Helicopter Pilot
A Helicopter Pilot operates rotary-wing aircraft for aerial mustering, search and rescue, emergency medical services, offshore oil and gas, and tourism operations in Australia.
Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.
Moderate demand; offshore oil and gas, mustering, and emergency services provide core employment.
Occupation list membership
Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.
- ROLRegional Occupation List
Occupations eligible for regional visas such as Subclass 491 and 494.
- CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List
The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.
Assessing authority
The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.
- CASCASA
Visa pathways
Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.
- 186Learn more →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 482Learn more →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Learn more →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Learn more →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations
States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.
| Code | State / Territory | Details |
|---|---|---|
| WA | Western Australia | View nomination → |
| SA | South Australia | View nomination → |
| NT | Northern Territory | View nomination → |
Key duties
- Operate helicopters for various commercial operations safely
- Plan and conduct flights in challenging environments including offshore and remote areas
- Manage helicopter systems and perform pre-flight and post-flight checks
- Maintain CASA licences and type ratings
Skills required
- Helicopter operation and systems management
- Low-level flying and confined area techniques
- Crew resource management and emergency procedures
- Offshore and NVG operations where applicable
Typical qualifications pathway
Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence (CPL-H) issued by CASA. CASA assesses pilot qualifications for migration.
Visa & occupation list information
Listed on ROL and CSOL, supporting subclasses 186, 482, 491, and 494. CASA licence conversion is required For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
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