CPL(H) Distance Learning Course

Advanced Flight Theory’s Distance Learning Course is the perfect option for pilots who cannot attend our Full-Time Ground School here on the Sunshine Coast. There is no doubt that a Full-time Ground School course is the best way to complete your CPL study however for some pilots, finding the time to do this can be difficult. The best alternative, is to complete your CPL(H) study at your own pace at home using our Distance Learning Course.

Unlimited course support from our experienced instructors is included with all of our Distance Learning theory courses. Phone and email course support ensures you are never left on your own when there is something you don’t fully understand or need to discuss. Please Click Here for details on course support.

The Distance Learning Course fee includes all course note amendments and updates at no charge for 12 months. Amendments and updates are still available to you after 12 months has passed for a small printing and postage fee. You continue to receive full course support until you gain your exam qualification, regardless of how long it may take.

Because all the notes you are provided with have been specially written by AFT, should you decide to change from Distance Learning Course and attend a Full-Time Ground School Course, you can upgrade to the Full-time Course for any subject.

Course Inclusions

Our CPL(H) Theory Course has been carefully written by very experienced instructors to ensure you receive the most practical, thorough and interesting tuition possible preparing you to sit the CASA Examinations.

Aerodynamics (CADH)

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

It is time to 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.

Aircraft General Knowledge (CSYH)

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 CSYH Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits

During 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.

Meteorology (CMET)

Study Material Included:

• AFT Meteorology Notes
• AFT Meteorology Revision Tests and Answers
• AFT Meteorology Made Easy Guide
• Bob Tait Meteorology Revision Tests and Answers
• Bureau of Met – Aviation Weather Services Colour Extracts
• Bureau of Met – Manual of Meteorology Textbook
• AFT CMET Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits

Meteorology 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.

Flight Rules and Air Law (CLWH)

Study Material Included:

• AFT Flight Rules and Air Law Notes
• AFT Flight Rules and Air Law Revision Tests and Answers
• CASA Plain English Guide
• CASR Guide for Helicopter Category Flight Crew Licensing
• CASA Visual Flight Rules Guide (VFRG)
• AFT’s CLWH Document Package
• AFT CLWH Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits

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. 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.

Human Factors (CHUF)

Study Material Included:

• Human Performance and Limitations Textbook – Bob Tait
• CASA Threat and Error Management Material
• Advisory Circular 61-08 – Threat and Error Management
• CASA Safety Behaviours – Resource Booklet 6 and 8
• AFT CHUF Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits

The course is centered around the text “Human Performance and Limitations” 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 text covers the entire CASA Human Factors syllabus, including topics such as Threat and Error Management, Aviation Medicine, Physiology, Anatomy and Psychology.

Navigation (CNAV)

Study Material Included:

• AFT Navigation Notes
• AFT Navigation Revision Tests and Answers
• Bob Tait Navigation Course Notes
• AFT Navigation Formulae Check List
• Part 91 MOS
• AFT CNAV Practice CyberExams with 8 Premium Marking Credits

Once 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. We then 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.

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.

Operations, Performance and Planning (CFPH)

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’s CFPH Document Package
• AFT CFPH Practice CyberExams with 8 Premium Marking Credits

In Operations, Performance and Planning 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 maneuvered 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.

Practice CyberExams

On completion of each subject module you can attempt Advanced Flight Theory’s Practice CyberExams before attempting the actual CASA PEXO Exams. Please see below for more details and a demonstration of our very comprehensive Practice CyberExam system.

Our fees include all course notes, revision tests, answer sheets, additional textbooks, Practice CyberExams, Navigation equipment and charts. There is no requirement to purchase any other study material as all relevant references and manuals are included.

Our Distance Learning courses can be sent to you free of charge to anywhere in Australia. We are happy to post the package overseas, however due to the considerable expense of International postage, we must charge an overseas postage fee. We will contact you prior to dispatch to quote overseas postage charges.

CPL Helicopter Full Time Ground School

Our CPL(H) Theory Course has been carefully written by very experienced instructors to ensure you receive the most practical, thorough and interesting tuition possible preparing you to sit the CASA Examinations.

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 PEXO Exams. We have found that our short course format with our constant revision sessions, leads to better information retention, especially on exam day.

Aerodynamics (CADH) – 6 Days in Class

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

It is time to 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.

Aircraft General Knowledge (CSYH) – 5 Days in Class

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 CSYH Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits

During 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.

Meteorology (CMET) – 7 Days in Class 

Study Material Included:

• AFT Meteorology Notes
• AFT Meteorology Revision Tests and Answers
• AFT Meteorology Made Easy Guide
• Bob Tait Meteorology Revision Tests and Answers
• Bureau of Met – Aviation Weather Services Colour Extracts
• Bureau of Met – Manual of Meteorology Textbook
• AFT CMET Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits

Meteorology 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.

Flight Rules and Air Law (CLWH) – 8 Days in Class 

Study Material Included:

• AFT Flight Rules and Air Law Notes
• AFT Flight Rules and Air Law Revision Tests and Answers
• CASA Plain English Guide
• CASR Guide for Helicopter Category Flight Crew Licensing
• CASA Visual Flight Rules Guide (VFRG)
• AFT’s CLWH Document Package
• AFT CLWH Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits

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. 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.

Human Factors (CHUF) – 5 Days in Class

Study Material Included:

• Human Performance and Limitations Textbook – Bob Tait
• CASA Threat and Error Management Material
• Advisory Circular 61-08 – Threat and Error Management
• CASA Safety Behaviours – Resource Booklet 6 and 8
• AFT CHUF Practice CyberExams with 8 Standard Marking Credits

The course is centered around the text “Human Performance and Limitations” 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 text covers the entire CASA Human Factors syllabus, including topics such as Threat and Error Management, Aviation Medicine, Physiology, Anatomy and Psychology.

Navigation (CNAV) – 9 Days in Class

Study Material Included:

• AFT Navigation Notes
• AFT Navigation Revision Tests and Answers
• Bob Tait Navigation Course Notes
• AFT Navigation Formulae Check List
• Part 91 MOS
• AFT CNAV Practice CyberExams with 8 Premium Marking Credits

Once 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. We then 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.

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.

Operations, Performance and Planning (CFPH) – 9 Days in Class

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’s CFPH Document Package
• AFT CFPH Practice CyberExams with 8 Premium Marking Credits

In Operations, Performance and Planning 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 maneuvered 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.

Things To Bring To Class

You will require a a selection of CASA documents, charts and your own navigation equipment.

The navigation equipment will also be used by you each time you fly and includes a Flight Computer (slide type is preferred for class, however the circular type is okay if that’s what you already have), WAC Scale Ruler, and Navigation Protractor.

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 PEXO Exam questions, you are required to supply your own calculator on exam day. 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.

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.

Important Things To Do Before you Commence your Study

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. You will require an ARN before you can sit any of the CASA PEXO Exams and having this number before you arrive for the course will prevent any delays in booking your CASA exams.

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.

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 invested any time or money.

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 online Practice CyberExams are the very best available anywhere in Australia with instant marking and a KDR given so you can see where you may 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) PEXO Exams.

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.

Important Things To Do Before you Commence your Study

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. You will require an ARN before you can sit any of the CASA PEXO Exams and having this number before you arrive for the course will prevent any delays in booking your CASA exams.

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.

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 invested any time or money.

Choosing Your Flying School

After completing your theory with AFT, choosing the right practical flying school is the next important next step in your aviation journey. To make this easier, we’ve compiled a Helicopter Flying School Directory of flying schools across Australia. 

Obtaining your Commercial Helicopter Licence is a major milestone which marks the beginning of a career built on continuous learning and experience. The choices you make during your training, and particularly where and how you train, can have a lasting influence on your future opportunities.

Helicopters operate across an exceptionally diverse range of industries, including executive transport, emergency services, offshore support, agriculture, mustering, tourism, heavy lifting, survey work, and scientific research in some of the world’s most remote environments. Each role requires specialised skills and targeted training, making early career planning an important part of your development as a professional pilot.

Because flight training is a significant personal investment, selecting the right flying school deserves careful consideration. Visiting schools in person allows you to assess their facilities, meet the Chief Flying Instructor, and experience the learning environment firsthand. A supportive atmosphere, consistent instruction, and instructors who take a genuine interest in your progress can make a meaningful difference to both your training and career outcomes.

Advanced Flight Theory provides CPL theory training for many of Australia’s leading helicopter flying schools. With instructors who have collectively taught more than 20,000 pilots, AFT offers depth of experience, strong industry connections, and purpose-built ground school facilities designed to support effective learning.

High-quality theory instruction forms the foundation of safe, confident, and capable flying. Delivered in a professional learning environment, it provides essential knowledge that supports your flying training and prepares you for a successful and rewarding helicopter career.

CPL(H) CASA Exam Information

There is a considerable amount of information regarding the CASA Exam system available on CASA’s CPL(H) Exams Page. 

7 Subject CPL Helicopter Examination

The CPL Helicopter Examination is made up of seven separate examinations. You can do the exams in any order:

• Navigation (CNAV)
• Meteorology (CMET)
• Human Factors (CHUF)
• Flight Rules and Air Law (CLWH)
• Aerodynamics (CADH)
• Aircraft General Knowledge (CSYH)
• Operations, Performance and Planning (CFPH)

Individual Subject Credits

All CPL exams are individual examinations. Candidates may choose to sit any number of papers at any particular sitting and be credited with a pass in each examination separately. When all subjects have been passed, a candidate is awarded a pass in the CPL examination.

Perpetual Validity Period

The full CPL theory credit once issued, will remain valid indefinitely. This may be reviewed at a later date.

Two Year Time Frame

As of 1 September, 2014 a candidate has two years to pass all seven CPL examinations to be awarded an CPL theory pass.

Pass Mark Required

The pass mark for each CASA examination is 70%, except for the Air Law where the pass mark is 80%.

Exam Fees

ASPEQ has a contract for the nationwide delivery of Flight Crew licensing examinations for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). ASPEQ is responsible for the booking and delivery of the examinations through a network of examination sites, while CASA is responsible for the provisions of the examinations through their PEXO Exam System.

The fees for the examination service is split into two parts –

• CASA Examination Fee
• ASPEQ Examination Delivery Fee

Examination Venues

CASA Exams can be sat a many CASA authorised exam centres Australia wide.

Booking your CASA/ASPEQ Exams

All CASA Flight Crew Licencing Exams are to be booked through ASPEQ’s website.

There are two parts to the CPL Examination fees – a CASA fee and an ASPEQ fee.

The CASA examination fees are for the Exam service provided by CASA via their web-based delivery system. The ASPEQ exam delivery fees are charged for each examination subject required. The fee structure is based around the length of the examination subject as this determines the amount of computer time used to deliver the subject. Please see CASA’s website for current exam fee information for CLWH, CADH, CSYH and CFPH or CMET, CNAV and CHUF

IMPORTANT NOTE: CASA and ASPEQ 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 PEXO Exam 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 Exams for subjects you do in class with us. You must book your own CASA Exams for any Distance Learning subjects you study.

Before booking any CASA Exams candidates need to be sure of their eligibility and timing before making a booking.

CPL Helicopter Permitted Material

To complete your study and sit the CASA exams, additional items are required for some of the CPL(H) Exams as follows:

CASA Regulatory Documents

• AIP Complete
• ERSA
• CAR 1988
• Part 61 of CASR
• Part 91 of CASR and Part 91 MOS
• Part 133 of CASR and Part 133 MOS
• CAO 48.1 Instrument 2019
• AC 91-29

Navigation Equipment, Maps and Charts

• Slide type Flight Computer
• Water Soluble Pen
• Navigation Protractor and Scale Ruler (180nm)
• Sydney WAC chart
• Brisbane-Sunshine Coast/Gold Coast, Hobart/Launceston VTC Charts
• ERC Low 1/2 and ERC Low 3/4
• Planning Chart Australia

Please see the Permitted Material page for more information.

All of these items are included in our Distance Learning Course fee, so there is no need to purchase them separately if you are studying on your own.

If you are attending our Full-time Ground School course, you will be able to purchase these items upon arrival from our Pilot Supply Shop.