
- AFT CSYH Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits
Monday to Wednesday of week six will be spent studying Aircraft General Knowledge. You will learn about basic piston engine operating principles, fuel systems, oil and engine cooling systems, followed by a good look at helicopter transmissions and rotor systems.
You will also learn how helicopter electrical systems and starting systems work and how fire detecting and extinguishing systems operate. Once you understand the mechanics of a helicopter you will then be shown how the various engine and flight instruments in a helicopter have been designed and how to interpret the information they display. Thursday will be spent attempting our Practice CyberExams with the actual CASA Aircraft General Knowledge CyberExam on Friday.
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics commences on Monday of week seven, with five days spent in the classroom and the CASA CADH CyberExam scheduled for the Monday after class finishes.
Study Material Included:
- AFT Helicopter Aerodynamics Notes
- AFT Aerodynamics Revision Tests and Answers
- Principles of Helicopter Flight (Wagtendonk) Textbook
- Colour Helicopter Safety Card
- AFT CADH Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits
Once you have a good knowledge of how the mechanical side of the helicopter works, you can now learn how and why the helicopter fly’s. If you want to be able to achieve the maximum performance and safety from your helicopter once you are out of the classroom and finally become airborne, then an understanding of helicopter ‘Principles of Flight’ is essential.
This is a subject that you should find very interesting, as your chosen future career is flying helicopters. In fact you will be amazed a helicopter fly’s at all when you look at how many forces are being kept in a fine balance while you are in flight. Our Practice CyberExams will be attempted on Friday with the actual CASA Aerodynamics CyberExam sat on Monday of week eight.
Operations, Performance and Planning
Operations, Performance and Planning commences on Tuesday of week eight, with seven days spent in the classroom and the CASA CFPH CyberExam scheduled for the Thursday after class finishes.
Study Material Included:
- AFT Operations, Performance and Planning Notes
- AFT Operations, Performance and Planning Revision Tests and Answers
- Rotorcraft Flying Handbook
- CASA Bell 206L-1 Long Ranger Handbook
- Bell 206L-1 Additional Graph Package
- AFT CFPH Practice CyberExams with 8 Premium Marking Credits
Operations, Performance and Planning is the final subject covered in the classroom and commences on Tuesday of week eight. You will learn how to determine the maximum take-off and landing weights your helicopter can achieve under various conditions, how fast and how high the machine will fly and how far you can go with the fuel available. Perhaps the most important safety aspects of flying a helicopter become apparent during this part of the course.
A major topic covered during this week is Weight and Balance. As you study this topic, you will learn how to correctly load a helicopter to ensure it can be safely controlled and manoeuvred through all stages of a flight. You will use this knowledge to understand the limitations that apply to helicopter operations, and avoid dangerous situations in the future.
You will spend all day Wednesday of the last week of the course doing our Practice CyberExams with the actual CASA Operations, Performance and Planning CyberExam being sat on Thursday of week nine.
Human Factors
You should allow approximately three days of devoted self study time to cover all of the material required to sit the remaining subject of Human Factors. We do not cover this subject in the classroom.
Study Material Included:
- Human Performance and Limitations Textbook – Bob Tait
- AFT CHUF Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits
Throughout the course you will have also been reading from our “Human Performance and Limitations” text book written by respected aviation author and theory instructor, Bob Tait. This is an excellent text book, written in a very easy to read and interesting style. The book covers the entire CASA Human Factors syllabus, which will help prepare you for final discussions with our instructor and our Practice CyberExams at any time convenient to you during, or after our course.
The actual CASA Human Performance and Limitations CyberExam can be sat while you are with us or after you return home.
Important Things To Do
Getting an Aviation Reference Number (ARN)
Before you attempt our course you should apply for a CASA Aviation Reference Number known as an ARN. This number will identify you right through your entire aviation career. Please make sure you read all of the information on the CASA website regarding an ARN before you send away your ARN Application Form.
You will require an ARN before you can sit any of the CASA CyberExams.
If you haven’t previously had an ARN issued, you will receive one as part of the process of undergoing your first Aviation Medical Examination.
Getting an Aviation Medical Examination
Before you get started on any of the training required to gain your CPL(H) we would strongly recommend you undergo a full Aviation Medical Examination. Investing in a medical before you start training is a very wise thing to do.
If you don’t know anything about medicals you can read about Medical Certificate Requirements before you look for your closest Designated Aviation Medical Examiner or DAME.
While an average student pilot should have no trouble passing a medical, there have been student pilots in the past who found they had previously undiscovered medical conditions or problems that needed to be fixed before they were allowed to fly. It is much better to find out if you have a problem before you start training, rather than after you have started spending your money on trying to get a pilot licence.
Why Attend Our Theory Course
One of the major advantages of attending our theory course is our constant revision and assessment process. Revision is a very important part of our whole course, especially when much of the course material is new to you. At Advanced Flight Theory, from the very first lesson you will be reviewing all topics covered through carefully written Revision Tests until you are ready to attempt the Practice CyberExams.
We believe our Practice CyberExams are the very best available anywhere in Australia with instant internet marking and a print out of the areas where you require further study. This ensures that by the end of the course, you will have had not only considerable tuition and revision of all subjects, but you will have also developed a very good exam technique. Exam technique can be just as important as knowledge of the topic in the limited time given to complete the CASA CPL(H) CyberExams.
Even more important to you is the personal attention you will receive from your dedicated ground theory instructor. We know that when it comes to keeping track of your progress, absolutely nothing beats direct consultation and personal discussion with your instructor.
AIRSERVICES SUPPLY SHOP
Advanced Flight Theory operates an Airservices Supply Shop and can provide the complete range of CASA documents, maps and charts. Flight computers, protractors, WAC rulers and a full range of basic stationery items are also available. Supplies can be purchased on arrival, or by phone or internet order and dispatched to you at any time.
Contact Vanessa Adamson, Kate Lawrence or Brett Adamson for further details!
PRACTICE CYBEREXAMS
All of Advanced Flight Theory’s professional theory courses contain our Practice CyberExams for each subject, including a personalised username and password with eight Marking Credits per subject.
While our Practice CyberExams do not contain actual CASA exam questions, they are designed to ensure you become familiar with the style and workload involved in the actual CASA CyberExams and help you become familiar with the layout and format of the exams. The sole purpose of our Practice CyberExam system is to help you determine if you are fully prepared to attempt the actual CASA CyberExams for each subject.
Our Practice CyberExams have proven to be very popular with our students. Since our system was first created, we have had over 4200 different aeroplane and helicopter pilots attempt our exams and approximately 20,000 Practice CyberExams are sat via our system every year.
Practice CyberExams must be viewed using Windows Internet Explorer IE5 or higher. Due to the crazy world of internet compatability, they cannot be viewed correctly using Netscape, Mozilla, Opera or other Web Browser as these browsers do not support the scripts necessary to run the exam system and re-create the appearance of the CASA CyberExams.
Please click here for a demonstration of our system.
Things To Bring To Class
You will require a complete set of CASA Regulatory Documents and your own navigation equipment.
The CASA documents will be used by you for the rest of your aviation career and include current CAO 20-95, CAR, AIP, ERSA, VTC, ERC, PCA and WAC.
The navigation equipment will also be used by you each time you fly and includes a Flight Navigation Computer (slide type is preferred for class, however the circular type is okay if that’s what you already have), WAC scale ruler, navigation protractor and a good pair of dividers.
You will require highlighter pens, pencils and sharpener, post-it-notes and a supply of A4 reinforced ring binder note paper.
For all subjects where an electronic calculator is required to answer CASA CyberExam questions, you will be provided with an Aurora DT210 desktop calculator by ASL on exam day. You can not use your own personal calculator during CASA CyberExams. We have stocks of Aurora DT210 desktop calculators available in our supply shop and you can purchase one of these to use each day during your study. This helps ensure you do not become confused on exam day by having to use a calculator with a different key layout and functions to the one you used during your study.
You may have never heard of any of these documents or navigation equipment before, but there is no need for concern as everything you need is available on site when you arrive to commence your course with us. We will be able to show you the various items and fully explain their use to you then.
CPL(H) COURSE FEES – Prices Effective 1st September, 2010
Discounted Course Packages
Combination Full-Time Ground School and Distance Learning Course
Full-Time Ground School in class with David Munns covering Meteorology, Flight Rules and Air Law, Navigation, Aircraft General Knowledge, Aerodynamics and Operations, Performance and Planning.
Distance Learning self study covering and Human Factors.
Fee: *$3165.00
*GST Free
Distance Learning Course Only
Self Study for the subjects Meteorology, Flight Rules and Air Law, Navigation, Aircraft General Knowledge, Aerodynamics, Operations, Performance and Planning and Human Factors.
Fee: *$1835.00
*GST Free
Upgrade Option – If you change you mind and decide you would like to attend classes, you can upgrade to our Full-Time Ground School Course for the subjects Meteorology, Flight Rules and Air Law, Navigation, Aircraft General Knowledge, Aerodynamics and Operations, Performance and Planning for an additional *$1695.00. You must bring your Distance Learning course notes to class with you, as these are not re-printed as part of the upgrade option.
*GST Free
Individual Subject Prices
** When upgrading from Distance Learning to Full-Time Ground School Course, you must bring your Distance Learning course notes to class with you, as these are not re-printed as part of the upgrade option.
*GST Free
Please Click Here for our Course Schedule.
WHEN AND HOW TO APPLY FOR A CASA CYBEREXAM
IMPORTANT NOTE: CASA and ASL CyberExam fees are NOT included in our course fees for Full Time Ground School or Distance Learning Courses.
If you are attending our Full Time Ground School Classes we have pre-booked CASA CyberExam sessions for our students at the end of each subject.
If requested, we can book your exam in one of these sessions for you on your first day in class and charge the exams fees to your account.
Our pre booked sessions mean you do not need to book your own CASA CyberExams for subjects you do in class with us.
You must book your own CASA CyberExams for any Distance Learning subjects you study.
All CASA Flight Crew Examinations are booked through Assessment Services Ltd (ASL).
CASA CyberExams used as credits towards CASA flight crew licences can only be sat in Australia.
Before booking any CASA CyberExams candidates need to be sure of their eligibility and timing before making a booking.
You must ensure you fully understand Candidate Responsibilities and you have the required Pre-requisite Qualifications before you book an exam.
ASL have a strict policy on refunds and transfers to other sitting dates.
When booking exams candidates should be aware of the retraining periods required after exam failures and make allowances for this. ASL recommend that you do not book for more than three exams at a time to ensure there are no transfer fees or that exam fees are not forfeited.
HOW TO ENROL
If you would like to enrol in our CPL(H) Full-time Ground School Course by using our secure “online” enrolment service, where you can order or enrol online and pay by credit card please Click Here.
OR
Contact Us directly and we can answer all of your questions and take your details over the phone.
OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU
If after attending our full time course, you are not totally prepared to sit the CASA CyberExaminations, or you are having difficulty with any aspect of the course, you are welcome to return and resit all or any part of the course you have paid for once, with no additional course fee. If necessary, you may also resit all or any part of the course more than once, subject to some simple conditions.
We guarantee to stick with you until you achieve your goal.