CPL(H) Theory

CPL(H) Theory With Advanced Flight Theory

For those with real determination and ambition, flying provides one of the most exciting and rewarding careers possible.

Now that you have made the decision to become a helicopter pilot, it is important that you obtain the best possible information regarding your future training and career options. The first step in achieving your ambition is to study for your Commercial Helicopter (CPL) Theory Examinations.

Advanced Flight Theory specialises in theory training and has been teaching Commercial theory to helicopter pilots for over 30 years. We are well established as the only totally independent theory school in Australia providing high quality theory courses from Private Pilot level to Commercial Pilot and Air Transport Pilot standard. Get the very best start to your aviation career…

• Instruction by experienced Theory Instructors who are Commercial Pilots
• Full Time Ground School
• Distance Learning Courses
• First Class Airconditioned Venue
• Excellent Study Facilities
• Accommodation Available
• Comprehensive Course Material
• Revision Tests
• Practice CyberExams
• Personalised Service
• CPL Course is GST Free

As specialist theory instructors, we are aware of what is required by students to study the CASA CPL(H) Theory Syllabus, then successfully pass the seven CASA CPL(H) theory examinations. Many of our students haven’t studied for a long time and are new to the world of aviation which is why all of the concepts are presented to you in an easy to understand format, with patient dedicated instruction.

We have two different study methods available to you. If possible, we highly recommend you attend our Full-Time Ground School Course. Our CPL(H) Full-time Ground School course runs for 11 weeks in total. During this time we cover the seven CPL(H) subjects. You can attend all seven subjects at once, or come along to individual subjects. Please see our Course Schedule for more information. Our Full-Time Ground School course is thorough in content, but as short in duration as possible as we understand the it can be tricky being away from home and work commitments for extended periods of time. You will find the course to be both interesting and very informative and will totally prepare you for the CASA Examinations.

The second method of study is via our Distance Learning Course. We have a very detailed self study package available for students who aren’t able to make it to class and would like to complete their study at home. All of our Distance Learning theory courses include unlimited phone and email course support from our theory instructors so you can ask any questions along the way!

We are often asked if you should do any flying training prior to ground school study. There is no reason why you can’t undertake flying training prior to ground study, however it is important that you don’t get to involved in flying training before completing your ground theory. The obvious advantage of doing your theory course before you complete too much of your flying, is the fact you are much better prepared for each of your training sequences in the air, and you will have a greater overall understanding of essential flying procedures. This ensures you receive the maximum value and benefit from every dollar you spend in the air. While some of our students have completed over 20 hours flying training prior to commencing our course, the majority only have between 1 and 10 hours experience.

Our CPL(H) Full-time Ground School course will also be a valuable introduction to many aspects of the helicopter industry. Not only will you be studying with our professional theory instructors, you will also have the benefit of discussing flight training options and the various flying schools with our staff and other students on your course. If you haven’t already decided where to do your flying training, there is no doubt this experience will place you in the best possible position to select the flying school that meets your personal requirements.

There are many quality helicopter training schools available to you, so make sure you select the one that best suits your training needs and is in a good position to assist you with those important first hours of flying experience after you have obtained your licence. With the right attitude, a common sense approach and lots of hard work, a career as a helicopter pilot is something you can achieve.

Our Guarantee To You

Advanced Flight Theory is a totally independent theory school.

We DO NOT receive any form of commission or kickback from any helicopter flying schools for promoting their operation. Our advice to you is honest and truly independent – we pride ourselves on our ability to help you make the best possible decision regarding your training. For detailed information on all of Australia’s respectable and professional helicopter flying schools please visit our Helicopter Flying School Directory.

Regardless of your choice of flying school or career path, we guarantee you will receive:

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 if you are attending the Full-time Ground School course or online through AFT’s own online Pilot Supply Shop.

CASA/PEXO Exam Information

There is a considerable amount of information regarding the CASA PEXO 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. These are:

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

Booking your CASA/ASPEQ PEXO 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 PEXO 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 PEXO 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 PEXO Exams for subjects you do in class with us. You must book your own CASA PEXO Exams for any Distance Learning subjects you study.

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

CPL Helicopter Things You Need

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)
• Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Port Augusta, Bourke and Townsville WAC charts
• Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide/Melbourne VTC Charts
• ERC Low 1/2 and ERC Low 3/4
• Planning Chart Australia

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.

Make The Right Decision

You will never regret getting the best possible training!

Attending a professional theory course now will benefit you for many years to come. Remember, there is far more than just an examination at stake. Flying a helicopter is a demanding occupation. Through all of your flight training and the rest of your aviation career, the things you learn in theory school will be put into practice daily, so one day if the going gets really tough you will know exactly what to do!

Receive the maximum value from your flying training.

Completing your Helicopter Theory Course before you get fully involved in your flying training ensures you receive the maximum benefit from every hour spent in the air!

Please feel free to Contact Us at any time if you have any questions or you would like additional information.