Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Australia for Foreigners

Explore Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Australia for Foreigners. Learn about salaries, visa sponsorship, top employers, and how to apply for offshore, EMS, and tourism helicopter roles in 2026. Australia’s helicopter industry is a vital part of offshore logistics, emergency medical services, mining operations, and tourism. With increasing demand for skilled pilots, foreign helicopter pilots have excellent opportunities to work in Australia with competitive pay and attractive benefits.

This guide covers job types, salaries, visa options, requirements, and how foreigners can apply in 2026.

Why Work as a Helicopter Pilot in Australia?

1. High Demand for Skilled Pilots – Offshore, EMS, and tourism sectors need experienced helicopter pilots.

2. Competitive Salaries – Depending on experience and sector, pilots earn AUD 80,000 – 200,000+ per year.

3. Visa Sponsorship – Many employers sponsor foreign pilots under Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa 482.

4. Career Growth – Opportunities to progress to senior captain, chief pilot, or flight instructor roles.

5. Work-Life Balance – Many offshore roles include rotational schedules with long breaks.

6. International Exposure – Gain experience flying in varied terrains: offshore, outback, and urban areas.

Types of Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Australia

Foreigners can explore multiple sectors:

1. Offshore / Oil & Gas Helicopter Pilot

• Transport crew to offshore oil platforms.

• Requires FPIC (Flight Planning & In-Command) experience and offshore safety training.

• Salary: AUD 120,000 – 200,000/year

2. Tourism & Charter Helicopter Pilot

• Operate scenic flights, private charters, and sightseeing tours.

• Salary: AUD 80,000 – 120,000/year

3. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Pilot

• Transport patients or organs for medical emergencies.

• Requires night flying and instrument rating experience.

• Salary: AUD 100,000 – 180,000/year

4. Mining & Survey Helicopter Pilot

• Support mining operations, surveying, and transportation of personnel/equipment.

• Salary: AUD 100,000 – 160,000/year

5. Flight Instructor / Training Pilot

• Train new pilots at helicopter schools.

• Salary: AUD 80,000 – 140,000/year

Average Salaries for Helicopter Pilots in Australia

Salaries vary depending on experience, helicopter type, and employer. Offshore roles typically offer the highest pay.

Top Employers of Helicopter Pilots in Australia

Foreign pilots can find roles with:

• CHC Helicopters – Offshore oil & gas and EMS services.

• Bristow Helicopters – Offshore oil & gas, mining.

• Bond Helicopters – Offshore and charter services.

• Australian Helicopters – Tourism, charter, and regional operations.

• CareFlight & Royal Flying Doctor Service – EMS and medical operations.

• Tourism operators – Sydney, Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays scenic flights.

Visa Options for Foreign Helicopter Pilots

To work legally in Australia, foreigners typically require:

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa 482 – Employer-sponsored visa for skilled pilots.

• Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) – For long-term residency in high-demand occupations.

• Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (Subclass 400) – For short-term assignments or training roles.

Many employers sponsor visa and relocation packages, especially for offshore and EMS roles.

Requirements for Foreign Helicopter Pilots

To increase your chances of employment in Australia:

• Valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL-H or ATPL-H)

• Type Ratings on helicopters (Sikorsky, Airbus H145, Bell 412, etc.)

• Minimum Flight Hours: Typically 1,500+ hours, including 500+ in command for offshore roles

• Instrument Rating (IFR) and Night Rating required for offshore/EMS positions

• Medical Certificate (Class 1)

• Excellent English communication skills

• Offshore safety certifications (HUET, OPITO) for oil & gas roles

How to Apply for Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Australia

1: Update Your Resume

• Use an aviation-focused CV, highlighting flight hours, helicopter types, and offshore/EMS experience.

2: Gather Certifications

• CPL/ATPL Helicopter license

• Instrument and Night Rating

• Offshore safety certificates (if applicable)

3: Apply Online

• Company career portals: CHC Helicopters, Bristow, Bond Helicopters

• Aviation job boards: PilotCareerCentre, Avjobs, Indeed Australia

• LinkedIn and professional pilot associations

4: Prepare for Assessment & Interview

• Technical interview on flight procedures, safety, and helicopter systems

• Simulator or practical flying assessment

• Medical examination and background verification

Best Locations for Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Australia

• Western Australia – Offshore oil & gas operations

• Queensland – Tourism, mining, and EMS

• New South Wales – Tourism and charter services

• Northern Territory – Remote operations and EMS

• Victoria – Mining, charter, and EMS operations

Tips to Increase Your Chances

• Accumulate offshore or EMS flying experience.
• Maintain a high standard of medical and flight proficiency.
• Highlight multi-crew and IFR experience on your CV.
• Apply early for employer-sponsored visa positions.
• Network via LinkedIn aviation groups and pilot associations.

Final Thoughts

For skilled foreign professionals, helicopter pilot jobs in Australia provide high-paying, rewarding, and international career opportunities. With the industry facing pilot shortages, experienced helicopter pilots are highly sought after across offshore oil & gas, EMS, mining, and tourism sectors.

If you have the required flight hours, certifications, and offshore or IFR experience, Australia is a fantastic destination to grow your helicopter piloting career.