How To Become Helicopter Pilot | SkillsAndTech
Becoming a helicopter pilot is no easy feat. It takes years of training and practice to become a proficient pilot. But if you’re passionate about aviation and have the dedication to see it through, it can be an immensely rewarding career.
In this blog post, we will explore what it takes to become a helicopter pilot. From the training required to the different types of licenses, read on to learn everything you need to know about becoming a helicopter pilot.
Table of Contents
Eligibility criteria for becoming a helicopter pilot
There is no one specific eligibility criterion for becoming a helicopter pilot. However, there are a few general requirements that all potential pilots must meet.
Firstly, you must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a commercial pilot’s license. Secondly, you will need to have completed high school or equivalent; although, having some college education will make the process of becoming a pilot easier.
Additionally, you must pass a physical examination and have good eyesight (20/20 vision or correctable to 20/20). You also need to be able to pass a TSA background check. Finally, you will need to obtain a private pilot’s license before you can earn your commercial pilot’s license.
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The training process
Assuming you are starting from scratch, the training process to become a helicopter pilot can be completed in as little as 12 months. The first step is to obtain your private pilot license (PPL), which requires at least 40 hours of flight time.
Once you have your PPL, you can then begin training for your commercial helicopter license (CHL), which requires an additional 100 hours of flight time. After obtaining your CHL, you will need to complete an instrument rating (IR) and a multi-engine rating (MER) before you can finally apply for your helicopter pilot license (HPL).
The job market for helicopter pilots
The job market for helicopter pilots is expected to grow in the coming years. The average salary for a helicopter pilot is $75,000. There are many different types of jobs available for helicopter pilots, ranging from corporate to emergency services.
The demand for helicopter pilots is expected to increase in the next decade due to the growing popularity of air travel. The number of people who can afford to fly has increased, and the need for efficient transportation has never been greater. Helicopter pilots will be in high demand in both urban and rural areas.
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There are many different types of jobs available for helicopter pilots. Corporate positions may involve flying executives to meetings or transporting supplies between locations. Emergency service positions may involve search and rescue operations or medical evacuations. Many helicopter pilots find work in the tourism industry, giving tours or providing charter services.
The average salary for a helicopter pilot is $75,000. This figure will vary depending on experience and location. Pilots who work in metropolitan areas will typically earn more than those who work in rural areas. Emergency service positions may offer higher salaries due to the increased responsibility involved.
Pros and cons of being a helicopter pilot
There are many factors to consider when deciding if becoming a helicopter pilot is the right career choice for you. On the plus side, helicopter pilots generally enjoy high salaries and good job security. They also get to experience the thrill of flying and working in a unique environment.
However, there are some downsides to the job as well. Helicopter pilots often work long and irregular hours, and the job can be physically demanding. There is also a higher risk of accidents compared to other types of pilots.
Conclusion
So, you want to know how to become a helicopter pilot? It’s not as difficult as you might think. With the right training and qualifications, you could be flying high in no time. There are many schools that offer helicopter pilot training, so do your research and find one that suits your needs.
Once you have your license, there are plenty of opportunities out there for you to start your own business or work for an existing company. So what are you waiting for? Start your journey today and see where it takes you!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)
What does a Helicopter Pilot do ?
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A helicopter pilot is responsible for the safe operation of a helicopter. They must have a thorough understanding of the aircraft and its systems, as well as local weather conditions. Helicopter pilots typically fly for commercial or private companies, but may also work for the government or military.
The day-to-day duties of a helicopter pilot vary depending on their employer, but they generally involve flying passengers or cargo to and from destinations. Helicopter pilots must complete pre-flight checks of the aircraft and its systems before each flight, and post-flight checks after each flight. They also keep track of the aircraft’s maintenance records. In some cases, helicopter pilots may be required to perform search and rescue missions or provide medical transportation.
How much do Helicopter Pilot make ?
The average starting salary for a helicopter pilot is $20-$30 per hour. The average salary for a helicopter pilot with 1-4 years of experience is $40-$50 per hour. The average salary for a helicopter pilot with 5-9 years of experience is $60-$70 per hour. The average salary for a helicopter pilot with 10-19 years of experience is $80-$90 per hour. The average salary for a helicopter pilot with 20 or more years of experience is $100-$110 per hour.
How much does it cost to be a Helicopter Pilot?
The average cost of flight training for a helicopter pilot is between $10,000 and $15,000. However, the total cost of becoming a helicopter pilot can be much higher depending on the type of training you receive and the amount of experience you have.
If you want to become a helicopter pilot, you will need to complete an accredited aviation program. The cost of these programs can range from a few hundred dollars to over $100,000. The most expensive programs will typically offer more hours of flight time and more comprehensive training.
Once you have completed an accredited aviation program, you will need to obtain a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The cost of the exam and license itself is around $300.
After you have obtained your commercial pilot’s license, you will need to obtain a job with a helicopter company in order to gain experience flying helicopters. The starting salary for helicopter pilots is typically around $50,000 per year. However, salaries can vary greatly depending on the company you work for and your level of experience.
How many hours of Helicopter Pilot Work ?
Assuming you are referring to how many hours of work is required to become a helicopter pilot, the answer is simply that it depends. There are a variety of ways to become a helicopter pilot, and the amount of time required can vary depending on the route you take.
For example, if you choose to join the military, you will need to complete their training program, which can last anywhere from 18 months to two years. If you opt to attend a civilian flight school, the length of time will depend on the specific program you enroll in. Some programs can be completed in as little as six months, while others may take up to two years.
Ultimately, how long it takes to become a helicopter pilot will depend on your chosen path and how quickly you progress through the necessary training. However, regardless of which route you take, becoming a helicopter pilot is an achievable goal as long as you are willing to put in the work.
How long does it take to become a Helicopter Pilot?
Assuming you have your private helicopter pilot’s license, it will take about 1,000 hours of flight time to become a commercial helicopter pilot. The average person takes 3-5 years to build up the required flight time. Flight training is expensive, costing about $150-$200 per hour.