Built for the Real World
The RHC Pilot Safety Course is designed to sharpen safety awareness through practical, relevant education and training specifically tailored to the real-world demands of mustering pilots.
The AHIA is immensely proud of the aerial pastoral and cattle mustering operations throughout Northern Australia which provide a unique service and secure vital income from one our major export markets.
The vast majority of mustering operations fly R22s and R44s, which is why we are bringing Robinson's factory leadership to Darwin to deliver this inaugural pilot safety course, built specifically for the cattle industry.
Sessions will reinforce aircraft limitations, correct operating procedures, and the standards expected of professional pilots. We focus on improving decision-making by covering key safety topics including common accident causes (presented by ATSB), emergency procedures, CASA regulations, and human factors.
Participants will examine real helicopter accident scenarios, their causes, and discuss practical ways to prevent future events. The course also revisits key sections of the Pilot Operating Handbook and applies them directly to mustering operations.
The course is open to everyone connected to aerial pastoral operations: pilots at every experience level, engineers, ops and safety staff, pastoralists, and station managers.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
WITH SUPPORT FROM
Hard Country. Smart Flying.
7–9 July 2026.
Darwin, NT.
Smart Flying for Harsh Conditions.
Registrations Close 2 July 2026.
Hard Country. Smart Flying. 7–9 July 2026. Darwin, NT. Smart Flying for Harsh Conditions. Registrations Close 2 July 2026.
Venue
Key Information
Check-in Time 2pm
Check-out Time 10am
Reception Hours 24 Hours
Parking Cost is $19.00 per day. Entrance to car park is from Litchfield Street.
accommodation Nearby
We recommend booking your accomodation onsite at Mantra Pandanas - BOOK NOW!
Alternative Accommodation Options;
Mantra esplanade Darwin.
88 The Esplanade, Darwin NT
SPEAKERS
Daniel Huesca // RHC Senior Technical Support Representative
With an exceptional tenure of 30 years at RHC, Daniel has amassed a wealth of knowledge and expertise in working with R22, R44 and R66 components, systems, and troubleshooting procedures. His extensive background in aviation mechanics is complemented by his FAA certifications, which include a private pilot license for the R22, an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P), along with Inspection Authorization (IA).
Throughout his career at RHC, Daniel’s contributions have been invaluable. His journey began in the subassembly department, where he was instrumental in building critical components such as clutch actuator, clutch assemblies, MR spindles, cyclic assemblies, collective assemblies, and tail rotors, among a significant number of mechanical helicopter components.
Subsequently, Daniel transitioned to the Quality Control department, where he played a vital role in overseeing correct MR and TR gearbox assembling procedures. Daniel also worked int eh aircraft assembly line to ensure that all inspections points were meticulously checked, maintaining the high standards RHC is known for.
In addition to his roles, in subassembly and Quality Control, Daniel also contributed his skills in our rigging department. Here, he has ensured that new aircraft are fully prepared and ready for test flights, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of the entire aircraft assembly process.
Guillaume Maillet // Chief Flying Instructor, RHC
With nearly 30 years of experience in rotorcraft operations, Guillaume has built an extensive career focused on helicopter flight operations, instruction, operational leadership, and regulatory compliance under FAA Parts 91, 133, 135, and 141. His professional background includes air tour and charter operations, law enforcement and military support, utility operations, and comprehensive pilot training programs. Throughout his career, he has served in leadership positions including Chief Flight Instructor, Director of Operations, Chief Pilot, and company executive, consistently emphasizing safety and standardization.
Guillaume has a particularly strong instructional background, having accumulated over 10,000 hours of dual instruction and extensive experience developing training programs, standardization procedures, flight curricula, and instructor development initiatives. He has trained pilots ranging from private applicants to experienced commercial, law enforcement, and military aviators, with a focus on risk management, operational decision-making, and aircraft proficiency. His instructional experience spans Robinson, Bell, Airbus, and other helicopter platforms, and includes both domestic and international training operations. He has served as a Robinson factory instructor for more than 20 years and currently serves as Chief Flight Instructor, overseeing instructional and standardization activities that support operators and instructors worldwide. He holds an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter ratings, as well as Certified Flight Instructor and Instrument Instructor ratings.
Angus Mitchell // Chief Commissioner & CEO of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau
Angus Mitchell has extensive experience in organisational leadership and management, maritime operations and safety investigation.
He joined the ATSB from Maritime Safety Queensland, where as General Manager he oversaw the safe and efficient movement of vessels into and out of Queensland’s 21 ports, and was responsible for compliance activities and safety investigations for Australia’s largest recreational maritime fleet.
During his tenure, Maritime Safety Queensland was recognised with an Australian Industry and Shipping Award for its role in managing international shipping throughout the COVID pandemic and supporting the welfare and safety of international seafarers.
Prior to leading Maritime Safety Queensland, Mr Mitchell was the Executive Director of NSW Maritime, where he oversaw Australia’s largest state’s primary maritime regulatory, investigative and compliance agency. He has also served as Deputy Harbour Master – Operations for Sydney Ports, where he was responsible for managing day-to-day port operations for both Sydney Harbour and Port Botany.
Angus is a former officer of the Royal Australian Navy having seen service in operational, policy and international roles. He is an Indonesian linguist and commenced his five-year term as ATSB Chief Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer on 2 September 2021.
Course Topics
01.
Accident Causes & Prevention
Examine real helicopter accident scenarios, understand root causes, and develop practical prevention strategies.
02.
Aircraft Limitations
Revisit critical performance envelopes and operating limits specific to Robinson helicopters in high-demand pastoral operations.
03.
Emergency Procedures
Emergency response protocols with a focus on the terrain and operational pressures faced by mustering pilots.
04.
Human Factors
How fatigue, stress, pressure, and decision-making biases contribute to accidents — and how to build resilience.
05.
Pilot Operating Handbook
Key POH sections applied directly to mustering operations — translating manufacturer guidance into field-ready practice.
06.
Regulations & Standards
A review of CASA regulations and the professional standards expected of pilots conducting aerial mustering work.
Hard Country. Smart Flying.
7–9 July 2026.
Darwin, NT.
Smart Flying for Harsh Conditions.
Registrations Close 2 July 2026.
Hard Country. Smart Flying. 7–9 July 2026. Darwin, NT. Smart Flying for Harsh Conditions. Registrations Close 2 July 2026.
EVENT SCHEDULE
THREE DAYS. DARWIN.
DAY 1 / TUESDAY.
7 JULY 2026
8am – 5pm | Course Day 1 | Welcome Dinner hosted by Brisbane Aero Engineers
Days 1 & 2: Safety training — accident prevention, emergency procedures, human factors, aircraft limitations & more.
Core safety training covering accident causes, aircraft limitations, emergency procedures, human factors, regulations, and the Pilot Operating Handbook, tailored to the demands of mustering operations.
DAY 2 / WedneSDAY.
8 JULY 2026
8am – 5pm | Course Day 2
Days 1 & 2: Safety training — accident prevention, emergency procedures, human factors, aircraft limitations & more.
Core safety training covering accident causes, aircraft limitations, emergency procedures, human factors, regulations, and the Pilot Operating Handbook, tailored to the demands of mustering operations.
DAY 3 / THURSDAY.
9 JULY 2026
8am – 5pm | Course Day 3
Technical deep-dive — A dedicated session with Robinsons Senior Technical Support, Daniel Huesca,covering the mechanical side of operations — including a preflight systems walkthrough and a live Q&A on maintenance
EVENT SCHEDULE
EVERYTHING YOU NEED.
Welcome Dinner hosted by Brisbane Aero Engineers. Canapés, drinks, and industry connection, bringing the muster and aerial work community together ahead of the conference.
Morning Tea. Catered morning tea provided on all three days of the course
Lunch. Catered lunch provided on all three course days
Afternoon Tea. Catered afternoon tea included on each day
Course Materials. All training resources, reference materials, and documentation are provided
REGISTRATION
SECURE YOUR SEAT.
FULL COURSE REGISTRATION.
PILOT SAFETY COURSE / DARWIN 2026
$900 per person
+ GST | All catering included
TICKET INCLUDES
Three full days of RHC Pilot Safety training
Welcome Dinner hosted by Brisbane Aero Engineers
Morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea — all 3 days
All course materials & reference documents
Access to expert RHC instructors and industry presenters
Hard Country. Smart Flying.
7–9 July 2026.
Darwin, NT.
Smart Flying for Harsh Conditions.
Registrations Close 2 July 2026.
Hard Country. Smart Flying. 7–9 July 2026. Darwin, NT. Smart Flying for Harsh Conditions. Registrations Close 2 July 2026.
PRESENTED BY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
