From the airwaves to the air – Tamara takes her career sky high

Her desire to take her career sky-high came from travelling around Australia, filming the best of the best of the tourism industry.

“I’ve always enjoyed filming and being in/around helicopters while working, so the idea of becoming a pilot grew slowly. It was a crazy idea at first but soon became a reality once I learned about the Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter) (AVI50322) with Helistar,” explains Tamara.

Based at Parafield Airport, Tamara is learning the specialised knowledge and skills required to work as a commercial helicopter pilot.

"The best thing about studying at Helistar with in-house maintenance is that we're able to chat with engineers and visit their workshops and ask questions about each aircraft and its components," she said.

“Helistar is more than a flying school, it’s a commercial operator, so I’m experiencing air transport and aerial work first-hand, which is extremely beneficial. And my training is in a Robinson R44 helicopter, so I’m learning in the aircraft that I will be working in once I graduate, making me job ready, which is a big advantage.”

Tamara describes her training as excellent, with the course providing all the theoretical and practical skills required to be issued a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) licence to operate as a commercial pilot.

“Since high school, I've completed two university degrees, but this is certainly one of the best courses I’ve ever participated in. The organisation, contact with staff, ground school and pilot training are all better than I could have expected,” she said.

“All teaching staff at Helistar are extremely helpful anytime you need a hand with a question regarding flight training or studying for an exam, and they will sit with you, assist, and point you in the right direction.”

The course teaches her about aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, radio communications, and operating in controlled and non-controlled airspace.

She also gets time behind the control, learning to execute advanced helicopter manoeuvres and how to implement threat management strategies as she works towards starting a career as a commercial helicopter pilot.

“I enjoy everything about the course but love flying the most. Learning from professional instructors with years of industry experience is priceless.”

“I’m learning something new every day, and it’s hard to describe the feeling of progress, but it’s one of the best feelings in the world,” she continued.

Tamara said it’s exciting to gain her helicopter pilot licence quickly and has surprised herself in the process.

“My confidence grows every time I get in the machine and behind the controls, and the biggest influence on this is the instructors having the confidence in you and that moment of trust when they send you solo for the first time!”

After she graduates, Tamara plans to explore a career as a commercial pilot, learn to fly different helicopters and work in various flying industries.

“I would love to continue building my flying skills, learn to fly different types of helicopters and work in tourism. Seeing passengers get excited about seeing amazing locations from a helicopter and providing that lifetime experience excites me.”

“I also love teaching, so becoming an instructor or tutoring in some capacity would be great to see people reach their own goals too.”

Tamara credits her TAFE Queensland training for her learning, improving and being the best pilot she can be.

“If you were like me and thought it wouldn’t be possible to train for your Commercial Pilot Licence due to cost, time or current experience, then you need to contact TAFE Queensland.”

“It’s hard to express how amazing this opportunity is and the fact that it is possible for anyone to learn to fly. I’m currently a helicopter passenger, but soon, I’ll be manoeuvring the machine into amazing locations to film episodes of Adventure All Stars."

"Thanks to the support of my amazing teachers, incredible facilities and my TAFE Queensland qualification, I'm living my purpose," concluded Tamara.