Things That Can Prevent You From Becoming a Helicopter Pilot

Dec 15

When you’re ready to take off and pursue your dreams, it’s easy to feel invincible. But once reality sets in, you might have a bunch of questions about the actions you have to take to get to your end goal.

Becoming a helicopter pilot is an incredibly fulfilling career, but if you’ve started to plague yourself with “what ifs,” we’re here to answer your questions and minimize any concerns.

That is not to say that flight training does not require a lot of work and dedication because it certainly does. But if you can put in the hard work, you can reap the rewards— the rest is all semantics.

Let’s take a look at some of the hurdles that flight students commonly face and how to overcome them.

having certain Medical Conditions

Before you begin flight training, you will want to schedule an appointment with an FAA-approved medical examiner to receive your medical certification. A medical certificate from an FAA-approved medical examiner will ensure you are eligible to fly and is required to receive your pilot’s license.

Disqualifying medical conditions include:

Angina pectoris
Bipolar disease
Cardiac valve replacement
Coronary heart disease
Diabetes mellitus that requires hypoglycemic medications
Disturbance of consciousness with an unknown cause
Epilepsy
Heart replacement
Myocardial infarction
Permanent cardiac pacemaker
Severe personality disorder
Psychosis
Substance abuse
Substance dependence
Transient loss of control of nervous system functions without satisfactory explanation of the cause

While you may not have to worry about many things on this list, don’t lose hope if you are affected by one of these conditions. In many cases, the FAA will issue medical certification contingent on periodic reports, if the condition is adequately controlled. If you have any questions or concerns about the exam, you can always call an examiner and discuss your options.

If you are ready to pursue your flight training in the near future, we recommend getting an appointment scheduled as soon as possible. This will give you ample time to address any potential issues that might hinder your eligibility. You will also have peace of mind knowing that you are eligible to fly, prior to making any initial investments into a program.

It’s also essential to note that you’ll have to pass this exam every few years, so it is best to take care of any medical concerns right away.

exceeding weight limitations

Because helicopters have weight limits, you must maintain a healthy weight to fly and remain marketable to future employers as a career helicopter pilot. If you weigh more than 300 pounds, it’s unlikely you will be able to fly any helicopters used for flight training.

However, if you are passionate about becoming a helicopter pilot, you can make some lifestyle changes to reach the accepted weight range. Talk with your primary care doctor about the steps you can take for weight loss.

having a Criminal Record

Having a criminal record can stand in the way of your receiving your pilot’s license. Some things schools, and employers, will consider are the charges placed against you and the progress you have made since the time of your arrest.

One of the most severe issues found on a criminal record is a DUI. While many understand that mistakes can be made, these circumstances can be difficult for employers to look past. This is because as a pilot, you are expected to hold the highest standards for safety and have great judgment.

not having adequate funding

It’s no secret that flight school can be expensive. For many, the bill can be enough to dissuade them from pursuing their dream.

However, if you attend a flight school connected to a university, you are able to take advantage of financial aid, student loans, and scholarships to help break down those costs.

Other programs may offer direct, or pay-as-you-go, training where students are able to cashflow their training. However, unless you have significant savings to regularly finance this option, you may end up taking much longer to receive your ratings. As if any unforeseen financial burdens set you back on your payments, you will no longer be able to continue your training.

If you do choose a degree-rewarding pathway and take on student loans, rest assured that your career will provide you with many opportunities to make a return on your investment. Helicopter pilots are increasingly in high demand, and the average salary of a helicopter pilot is $98,700 a year.

Attending the wrong program

While many careers in the industry will provide you with rewarding careers and healthy salaries, the flight school you attend can influence your job opportunities post-graduation. Some of this is based on the school’s overall reputation, and some depend more on the training model.

First and foremost, you will have to decide whether you want to attend a flight program that is independent or attached to a university. Flight programs that operate in tandem with universities allow you to receive both a degree and your pilot license at the same time. You do not need a degree to receive your pilot’s license but earning your degree can open the door to more jobs post-graduation. However, there are many successful helicopter pilots that do not hold degrees and instead emphasize the importance of building your network within the industry.

You will also want to determine whether you want to attend a Part 61 or Part 141 institution, which you can read more about here. While the training structure in each of these programs is different, both can provide you the training to become a career helicopter pilot.

In addition to identifying your ideal training structure, you will want to consider attending programs that provide you with the licenses and ratings relevant to the kinds of jobs you want to apply for in the future. At a minimum, you will want to ensure your flight program sets you on the right path to earn your private, commercial, and instrument. If you want to qualify for flight instruction jobs upon graduation, you will want a program that offers training your CFI and CFII licenses and ratings as well.

From there, it may also be beneficial to choose a school that offers advanced training options, including certifications such as long line, turbine transition, night vision, and mountain training. Overall, the more experience and scenarios you have under your belt, the more marketable you will be to future employers.

Having The Wrong Attitude

Attitude is everything in flight school. If you expect to be a professional at hovering on your first day, you will not get very far. Learning to fly takes a lot of patience and determination.

There are many reasons why you need so many hours to receive your licenses, and even the most natural of students can require additional time to become proficient in certain areas.

Within your flight training, you will need to study a variety of subjects and concepts to master your craft. From becoming familiar with the parts of an aircraft to understanding the physics behind why each part functions the way that it does. You will also need to learn about the weather; how it impacts your ability to fly, when it can become unsafe, and how to make decisions and appropriately operate the aircraft if it does.

In addition, you will need to study all applicable aviation laws and procedures in order to pass your examinations. While you may find flying more fun outside of class, you will need to put in the work while you are in training to guarantee yourself a safe and sustainable after graduation.

In choosing the right training program, you will have access to incredible instructors and peers to help you grow as a pilot. The people around you will want you to succeed, and if you are up for the challenge and put in the work every day, you will.

more about our program

If you are looking for a flight school that provides everything you need to achieve your dreams of becoming a professional helicopter pilot, our program may be a great fit for you.

Lake Superior Helicopters is a Midwest leader in flight training. Through our Professional Pilot Program, we offer both direct and degree-rewarding program pathways as well as advanced certifications to fit the needs of all types of students. Through our dedication to our students and industry-leading instruction, we have been able to maintain 100% job placement among all graduates of our program.

We’re always here to help you address any obstacles in the way between you and your dreams, and we want to help you overcome them. To learn more about our program or get started on your application, visit our program page and request more information.

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