Lift Your Future Higher!

The AHIA is thrilled to have collaborated with members and industry partners to deliver this comprehensive guide designed to excite and educate you about the rewarding and dynamic careers in helicopter engineering and maintenance.

Helicopter engineering and maintenance plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of helicopter operations across Australia (and the world).

From aerial firefighting, emergency medical services, search and rescue missions to commercial transport, tourism and agricultural / mining applications, helicopters are indispensable to the Australian economy.

These vital operations would not be possible without the expertise and dedication of skilled helicopter engineering and maintenance professionals.

A career in helicopter engineering and maintenance offers an exciting blend of hands-on technical work, problem solving and creativity, incredible opportunities to travel and see the world or to work within, and support, your local community. Importantly, there is the satisfaction of knowing that your work directly contributes to the safety and success of helicopter operations right across this country.

This guide provides valuable insights into the helicopter engineering and maintenance industry, career pathways, and the necessary qualifications and opportunities available within this essential sector.

This landmark work would not have been possible without the support of The Australian Helicopter Industry Future Foundation (AHIFF). AHIFF was established following a generous donation from John Cameron to promote sustanable helicopter engineering careers.

Shannon O’Hara on behalf of the board
Australian Helicopter Industry Association

Zara’s Story

I MADE MY MOVE IN MAINTENANCE

SIMON MCLAINE.

Trainee Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Helicopter Resources, Hobart, Tasmania

After finishing high school in Tasmania, like a lot of people my age, I decided to take a gap year and spend time overseas.

I decided to travel to British Columbia where I found work as a photographer with a local heli-ski operator! When I took the heli-ski job, I already had a passion for photography, so the role was a natural fit. What I didn’t realise, was how much of an impact working around helicopters everyday would have on me.

When I returned to Tasmania at the end of my gap year, I decided to make my move in maintenance. I enrolled at Aviation Australia, Brisbane enrolling in the diploma of Aeroskills (Mechanical) MEA50219 and a Certificate IV Aircraft Structures.

I’ve completed 18 months of study and am on track to complete the necessary theoretical components in the next year and practical competencies in the next two years.

I am currently working as a Trainee Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in Hobart, with an incredible company, Helicopter Resources.

At Helicopter Resources, we support the Australian Antarctic Division operations in Antarctica - it’s been an amazing experience, and I have been fortunate to travel to Antarctica, not once but twice ... all while still completing my traineeship.

I would credit my success to date with:

gaining real-world experiences during my gap year
excellent guidance and mentoring from both the Aviation Australia and Helicopter Resources team throughout my training

I would recommend a career in maintenance and engineering because it is career which gives you a wide range of amazing job prospects, travel and the opportunity to be fully engaged in a highly technical yet exciting industry.

I MADE MY MOVE IN MAINTENANCE

Zara Hadden.

Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Offshore Services, Karratha, WA

The Australian helicopter industry is a dynamic and integral It’s easy for me to pin down the moment when I knew I wanted to make my move in maintenance - in year 10, I undertook work experience (inspired by my dad’s love of cars) at a local automotive business in my hometown of Sale, Victoria.

I enjoyed the hands-on nature of the work and was attracted to the mechanical nature of the tasks, but it wasn’t until the son of a family friend suggested I should try to secure work experience in aviation - so that is exactly what I did!

I applied for additional work experience in both years 11 and 12 at a local company called Esso. Their helicopter engineering and maintenance teams supported Esso’s fleet of helicopters servicing the Bass Strait oilfields out of Longford, near Sale.

When I finished year 12, I secured an apprenticeship with Esso and after four years of fantastic on the job learning and supported study, I gained my Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (LAME) qualification.

Whilst at Esso, I received strong mentoring and brilliant advice to set aside some money from each of my pays to put toward a type rating (a special approval to work on a specific helicopter). On completion of my apprenticeship, I did just that! Undertaking a type rating course for the AW139 helicopter in Brisbane and these fresh qualifications helped me secure a new role with the Victoria Police Air Wing.

After two years gaining valuable experience with the Police Air Wing, I applied for my current role at Offshore Services at Karratha, WA. In this role, I work on both line and heavy maintenance on a fortnightly roster commuting from my home in Sale.

I enjoy the opportunities that my roster brings including a great lifestyle, terrific colleagues and a wonderful social life in Karratha. When I am home in Sale, I work on my passion project - restoration of my beloved troop carrier!

What I appreciate most about having made my move in maintenance is the opportunity to combine my intellect with practical skills and creativity and I would absolutely commend this career to anyone looking for direction on where to take their own career.

AHIA would like to thank the support of our Platinum Members