RHC Pilot Safety Course 2026
From 7 to 9 July, AHIA and Robinson Helicopter Company brought pilots, engineers and industry leaders together in Darwin for the inaugural RHC Pilot Safety Course, designed to sharpen safety awareness through practical, relevant training tailored to the real-world demands of mustering pilots.
AHIA is proud to support the aerial pastoral and cattle mustering operations across Northern Australia, which provide a unique service and secure vital income from one of our major export markets. The vast majority of mustering operations fly R22s and R44s, which is why we brought Robinson's factory leadership to Darwin to deliver this course, built specifically for the cattle industry.
Sessions reinforced aircraft limitations, correct operating procedures, and the standards expected of professional pilots, with a focus on improving decision-making through key safety topics including common accident causes (presented by the ATSB), emergency procedures, CASA regulations, and human factors. Participants examined real helicopter accident scenarios, their causes, and practical ways to prevent future events, and revisited key sections of the Pilot Operating Handbook applied directly to mustering operations.
The course brought together everyone connected to aerial pastoral operations: pilots at every experience level, engineers, ops and safety staff, pastoralists, and station managers.
"Safety is the foundation of everything we do in this industry," said Julian Fraser, CEO of AHIA. "Bringing RHC's expertise together with regulators, operators and engineers in one room raises the standard of professionalism across our sector, and Darwin was a strong example of that."
Thank you to Robinson Helicopter Company for delivering the course content, to Brisbane Aero Engineers for hosting the welcome dinner, and to our sponsors: HDI Global Specialty SE Australia, Superior Aviation, Outback Helicopter Airwork NT, Top End Heli Services, Brolga Helicopters, Gallaghers Insurance and Sterling Insurance. Thanks also to Mantra Pandanas for hosting the event.