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Helicopter Pilot – ANZSCO 231114

Helicopter Pilot (ANZSCO 231114) is a skill level 1 occupation assessed by CASA for Australian skilled migration. It is on the ROL, CSOL lists and can be used for subclass 491, subclass 482, subclass 186, subclass 494, subclass 407. 2 of 8 states and territories currently nominate it.

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Quick facts

  • ANZSCO code: 231114
  • Skill level: 1 – Bachelor degree or higher, or at least 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Assessing authority: CASA
  • Occupation lists: ROL, CSOL
  • English test for skills assessment: Check with the authority
  • ANZSCO unit group: 2311 Air Transport Professionals

Helicopter Pilot job description and duties

Flies helicopters to transport passengers, mail or freight, or provide agricultural, aviation or aerial surveillance services. Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks include

  • Preparing and submitting flight plans giving consideration to factors such as weather conditions and aircraft performance
  • Flying aircraft in accordance with established air traffic control and aircraft operating procedures
  • Providing flight information for flight crews and air traffic services staff
  • Controlling aircraft movements, and directing aircraft taxiing, take-offs and landings by radio
  • Providing pre-flight briefings and aeronautical information services
  • Completing cockpit preparations and external inspections to determine that aircraft are acceptable for flight
  • Monitoring aircraft performance and reporting on mechanical condition
  • Giving in-flight instruction, supervising solo flights, accompanying students on training flights and demonstrating techniques for controlling aircraft

Education and skill level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Aeroplane and Helicopter Pilots require a prescribed minimum amount of flying experience in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). Registration or licensing is required.

Visa options for Helicopter Pilot

Eligible means the occupation is on a list the visa accepts. You still need to meet every other requirement.

  • Subclass 189 Skilled Independent: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
  • Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL)
  • Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
  • Subclass 491F Skilled Work Regional – Family sponsored: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
  • Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate – Post-Vocational Education Work: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
  • Subclass 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream: Eligible (via CSOL)
  • Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry: Eligible (via CSOL)
  • Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
  • Subclass 407 Training visa: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)

State and territory nomination for Helicopter Pilot

2 of 8 states and territories currently list this occupation: Western Australia, Tasmania. Onshore means already living in that state; offshore means living outside Australia.

  • New South Wales: 190 No, 491 Closed 26–27, onshore No, offshore No. Not eligible for 190.
  • Victoria: 190 No, 491 Not yet open, onshore No, offshore No. Not eligible for 190.
  • Queensland: 190 No, 491 No, onshore No, offshore No. Not on the Queensland onshore or offshore list.
  • South Australia: 190 No, 491 No, onshore No, offshore No. Not on the SA Skilled Occupation List.
  • Western Australia: 190 No, 491 Yes, onshore WA & interstate, offshore Yes. General – WASMOL Schedule 2: 491; Graduate stream (WA study): 491.
  • Tasmania: 190 No, 491 Yes, onshore TAS residents, offshore No. Living in Tasmania: Skilled Employment, Graduate or Established Resident pathways; Overseas 491 (OSOP) closed for 2026–27.
  • Australian Capital Territory: 190 No, 491 No, onshore No, offshore No. Not on the ACT occupation list (Canberra small-business owners may still qualify).
  • Northern Territory: 190 No, 491 By exception, onshore NT grads/residents only, offshore No. 491 onshore only, by exception for NT Graduate or Resident applicants with urgent visa or age deadlines.

Based on each state's official 2026–27 lists and program pages. Being listed does not guarantee an invitation.

Skills assessment for Helicopter Pilot

This authority assesses whether your qualifications (and, for some occupations, registration or work experience) meet the Australian standard for this occupation. Requirements are set by the authority and approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

The process

  1. Confirm the authority: Check that this body assesses your occupation for your visa.
  2. Check criteria: Read the qualification, registration, experience and English requirements.
  3. Prepare documents: Qualifications, transcripts, ID and any registration or employment evidence.
  4. Apply and pay: Lodge with the authority, usually online.
  5. Outcome: Use your outcome letter for your EOI and visa.

What you need for this occupation

CASA sets the criteria for this occupation. Requirements usually cover qualification level and field, any registration or licence, and in some cases work experience and English.

Documents checklist

  • Passport
  • Qualification certificates and full transcripts
  • Registration or licence evidence (if applicable)
  • Employment references (if applicable)
  • English test results (if required)

English language requirement

For the CASA skills assessment

CASA sets its own English rule for this occupation. Many professional and registration bodies ask for IELTS Academic 7 or equivalent, so check before you book a test.

For the visa (189, 190 and 491)

Separately, the visa needs at least Competent English. Minimum scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025:

  • IELTS (Academic or General): Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0
  • PTE Academic: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54
  • TOEFL iBT: Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, Speaking 19
  • OET: Listening 290, Reading 310, Writing 290, Speaking 330

Proficient English adds 10 points and Superior English adds 20 points in the points test.

Related occupations in unit group 2311

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Helicopter Pilot?

The ANZSCO code for Helicopter Pilot is 231114. It is a skill level 1 occupation.

Who assesses Helicopter Pilot for Australian migration?

Helicopter Pilot is assessed by CASA. You need a positive skills assessment before you can apply for most skilled visas.

Which Australian visas can a Helicopter Pilot apply for?

Helicopter Pilot is on the ROL, CSOL lists, so it can be used for: 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated; 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream; 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry; 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored; 407 Training visa. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Which states nominate Helicopter Pilot?

2 of 8 states and territories currently list Helicopter Pilot: Western Australia, Tasmania. Each state has extra criteria such as residence, employment and points.

Do I need an English test for the Helicopter Pilot skills assessment?

CASA sets its own English rule; check its website. The visa itself needs at least Competent English (for example IELTS 6 in each band).

Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSCO 2022 (CC BY 4.0), Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation lists, CASA and state and territory nomination pages. Checked November 2026. General information only, not migration advice. Search all ANZSCO occupations.

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