Hands On Hybrid Learning :: From Classroom to Cockpit

At AFT, our CPL(H) students don’t just learn theory.. they live it. This is the kind of hands on experience that sets our full-time CPL(H) course apart!

Last week our students put their Aerodynamics books down for an excursion to Caloundra Aerodrome. A huge thank you to AFT alumni Matt from @oceanview_heli, Sunshine Coast’s premium helicopter scenic flight company, for showing our students around the R44 and helping our instructor Kayley turn theory into practical knowledge.

We then visited @westpacheliqld to get up close with their EC135 — what a machine! A big thank you to Pilot Alan and Air Crewman Brett for sharing insights into helicopter rescue and the vital lifesaving work they do across South East QLD.

Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service performs a wide range of lifesaving missions across South East QLD, from coastal search and rescues to inland motor vehicle and farming incidents. What a dream job for a helicopter pilot!

Engineering Excellence at McDermott Aviation :: CPL Helicopter Student Excursion

Engineering Excellence at McDermott Aviation

Recently our CPL(H) theory students were privileged to visit the McDermott Aviation engineering hangar which is home to one of Australia’s leading aerial firefighting fleets.

With expert guidance from the McDermott team, students gained valuable insight into the rigorous maintenance, inspection, and overhaul procedures that keep these incredible machines flying and ready to protect lives and property during fire season.

Thank you to McDermott Aviation for offering a behind-the-scenes look at the critical engineering that underpins operational excellence in rotary-wing firefighting. As Australia’s largest privately owned helicopter company our students were in absolute awe of your operation

@mcdermott.aviation.engineering @mcdermott_aviation

A Day in the Life of a Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot at LifeFlight

Our CPL(H) students kicked off their first day of Navigation yesterday with a visit to the LifeFlight hangar, where they got an up close look at their impressive AW139 helicopter. What a machine!

A huge thank you to Captain Ryan Cross (AFT ATPL(H) alumni) and Base Administrator Kay Hollyoak for generously sharing their time and knowledge. Their insights gave our students a real world perspective of what a day in the life of a Search and Rescue (SAR) pilot looks like. From medical evacuations, vehicle and ocean rescues to disaster response, SAR crews are on call 24/7 – navigating tough high pressure environments while making quick critical decisions on weight and balance, fuel calculations and flight planning. All of this is done while piloting an advanced aircraft like the AW139, with the focus of putting the safety of others first!

We are very fortunate to have Australia’s largest and most advanced aeromedical service right here on our doorstep at the Sunshine Coast Airport.

Thank you @lifeflight_au for everything you do!

Behind the Scenes with Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service

Our CPL Helicopter students had the incredible opportunity to visit the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service hangar for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour.

From learning about real-world rescue operations to getting hands-on insights into the aircraft’s capabilities, our students learnt about the skill, precision, and teamwork it takes to save lives from the sky.

Huge thanks to the Westpac crew including Aircrew Officer Ben Campbell for sharing their time, knowledge, and stories—it was an inspiring look into how helicopters can make a life-saving difference.

Aircraft capabilities

Operational insight

Real-world rescue stories

Career inspiration

@westpacheliqld