OZ CPL(A) to CPL(H)

[WannaBeBiggles]

How easy is it to convert a CPL(A) to a CPL(H)?

Does flight experience with fixed wing aricraft, especially cross country navs etc count towards experience requirements to do the CPL(H).

I know one would have to take the H specific CPL subjects for aerodynamics, performance and planning etc.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, especially from people who have done the same and could give me approximatations of time/cost of converting the licenses :)

Thanks in advance :ok:

[Unhinged]

There are substantial concessions if you already hold a CPL(A). CAR 5.127 (in part):

5.127 Commercial (helicopter) pilot: aeronautical experience required

(a) if the person holds a commercial pilot (aeroplane) licence ... :
(i) at least 70 hours of flight time in a helicopter; or
(ii) if the person undertook a special training course and completed the final 30 hours of the course within a period of 3 consecutive calendar months—at least 60 hours of flight time in a helicopter;

(c) in any other case:
(i) at least 125 hours of flight time in a helicopter; or
(ii) if the person undertook a special training course and completed the final 30 hours of the course within a period of 3 consecutive calendar months—at least 105 hours of flight time in a helicopter.

There's quite a bit more in that Reg that you need to take a look at. However, despite the generous concessions, I had two problems at the end of this process: (1) After 62 hours in a helicopter I qualified for a CPL(H) and still had no idea which way was up (some would say that I still have that problem :O), and (2) With that level of inexperience no-one in their right mind would give me a job.

If an employer quite rightly considers than a new CPL with 105 or 125 hours lacks experience, then getting a job with 60 hours is going to be next to impossible :ugh: It can be done, but you need a lot of other things going for you, and a very compelling story to tell !

[WannaBeBiggles]

Thanks Unhinged!

Guessing a MECIR isn't instantly transferable either?
Just an idea I'm toying with :)

Thanks for the info mate. :)

[Unhinged]

Guessing a MECIR isn't instantly transferable either?

I wish it was ! However CAO 40.2.1 does allow some cross-crediting. Section 8.3 requires 20 hours instrument time and 5 hours pic time in the category of aircraft, so they would be your minima.

8.3 The aeronautical experience of an applicant for the issue of a command instrument rating shall include:
(a) 50 hours cross-country flight time as pilot in command; and
(b) 40 hours instrument time, of which not less than 20 hours shall be instrument flight time on the category of aircraft for which the rating is sought; and
(c) 20 hours cross-country instrument time; and
(d) 10 hours dual instrument flight instruction time; and
(e) except for those persons whose licence is restricted to day only operations, 10 hours night flight of which not less than 5 hours shall be as pilot in command on the category of aircraft for which the rating is sought.

[outofwhack]

Dont forget you will also have to take the Air Law exam for helicopters!

I did my CPL(A) exams at the same time as taking my CPL(H) exams.

In this case i had to take the Air Law (aeroplane) exam and Air Law (helicopter) exam.
The only difference in the the air law helicopter exam is the replacement of 2 questions with helicopter specific questions.
ie 18 general air law questions and 2 helicopter questions.

How stupid of CASA to have two individual exams!

I think there should be one exam with 2 helicopter questions for CPL(A) and CPL(H) candidates alike. We all share the same air and it is quite important that aeroplane pilots should learn what specific rules apply to helicopters.

e.g. approach uncontrolled airfield from any direction and come to stop without crossing runways

[thekite]

Doesn't only happen here. I did all of my ATPL/IR exams in the UK predicated on flying a jumbo across Europe, at 400 kt, then proceeded to toddle across the North Sea at110 knots
All this after doing an Australian 40hr course to convert! :yuk:
A CASA officer gently declined to give me a mustering endorsement and thereby saved my life. I did some gentle tourist flying for six months and it all fell into place. But I was just dangerous at the end of my conversion.
thekite

[cougar77]

WannaBeBiggles:

More info can be found here http://www.aft.com.au/afthome.htm including cost and time involved.