Australian Helicopter Industry Association

01/09/2026

‼ Big news for the Australian helicopter industry ‼

AHIA has signed an agreement with Vertical Aviation International (VAI), the world's largest vertical aviation association, to develop a new major industry event for Australia and the region.

The new event will bring together operators, manufacturers and the wider helicopter community, joining VAI's flagship events held in the United States and Europe.

AHIA CEO Julian Fraser said the partnership "will expand our capacity to deliver greater value to our members, supported by VAI's global expertise, resources and reach."

More details on the event, including name, location and dates, will be announced as planning progresses. Stay tuned.

Read the full release https://tinyurl.com/AHIA-VAI-Press-Release

30/08/2026

A new pathway for international aircraft maintenance engineers

Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has recently introduced a new pathway for aircraft maintenance engineers holding current licences from the UK and US to have their qualifications recognised towards an Australian Part 66 licence.

Eligible engineers may be able to use their existing qualifications and experience, subject to CASA requirements including recent maintenance experience, English language requirements and knowledge of Australian aviation legislation.

Find out more about the new pathway and eligibility: https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/maintenance-engineers/convert-your-foreign-ame-licence-australian-part-66-licence

Learn about the pathways for having your foreign licence recognised so you can work as an aircraft maintenance engineer in Australia.

28/08/2026

Submissions close next week.

Operators, now is the time for a final check of your Safety Management System (SMS) and Human Factors & Non-Technical Skills (HFNTS) documentation.

Before submitting to Civil Aviation Safety Authority - CASA , make sure your procedures are:
✔️ Complete and practical
✔️ Aligned with current operations
✔️ Supported by the right documentation
✔️ Clear about responsibilities

A final review now can help avoid rework and support smoother implementation.
👉 https://www.casa.gov.au/operations-safety-and-travel/safety-management-systems-sms

16/08/2026

🚁 Happy World Helicopter Day! 🇦🇺

Today we celebrate the incredible people, aircraft and organisations that make Australia’s helicopter industry one to be proud of.

From emergency services and search and rescue, to firefighting, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, training and countless other essential operations, helicopters play a vital role across our vast country every day.

Behind every flight is a dedicated community of pilots, engineers, maintenance crews, operators, instructors, ground support teams, aviation professionals and industry partners.

Today is a chance to recognise Australia’s helicopter industry flying safely, professionally and innovatively.

Here’s to the people who take us further, reach places others can’t, and continue to shape the future of Australian aviation.

🚁 Happy World Helicopter Day!

14/08/2026

🚁 AHIA Touches Down at Pacific Airshow Gold Coast

The Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) was proud to bring HeliCareers to Aviation Australia's Young Aviator Hangar in the NXTGN Zone at Pacific Airshow Gold Coast yesterday, connecting with the next generation of helicopter maintenance engineers.

Over the course of the day, the team engaged with a steady stream of curious students, along with the teachers and careers advisors guiding them toward their next steps.

Beyond the students, it was fantastic to connect with the broader industry on the day too, a reminder of just how much appetite there is to grow the pipeline of talent entering aviation.

Events like this are a great way for AHIA to build awareness of the pathway, one conversation at a time, and turning that interest into real, measurable outcomes for the industry.

A big thank you to Aviation Australia and the Pacific Airshow team for hosting us in the Young Aviator Hangar, and to everyone who stopped by to chat.

AHIA remains committed to building the pipeline of future helicopter engineers. We are here all weekend so be sure to stop by and say hello!

06/07/2026

Sponsor Announcement | RHC Pilot Safety Course, Darwin

Today we kick off the Robinson Helicopter Company Pilot Safety Course in Darwin, and we're proud to have Australia on board as a Bronze Sponsor.

HDI is one of the world's leading corporate and specialty insurers, present in more than 175 countries and with a dedicated aviation team right here in Australia. They insure operators across the full spectrum of aviation risk, including rotary-wing and they understand better than most what's at stake in a remote environment.

Their support for this initiative reflects that understanding. Fewer incidents means better outcomes for operators, pilots, and the industry as a whole.

Day one is underway. We're glad they're with us.

hdi.global/en-au

03/07/2026

🤝 Sponsor Announcement | RHC Pilot Safety Course, Darwin

We're proud to welcome Outback Helicopter Airwork NT as a Bronze Sponsor of the Robinson Helicopter Company Pilot Safety Course, 7–9 July, Darwin.

Based at Batchelor in the Top End, Outback Helicopters do the work this course is built around; mustering, feral animal control, ag spraying, fire services, and more across some of the most demanding terrain in Australia. Their support for this initiative reflects a commitment to safety that goes beyond their own operations

We're proud to have them on board. See you in Darwin!

👉 outbackhelicopters.com.au

03/07/2026

🤝 Sponsor Announcement | RHC Pilot Safety Course, Darwin

We're proud to welcome as a Bronze Sponsor of the Robinson Helicopter Company Pilot Safety Course, 7–9 July, Darwin.

Gallagher's aviation insurance specialists work with operators across the full spectrum of Australian aviation, including hull and liability cover for rotary-wing operators, and Pilot Loss of Licence insurance specifically designed for the realities of life as a professional pilot. If your medical certificate is ever on the line, that coverage matters.

With a long history of providing competitive and reliable insurance solutions to the helicopter mustering industry, Gallagher’s support for this course reflects an understanding of what's actually at stake when pilots operate in remote and demanding environments, and a commitment to the industry that goes beyond the policy.

See you in Darwin!

👉 ajg.com/au/industries/aviation-insurance

03/07/2026

🔥 We’ve released a limited number of additional tickets!

The response to next week's Robinson Helicopter Company Pilot Safety Course in Darwin has been incredible, and after initially reaching capacity, we're pleased to release a handful of additional places.

If you thought you'd missed your chance, now's the time to register.

Developed specifically for the cattle mustering industry, this three-day course brings together Robinson factory leadership and Australia's leading aviation safety experts to deliver practical training that strengthens safety awareness, reinforces best practice, and supports better decision-making in day-to-day helicopter operations.

📍 Darwin
📅 7–9 July 2026

🎟 These are the final tickets available. Once they're gone, registrations will close.

Secure your place today.



Option 2

02/07/2026

Sponsor Announcement | RHC Pilot Safety Course, Darwin

We're delighted to welcome Superior Aviation as a Bronze Sponsor of the Robinson Helicopter Company Pilot Safety Course, 7–9 July, Darwin.

Superior Aviation has been serving the Australian and New Zealand aviation industry for over thirty years, supplying parts, engines and technical support to operators across the region. Their decision to back this course reflects a genuine commitment to the pilots and operators who rely on Robinson helicopters day in, day out.

Joining us in Darwin will be Stephen Glockner, Sales and Operations Manager who will be available throughout the course to connect with operators and pilots directly.

Superior Aviation also currently has a Robinson engine in stock. If you need one, Darwin's a good time to have that conversation.

Thank you to the team at Superior Aviation for their support. See you next week!
> superioraviation.com.au