Becoming a helicopter pilot can be an enriching experience and is more manageable than it might seem. To simplify this process for aspiring pilots, we’ve created a beginner’s guide outlining all the necessary training and certifications to move from passenger to pilot.
We’ll cover everything about how to become a helicopter pilot, from assessing your eligibility, obtaining FAA licensing requirements, choosing an accredited program or course that meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards—and even how cost plays into factors of becoming a certified professional.
Table of Contents
Understand the Different Types of Helicopter Pilots
Becoming a helicopter pilot is more complex. There are many different types and specializations of pilots available. Most professional pilots can be divided into two main categories – commercial and private. Commercial helicopter pilots usually have more flying hours, fly in much busier airspace, and will typically transport passengers or cargo for payment. Private helicopter pilots, on the other hand, generally are more recreational, but if they do choose to work with an employer, they may be doing aerial photography or search-and-rescue operations.
In addition to these two primary categorizations of helicopter pilots, specialized fields such as military and instructor positions are also available for experienced pilots. Understanding the different types of helicopter pilot positions can give aspiring aviators a good idea of where to start when researching their options.
Choose The Right Helicopter Pilot Course For You
Deciding how to become a helicopter pilot can seem daunting, but with the right guidance and research, you can easily find an excellent course that fits your needs. There are a plethora of options when it comes to choosing the right helicopter pilot course for you. Some will be based on how long you have been flying and how much experience you have in general, while others will offer tailored advice depending on your current situation.
Make sure to research each certification and course thoroughly to understand what they entail, their requirements, and how they differ. This way, you’ll make the best-informed decision possible when investing in how to become a helicopter pilot.
Obtain a Commercial Pilot License
Becoming a helicopter pilot can be a daunting process for a beginner, but with persistence and dedication, you can make your dreams of flight come true. The first step in the journey to becoming a helicopter pilot is to obtain a commercial pilot license. To be eligible for this license, you must acquire at least 250 hours of flying experience and pass knowledge tests on aeronautical topics such as weather, navigation rules, and aircraft performance.
Additionally, you must pass practical skills tests that prove your judgment and maneuvering abilities in the air. While these requirements may seem intimidating, there is a path for anyone willing to take them on and eventually become an expert pilot with stunning aerial views as their daily reward.
Meet the Medical and Age Requirements
Before you can even become a helicopter pilot, certain medical and age requirements must be met. Generally, aspiring pilots need to receive a medical certificate from an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Furthermore, those certification training must be at least 16 years old to solo and 17 years old to receive a pilot’s license. After having these obstacles out of the way, you are now on the path of beginning your career as a helicopter pilot.
Get Flight Experience
Becoming a certified helicopter pilot starts with gaining flight experience. The more flight hours you log, the easier it will be to become a leader in the field. While some aspiring pilots may purchase their own helicopter for practice, most will require instruction and an FAA-certified instructor who has prepared them for certification tests.
This means finding a course or program specifically designed to help individuals become expert pilots and then locating an aviation school that can provide the necessary instruction, tutoring, and resources to build up those important flight hours. Once you have the education and experience needed to earn your license, you can continue flying, expanding your knowledge and skills until you reach a level capable of commercial or private charter operations.
Pass the Written and Practical Exams
Becoming a helicopter pilot is a challenging feat. You’ll need to pass the written and practical exams to qualify. Start by familiarizing yourself with the FAA’s knowledge requirements that must be mastered before taking your exams, such as airframe components, emergency operations, aerodynamics, and Navigation. Knowing these topics well is essential for passing both tests. Once you’ve formed a sufficient understanding of the material, sign up to take your exams at an approved location.
The written exam on a computer consists of approximately 100 questions related to the FAA regulations and other aviation knowledge areas. Upon passing this step, you can move on to the practice exams, which assess your ability to pilot effectively at different phases of flight, such as take-offs and landings. With hard work and dedication, you will soon achieve your certification and formally become a helicopter pilot.
Becoming a helicopter pilot is an incredibly rewarding career path, but it does require patience and determination. To get started, you must first understand the different types of helicopter pilots, choose the right course for your needs, obtain a commercial pilot license, meet any medical or age requirements, and build up flight experience. Lastly, don’t forget that passing the written and practical exams are fundamental to achieving success as a helicopter pilot. Whether you’re just starting out or already have experience in the field, this guide to becoming a helicopter pilot will provide valuable information to help you reach your goal. With focus and dedication, there is no limit to what you can achieve.
