dream to reality: How to become a helicopter pilot
Helicopter piloting is an exciting career that offers a unique blend of adventure and challenge. Flying a helicopter is an art and science that requires rigorous training, dedication, and experience. Becoming a helicopter pilot is a challenging process that requires commitment, hard work, and financial investment. In this blog post, we will outline the steps to becoming a helicopter pilot, including the necessary qualifications, training, and experience required to pursue a career in this field.
Step 1: Meet the ENROLLMENT Requirements
The first step to becoming a helicopter pilot is to meet the basic requirements. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), you must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or its equivalent. You also need to pass a physical exam and obtain a second-class medical certificate. In addition, you must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
The last requirement that you should watch for as you are looking to start your journey as a flight student is your flight weight. Helicopters come with a manufacturer’s weight limit per seat as well as an overall aircraft limit. To play it safe it is recommended that you keep your weight below 250 pounds.
For more information on the topic read our blog: Things That Can Prevent You From Becoming a Helicopter Pilot
Step 2: Choose a Flight School
The next step is to choose a flight school. Flight schools vary in terms of the training programs they offer, the cost, the length of the program, and the quality of training. When choosing a flight school, it is important to do your research and consider the following factors:
Accreditation: Choose a flight school that is accredited by the FAA. You can take degree-rewarding education programs.
Reputation: Look for flight schools with a good reputation and a track record of producing successful pilots. For example, our program has had a 100% employment rate for pilots that graduate from our program with their CFII Rating since 2011.
Cost and Financing Options: Helicopter pilot training can be expensive, so choose a flight school that fits your budget. You should also take the time to look into financing options offered by each program. At Lake Superior Helicopters we are approved by the VA for veterans to utilize their GI Bill benefits and offer exclusive scholarships for our students.
Location: Consider the location of the flight school and how that will affect your education. This can include the cost associated with relocation or commute along with the type of weather and landscape you will be learning to fly in.
Instructor Qualifications: Check the qualifications of the instructors and their experience in flight training.
For more information on the topic of selecting a flight school read our blog: What to Consider When Choosing a Helicopter Flight School
Step 3: Obtain a Private Pilot License
The next step in becoming a helicopter pilot is to obtain a private pilot license. The private pilot license allows you to fly a helicopter for personal use and is the first step in your career as a pilot. To obtain a private pilot license, you must complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including 20 hours of dual instruction and 10 hours of solo flight. You will also need to pass a written exam and a practical test that includes an oral exam and a flight test. The practical test will assess your ability to control the helicopter, navigate, and communicate effectively.
Step 4: Obtain a Commercial Pilot License
The commercial pilot license allows you to fly a helicopter for hire and is the next step in your career as a pilot. To obtain a commercial pilot license, you must have a minimum of 150 hours of flight time, including 100 hours as pilot-in-command. You will also need to pass a written exam and a practical test that includes an oral exam and a flight test. The practical test will assess your ability to fly a helicopter safely and efficiently, as well as your knowledge of aviation regulations.
Step 5: Obtain an Instrument Rating
To be a competitive commercial helicopter pilot in the aviation industry, you'll need an instrument rating. An instrument rating allows you to fly in poor visibility conditions using only the instruments within the aircraft. You'll need to complete an additional 50 hours of cross-country flight time and pass an instrument rating exam. In our two-year professional program, this is completed in the second year of training and built seamlessly into our program.
Step 6: Obtain a Flight Instructor Certificate
To build your flight experience and increase your chances of being hired as a commercial helicopter pilot, you can obtain a flight instructor certificate. This certificate allows you to teach others students, how to fly helicopters. You'll need to complete an additional 50 hours of flight training and pass a flight instructor exam to earn this certification. This step is critical in your development as a pilot and is highly recommended as means to build to hours when you first enter the industry.
Step 7: Build Your Network
Building a network is essential to finding opportunities and jobs as a commercial helicopter pilot. Attending industry events, leveraging social media, and connecting with other pilots, instructors, and industry professionals is a great way to go about doing this. You should also ask your flight training program what opportunities and connections they have that they can offer you to give you a starting point in your networking efforts. At Lake Superior Helicopters we hire a portion of our graduates to be instructors at our school and also offer students the opportunity to become tour pilots for both our Duluth and New Orleans locations to build hours and gain footing within the industry.
Step 8: Apply for an ENTRY-LEVEL Pilot Job and Build Your FLIGHT TIME
Once you've earned your license and ratings, and built your network, it's time to apply for an entry-level helicopter pilot jobs to build your experience. Look for job openings in your area or in locations where you're willing to relocate. Apply for jobs that match your experience, skills, and flight hours. A key to getting started is to not be afraid to start at an entry-level position to build your flight time. After you have gained enough experience (typically over 1,000 hours) you’ll be eligible to apply for prestigious pilot roles.
For more information on flight time we recommend our blog: The Importance of Flight Hours and How to Build Them
Continue Learning and Training
Once you've started your career as a helicopter pilot, continue learning and training to improve your skills and knowledge. Take advanced training courses, attend industry events and network with other pilots and industry professionals. Keep up with changes in regulations and technology, and always strive to be a safe and competent pilot.
Conclusion
Becoming a helicopter pilot is a challenging yet rewarding journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and hard work. It takes years of training, flight hours, and experience to become a professional helicopter pilot. From obtaining a private pilot's license to gaining flight instructor experience, building a strong network, and applying for jobs, the steps to becoming a helicopter pilot require patience and dedication. But the rewards of a career in aviation, such as the opportunity to travel, work in exciting environments, and help people in need, make it a fulfilling and exciting profession. Remember to always prioritize safety and continue learning and growing as a pilot to ensure a successful and rewarding career in aviation.
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