We bring the classroom to you.
Let’s be honest—no one gets into flying for the classroom. Most of our students haven’t cracked a textbook since high school, and we get it: theory isn’t the fun part. But it’s crucial if you want your licence.
We know how hard it is to hit pause on life. Uprooting to a city, giving up work, and covering steep living costs isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a dealbreaker for many. That’s why Red Dog Helicopters delivers straightforward theory courses designed to make sense. We cut through the jargon and explain what matters to hit our goal:
We want to give you the knowledge and confidence to pass your exams and get you in the air!
Private Helicopter Theory
Commercial Helicopter Theory
Our Instructors
Private Helicopter Theory Australia
Private
Helicopter Theory
Duration: 2 weeks Location: On-site Exam Venue: In-House
This theory course is your starting point to earning a Private Helicopter Licence, and we’ve built it to suit everyday people. Over two weeks, we cover all the key theory subjects in a clear, down-to-earth way that makes sense, even if you haven’t studied in years.
We’ll walk through the essentials:
- Air Law
- Human Factors
- Aerodynamics
- Meteorology
- Navigation
- Aircraft General Knowledge
- Performance & Planning
Methods:
In Person:
- One on One Courses
- Group Courses
- Tutoring – For those that just need to brush up before an exam (Charged per day)
Online: - Tutoring – Zoom video call – For those that just need to brush up before an exam (Charged per day)
Do you have to go through a flight school to pass this exam?
No! Here’s another option:
Self-Study: You are more than welcome to self-study the content for your PPL(H) exam. A smart bloke by the name of A.Grivas has written a really handy book that will teach you everything you need to know to pass the exam. You can purchase this pack online and study at your own pace.
You’ll need these books whether you go with us or decide to self-study:
Commercial Helicopter Theory Australia
Commercial
Helicopter Theory
Duration: Varies Location: On-site Exam Venue: External
Whether you’re doing the full course or just need help knocking over one subject, we tailor the pace and delivery to suit. Each subject takes around 1–2 weeks, with training delivered on-location. At the end of each unit, students sit the official CASA exam at an Aspeq exam facility.
Included Subjects:
- Human Factors – 1 Week
- Aerodynamics – 2 Weeks
- Meteorology – 2 Weeks
- Navigation – 2 Weeks
- Aircraft Systems & General Knowledge – 1 Week
- Operations, Flight Planning & Performance – 2-2.5 Weeks
- Air Law – 2 Weeks
Methods:
In Person:
- One on One Courses (Full Course or Individual Subjects)
- Group Courses (Full Course or Individual Subjects)
- Tutoring – For those that just need to brush up before an exam (Charged per day)
Online:
- Tutoring – Zoom video call (Charged per day, not suitable for full subjects)
Do you have to go through a flight school to pass this exam?
No! But Please read on…
Self-Study: You can absolutely self-study the commercial theory subjects and sit exams at your own pace. BUT. It’s important to note the following:
- From the time you pass your 1st exam, you have 2 years to complete the rest
- You get 3 x attempts at an exam before you are locked out for 3 months
- These subjects are meaty. You need to have drive, discipline and motivation to study if you want to have a fair crack at passing.
Are we trying to talk you out of it? Not at all! We have witnessed plenty of students study their theory, do some flying at the same time and have a commercial licence 6-12 months later. It IS possible but you have to be committed.
If you’re unsure where to start, give us a call. Once we know your background and goals, we’ll offer a tailored recommendation. And if another flight school fits your path better, we’ll point you there—no strings attached. We just want to help good people get flying.
Here’s where you can purchase the Commercial Theory books via Advanced Flight Theory. You’ll need these books whether you go with us or decide to self-study:
Our Theory Instructors
Eddie Croker
Eddie’s taught both private and commercial helicopter theory at flight schools across the country, including classrooms of up to 30 students. He’s all about keeping things clear, relevant, and practical—especially for pilots who’d rather be out flying than buried in paperwork.
His approach makes complex subjects digestible without overloading you. Every session is geared toward helping students understand what actually matters—not just to pass the exam, but to build real-world knowledge that’ll stick when you’re in the air.
Sam Atkinson
Sam’s been around long enough to know not everyone learns the same way—and not everyone’s walked out of high school ready to dive back into books. That’s where he shines. With experience teaching both private and commercial helicopter theory, he’s got a knack for helping students who aren’t from an academic background find their rhythm.
He’s calm, patient, and never rattled. If something doesn’t click the first time, Sam will always find a new way to explain it.
*Sam has his own theory school; he’s just awesome enough to help us when we’re busy!
Ready to talk theory?
Whether you’re looking to knock over a single subject or dive into the full commercial course, we’ll help you figure out what fits. Private or commercial, self-study or on-site—we’ll break it down and guide you through your options.
