How long does it take to train as a helicopter pilot?

How long does it take to train as a helicopter pilot?

“You need 45 hours of training plus seven written exams and practical skills tests to get a private licence, then you have to build up more hours by self-flying,” he says. “At 185 hours you can get a commercial licence which involves a lot of home study and around 15 written exams and practical tests.

How hard is helicopter flight school?

Learning to fly a helicopter won’t be easy at first. There are lots of controls, instruments, and advanced maneuvers to master before earning a pilot’s license. Students start off training with a flight simulator, but soon fly a real helicopter and will need to learn quickly.

What qualifications do you need to be a helicopter pilot?

To obtain a private helicopter licence, pilots need to successfully complete a minimum of 45 hours training, accompanied by seven written exams and practical skills tests. In order to upgrade to a commercial licence, helicopter pilots need 185 hours training and to pass 15 written exams and practical tests.

Is it worth becoming a helicopter pilot?

Becoming a helicopter pilot is worth it if you love flying and seeing the earth from thousands of feet up in the air. Working as a helicopter pilot also gives you access to a lot of job opportunities. As a commercial helicopter pilot, you can fly for sightseeing tours or aerial photography.

Is there a demand for helicopter pilots?

The demand for helicopter pilots is extremely high. A recent study by Boeing estimated that there will be a shortage of 59,000 helicopter pilots worldwide through 2037. This means that for at least the next 17 years (and probably much longer than that), good helicopter pilots are almost guaranteed a job.

What is the highest paying helicopter pilot job?

Explore our professional helicopter pilot career paths. The highest-paying helicopter careers are emergency medical services (EMS), firefighting, offshore oil support, external load operations, and similar fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled jobs.

What age do helicopter pilots retire?

Federal law requires pilots to retire at age 65. Most pilots are based near large airports.

What state pays helicopter pilots the most?

As most things go, location can be critical. New York, New Jersey, Kansas, Illinois, and Iowa provide the highest helicopter pilot salaries.

Is 55 too old to become a helicopter pilot?

I don’t think you’re ever too old to learn the aircraft. You can learn to fly the helicopter. You can learn what you have to know to pass the test to become a helicopter pilot. The biggest thing if you’re thinking about changing career later in life, some people are going to tell you you’re too old.

How do you get your helicopter license?

To obtain a commercial helicopter license, candidates must:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Hold a private pilot license.
3. Hold FAA medical certificate.
4. Complete ground instruction.
5. Pass FAA written, oral and practical tests.
6. Complete 20 hours of dual flight training.
7. Complete one dual cross-country flight.

Is there a weight limit for helicopter pilots?

Helicopters have weight limits and if these limits are exceeded they won’t be able to fly safely. For example, at SUU Aviation, if you weigh more than 190 pounds you won’t be able to fly anything smaller than an R44. If you weigh over 300 pounds you may not be able to fly a helicopter at all.

What license do you need to fly helicopter?

private helicopter license
Every helicopter pilot must obtain a private helicopter license to fly. Students seeking a private pilot license must be at least 17 years old, obtain a FAA medical certificate and pass a FAA written test.