Operational Ratings & Endorsements

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Having achieved your Part 61 helicopter licence with the Single Engine Helicopter (SEH) Class endorsement, you are able to commence adding additional ratings and endorsements to your licence. Various ratings and endorsements require a minimum experience criterion, so it is best to discuss the requirements with your instructional staff.

Flight Instructor Ratings:

The Instructor Rating Grade 3 enables a pilot to work under the employ of either a Part 141 or Part 142 Operation (Training Operation) to instruct courses of training. To instruct any courses, the instructor is to have an applicable training endorsement attached to their licence. 

The Instructor Rating Grade 3 has a duration of approximately eight weeks which includes Principle Methods of Instruction, comprehensive ground briefings, and flight component and flight test. 

Each module of the flight component is a minimum of one hour with a nominal course of thirty two (32) hours.

To commence an initial Instructor Rating Grade 3, a candidate is required to have achieved the following criteria:

• Commercial or Air Transport Licence
• 250 hours as flight time as a pilot with at least 100 hours pilot in command. 

Aerial Application Ratings:

An Aerial Application Rating is an operational airwork rating that has two endorsements attached to it. To conduct operations within either area, the pilot has to have conducted training and be tested for the applicable endorsement. 

There is a minimum hour requirement prior to commencing an endorsement on an Aerial Application Rating, but most operators will generally require higher minimum hours prior to offering any employment opportunities. 

• Application Endorsement:

The application endorsement enables a pilot to work for an approved operation to conduct spraying, seeding and fertiliser spreading. 

Prior to commencing the training for an Application Endorsement, the student is to have met the following requirements:

Minimum of Commercial Pilots Licence

At least five (5) hours in a helicopter whilst receiving training in low level operations

At least 200 hours as a pilot of a helicopter

The training syllabus for the Application Endorsement incorporates ground theory as well as a minimum ten (10) hour flight course. 

The theory examination for the Application Endorsement is conducted at an accredited aviation exam centre, comprising of all theoretical areas of your training. The exam is best conducted prior to starting the flight training component, and has to be completed prior to being flight tested.

• Fire Endorsement:

The Fire Endorsement is a requirement prior to being eligible to conduct firebombing operations. 

Prior to commencing the training for a Fire Endorsement, the student is to have met the following requirements:

Minimum of Commercial Pilots Licence

At least 200 hours as a pilot of a helicopter

At least five (5) hours in a helicopter whilst receiving training in low level operations

At least five (5) hours in a helicopter whilst receiving training in fire fighting operations

The training syllabus for the Fire Endorsement incorporates ground theory as well as a minimum five (5) hour flight course. 

There is no required theory examination for the Fire Endorsement.

Low Level Ratings:

The Low Level Rating enables a pilot to legally conduct low level operations for the purpose of the endorsement utilised. Each of the endorsements sort requires a flight test upon successful completion of the training. 

• Low Level Endorsement:

The Low Level Endorsement enables a pilot to conduct low level operations, such as survey. 

Prior to commencing the training for a Low Level Endorsement, the student is to have met the following requirements:

Helicopter category rating

At least 200 hours as a pilot of a helicopter

At least five (5) hours in a helicopter whilst receiving training in low level operations

The training syllabus for the Low Level Endorsement incorporates ground theory as well as a minimum five (5) hour flight course. 

• Sling Endorsement:

The Sling Endorsement enables a pilot to conduct external sling load operations. 

Prior to commencing the training for a Sling Endorsement, the student is to have met the following requirements:

Helicopter category rating

Helicopter low level endorsement

At least five (5) hours in a helicopter whilst receiving training in sling operations

The training syllabus for the Sling Endorsement incorporates ground theory as well as a minimum five (5) hour flight course. 

• Mustering Endorsement:

The Mustering Endorsement enables a pilot to conduct aerial mustering operations. 

Prior to commencing the training for a Mustering Endorsement, the student is to have met the following requirements:

Helicopter category rating

Helicopter low level endorsement

At least five (5) hours in a helicopter whilst receiving training in mustering operations

The training syllabus for the Mustering Endorsement incorporates ground theory as well as a minimum five (5) hour flight course. 

Type/Class Ratings:

• Single Engine:

Training for the Single Engine Class Rating on a particular type, is to instruct on the particular features and systems in that type aircraft. 

To have the rating awarded, the student must;

Hold a Recreational Pilots Licence or higher

Hold any Design Feature endorsements for the particular aircraft type

Have completed a flight review for the rating

• Multi Engine – BK117 Type Rating:

Training for the BK117 Type Rating is to instruct the student on the particular features and systems in that type aircraft. 

To have the rating awarded, the student must;

Hold a Private Pilots Licence or higher

Hold any Design Feature endorsements for the particular aircraft type

Have completed a flight test for the rating

The student must demonstrate competency in the BK117, IAW the requirements specified in Part 61 Manual of Standards.

Design Features:

• Gas Turbine Endorsement:

A GTE is added to a Part 61 licence upon initial turbine operations training. To conduct a GTE, an applicant must have a Recreational Pilots Licence or higher, hold a Class Rating that covers the aircraft for the design feature and have completed the training for the design feature.

GTE training is completed in conjunction with the aircraft type training with both endorsements being added to the licence upon successful completion.