We are proud to present the inaugural issue of the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) newsletter. This bi-monthly publication will serve as a vital source of updates, developments, and achievements within the helicopter sector. It is designed to keep our members connected and informed, and to reflect the energy, advocacy, and community that AHIA fosters. We extend a sincere thank you to our Platinum Sponsors Helitak, Viva Energy, Safran and Robinson whose continued support allows us to carry out essential programs, advocate on behalf of our members, and promote safety and career development within our dynamic industry.

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As President of AHIA, I am privileged to work alongside Vice President Ian Sheffield and a board composed of passionate, respected professionals who drive our initiatives forward. Our industry stands at a crossroads of challenge and opportunity, and our association is rising to meet both.

We acknowledge with deep appreciation the service of Ray Cronin OAM and Myles Tomkins, whose dedication over the past decade has shaped AHIA's foundation. We also thank Leigh-ann Davies for her outstanding stewardship of our financial administration over the past two years.

Our key priorities for 2025 include the development of clear and accessible engineering career pathways, the refinement of CPLH training standards, the expansion of our membership, and a focus on strengthening our industry relationships. Additionally, we are addressing technical and regulatory topics such as engine durability and performance category classification to ensure industry resilience and safety.

The past few months have been a period of significant progress and engagement. AHIA has made strategic inroads in our ongoing dialogue with CASA, particularly regarding licensing reforms for foreign engineers and raising the standards of pilot training across Australia. These are complex and long-standing issues, but the momentum is encouraging. Equally inspiring has been our growing success in promoting helicopter maintenance engineering as a career. Through a series of outreach initiatives, expos, and the launch of immersive virtual reality experiences, we are reaching a new generation of skilled tradespeople. None of this would be possible without the commitment of our dedicated committee members and the support of the wider AHIA community.

Commitee Updates.

RotorTalk Returns

RotorTalk 2025 (RT25) marks the welcome return of AHIA’s travelling industry event, focusing on safety, skills enhancement, and community connection. This year, we are honoured to host Claude Vuichard, a globally recognised figure in aviation safety, known for his groundbreaking Vuichard Vortex Ring Recovery Method.

Claude will lead half-day seminars that focus on human factors, autorotation techniques, and recovery from unintended IMC scenarios. These events will be delivered in a train-the-trainer format and will offer attendees unparalleled insights.

• 4 August – Jandakot, WA

• 6 August – Victoria River Downs, NT
  

• 7–8 August – Camden, NSW

  Includes: Chief Pilot and HOFO Workshop

  Plus: Dedicated Engineering Forum
  

• Ticket Prices:

  $200 for AHIA Members

  $400 for Non-members

  $50 Early Bird Discount available until 30 June

We really want this event to be a success, so please come and be a part of it!

Maintenance Committee —
Careers & Licensing Progress.

Building the Engineering Pipeline

Promoting helicopter maintenance engineering as a fulfilling career has become a major focus for AHIA. Thanks to the leadership of board members Shannon O’Hara and Alana McKenna, we have developed and delivered the "Make Your Move in Aviation" program, supported by immersive VR tools that simulate real-world maintenance tasks. This was showcased recently at Avalon Airshow. These efforts have been made possible through vital funding support from the Australian Helicopter Industry Future Fund (AHIFF) with the financial support of John Cameron.

Careers Outreach Events

NSW Careers Advisers Conference (CAA)
AHIA presented to over 140 career advisers, with a particular emphasis on regional schools. The presentation featured printed guides and a VR demonstration led by CEO Julian Fraser. The engagement was strong, and many advisers expressed keen interest in incorporating aviation career pathways into their student offerings.

Canterbury-Bankstown Chamber of Commerce Careers Expo
This event attracted over 200 students who actively participated in the VR maintenance engineering experience. AHIA's presence was notable, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We are now working closely with the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) to establish ongoing school visits and airport experiences, with a goal of building a national model for vocational outreach.

Victoria’s Trade and Tech Fit
With more than 4000 students in attendance, this event provided a significant platform to showcase helicopter maintenance careers. Many students tried the VR simulation, while others engaged with the tactile displays of real helicopter components including a B206 instrument panel and turbine impeller. The interactive setup proved effective in sparking genuine interest and curiosity among both students and advisers.

Queensland Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program
AHIA has begun delivering presentations in aviation-focused schools across Queensland in partnership with the Aerospace Gateway network. We will also be participating in the upcoming Cairns Airport Careers Day in August, helping to further extend our reach and impact.

Licensing and Immigration Reform
AHIA has continued its advocacy efforts with CASA and the Department of Home Affairs to streamline pathways for recognising foreign engineer licences. CASA is finalising recognition pathways for engineers trained in North America, the Philippines, South Africa, and other regions.

In a major step forward, CASA has also reduced the stand-down periods for Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME) exam resits, now allowing:

• Immediate resit after a first failure,

• 30 days for a second attempt (reduced from 90), and

• 6 months for a third attempt (reduced from 12 months).

In addition, AHIA is actively pushing for more efficient visa access for skilled workers, addressing workforce shortages and enabling better workforce planning across the industry.

CPLH Standards Committee.

Training the Next Generation

The newly formed CPLH Standards Committee, chaired by John Armstrong, Graydon Doak, and Aaron Kaplan, is tasked with lifting the quality and consistency of Commercial Pilot Helicopter training nationwide.

Initial initiatives include the launch of an annual Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) Conference and the development of short educational video modules aimed at unifying training expectations. This committee's mission is to ensure that Australian helicopter pilots are trained to a world-class standard and are equipped to meet both domestic and international aviation demands.

We are pleased to report that AHIA has held several productive meetings with CASA regarding this work. CASA has expressed sincere gratitude for the depth and quality of our committee's input and is committed to working with us to support these initiatives going forward. This collaborative approach underscores the value of industry input in shaping effective and realistic training standards.

Get Involved

We invite you to engage with AHIA through committee participation, event involvement, and newsletter contributions. If you have news, feedback, or would like to become more active in our work, please contact:

Email: info@austhia.com
Website: www.austhia.com

Together, we are building a safer, smarter, and stronger helicopter industry.