Becoming a professional helicopter pilot is a challenging yet rewarding journey that combines rigorous training, dedication, and a passion for aviation. Whether you aspire to fly medical evacuations, conduct aerial surveys, or transport passengers, the path to becoming a professional helicopter pilot requires commitment and adherence to specific steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this exciting career path!
1. Understand the Role
Before embarking on your aviation journey, let's look at some examples of helicopter pilot careers. Helicopter pilots can work in various fields including emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue, law enforcement, agriculture, utility, charter, and tourism. Each role comes with unique responsibilities, operational requirements, and specific hours of experience to qualify. Flying helicopters professionally entails a much different lifestyle than flying as an airline pilot. If you are drawn to the idea of hands-on, dynamic flying, then becoming a helicopter pilot will be the right fit.
2. Meet Basic Requirements
Age and Health
Age: You can start taking flight lessons at any age! However, you must be at least 16 years old to solo, 17 to obtain a private pilot certificate, and 18 to obtain a commercial pilot certificate. There is no upper age limit to fly helicopters (it's never too late!), however you will need to be in good health to maintain a second-class medical certificate.
Medical Certificate: Obtain a second-class medical certificate from an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). This ensures you meet the health standards required for commercial flying. While this is only needed prior to flying solo, if you have health concerns, you should obtain the medical certificate before spending money on flight training. Search for a local AME here: https://designee.faa.gov/designeeLocator
Education
None required. However, an understanding of math, physics, aeronautics, and weather will certainly help. Your flight school will put you through extensive ground training to learn the concepts necessary to become a pilot.
Funding
Often a big hurdle is funding flight school. Unfortunately, most flight schools that are not linked with a college degree program will not qualify for traditional education loans. Other options may include a flight school lender, a personal loan, home equity, scholarships, a generous family member, or working to pay-as-you-go.
Pilot Supplies
You'll need a pilot logbook, textbooks, an iPad/tablet, and possibly a headset if the school you choose doesn't provide one. Check out our recommendations here: https://www.volarehelicopters.com/pilot-supplies
3. Choose a Flight School
Selecting the right flight school is critical to your success. Consider these factors:
Part 141 vs Part 61: There are pros and cons of each type. A Part 141 school offers a highly structured and regulated approach to flight training, this may be beneficial if you thrive in a college-style environment. The disadvantage is the cost of training is often higher with less individual attention. A Part 61 school is less structured, with the ability to tailor the training to fit the individual needs of the student. The training is still conducted in accordance with FAA regulations. The advantage is the cost is usually lower with a more personalized, 1-on-1 approach. The disadvantage is the training quality tends to vary depending on the school you choose.
Instructor Experience: Check the experience and qualifications of the instructors. Schedule a meeting with the school to tour their facility and meet with a CFI. A high-time CFI doesn't necessarily guarantee quality training, there a plenty of low-time CFI's who may be highly skilled and motivated to help you achieve your goals. Besides the skill and experience of the CFI, be sure your personalties mesh, as you will be spending a lot of time with them!
Fleet: Evaluate the condition of helicopters in the school’s fleet. If they care about their machines, they will care about your training success. Do they train in the R22, R44, Cabri, or Schweizer helicopter? Consider the likelihood of obtaining a job out of flight school with the aircraft hours in your logbook. For example, R22 hours may help you qualify for a CFI job at a flight school, as the majority of schools use R22's, whereas R44 hours may help you qualify for a commercial job with a tour company or crop dusting outfit.
Location: Consider the school’s location and weather conditions, as these can impact your training. Poor weather may lead to cancelled flights and delay your training goals.
Insurance: Ask the flight school how their insurance works. It's important to know whether you are covered if something were to happen. In most cases, the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) is responsible for the insurance deductible. When you are with a CFI, they will be acting as PIC. When you fly solo, you are PIC. The deductible is usually 10% of the aircraft hull value. We recommend renter's insurance to cover the deductible.
4. Obtain a Private Pilot Certificate
The journey begins with obtaining a Private Pilot Certificate for helicopters:
Training Hours: Accumulate a minimum of 40 flight hours, including specific requirements for dual instruction and solo flight. It's important to understand that these are the FAA minimums, the average hours to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate is between 60 and 70 for full time students. Don't worry - the hours will count towards your Commercial Pilot Certificate.
Skills: Develop precise flying skills, including takeoffs, landings, and emergency procedures. You'll need to demonstrate flying ability that meets or exceeds the airman certification standards (formerly known at the practical test standards or PTS).
Testing: Pass a knowledge test (written) and a checkride (practical test) with a designated pilot examiner. You'll do the same routine for each pilot certificate.
5. Obtain an Instrument Rating
An Instrument Rating allows you to fly in a wider range of weather conditions by relying on instruments rather than visual references. This is essential for professional pilots and often required by employers. These hours will also count towards your commercial pilot certificate, so this is the most cost-effective time to do it!
Training Hours: The FAA minimum is 40 hours of instrument flying. You'll also need 50 hours of cross-country PIC time. This can be done concurrently with the 40 hours of instrument.
Skills: Develop the skills to fly by only referencing your instruments, as if you're in the clouds. You'll need to demonstrate flying ability that meets or exceeds the airman certification standards.
Testing: Pass an instrument rating knowledge test and a checkride.
6. Obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate
To be paid to fly, you'll need a Commercial Pilot Certificate:
Training Hours: Accumulate a minimum of 150 total flight hours as a pilot. You'll be the majority of the way there after Private and Instrument.
Advanced Skills: Develop advanced flying techniques and maneuvers that meet or exceed the commercial airman certification standards.
Testing: Pass a commercial knowledge test and a checkride.
7. Obtain Flight Instructor Certificates
This is not required to fly professionally, however it's the easiest path to your first job. Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) will allow you to teach at a school and build hours the fastest. Adding a Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) will allow you to teach Instrument students as well. Teaching others to fly is not only rewarding, but it will take your flying skills to the next level. It's possible to find a job with only a Commercial Pilot Certificate, but you'll have to be diligent finding low time jobs. Insurance requirements are often the prohibiting factor.
Training Hours: While there is no FAA minimum, it often takes at least 15 hours of training to obtain a CFI certificate, and another 10 hours or more to obtain a CFII certificate.
Testing: Pass a Flight Instructor knowledge test, a Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) knowledge test, and a checkride. If you add a CFII, it will be another knowledge test and checkride.
Tip: If you are seeking a position at the flight school you are training at, conduct yourself in a professional manner, as the entire process is effectively a job interview!
8. Gain Experience and Build Hours
Building flight hours and gaining experience is crucial for advancing your career:
Flight Time: Seek opportunities to log flight hours, such as working as a flight instructor, tour pilot, ferry pilot, or other entry-level jobs.
Networking: Connect with professionals in the industry to learn about job opportunities and gain insights into different career paths. The first couple jobs will be the toughest to find, so make friends and stay in touch.
9. Stay Current and Continue Learning
The aviation industry is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is vital:
Re-currency Training: Maintain your flying skills and stay updated with technology and regulatory changes.
Advanced Courses: Consider additional training in specialized areas such as night vision flying, mountain flying, or long-line operations.
10. Apply for Jobs and Build a Reputation
Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience:
Job Search: Apply for positions in your desired flying operation. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and flying experience.
Professionalism: Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to safety in all your interactions. Flying is a serious endeavor and requires your 'A' game.
Conclusion
Becoming a professional helicopter pilot requires rigorous training, continuous learning, and dedication. By following these steps, from meeting basic requirements to gaining experience and advancing your qualifications, you can navigate your way to a successful career in aviation. The journey is demanding, but the rewards of flying are well worth it.
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