Becoming a helicopter pilot involves many hours of training and a strict certification process. Steps you will need to take to become fully certified include meeting the eligibility requirements and taking various courses, from ground school to actual time in the air. 

Have you considered learning how to fly a helicopter or changing your career trajectory? You’re in luck. Helicopter pilots are currently in very high demand, representing a lucrative opportunity for aspiring pilots, along with better job stability. 

While it may be difficult to learn how to fly helicopters, it is an important skill that can unlock plenty of career paths and hobbies. 

Do Helicopter Pilots Make Good Money? 

Yes, helicopter pilots can pull in quite a bit of money every year. Due to the complexity of the job, pilots start at a higher rate than most other professions. If you become a private pilot, you can make even more. 

Is It Difficult to Become a Helicopter Pilot?

Absolutely, though the difficulty will pay off. Piloting an aircraft is much more complicated than driving a car; you must also learn to maneuver the aircraft up and down and side to side, rather than just forward and backwards. 

You must consider other factors as well. While the certification process can pay off, it tends to be expensive up front, so you may need to save up for training. After receiving your initial certification, you have to maintain it as well. 

Do not let this discourage you. Difficult doesn’t mean impossible, and the rewards of learning how to fly a helicopter far outweigh the potential challenges and drawbacks. 

The Helicopter Certification Process

Once you have determined that you want to learn how to fly a helicopter, you need to get the necessary licenses and certifications to fly legally. Here are some of the key steps within the process, so you can fulfill all of your requirements and start flying. 

Review the Eligibility Requirements

Before beginning your training journey, you should understand the age requirements, as well as the time investment.For different types of licenses, you will need to meet the following: 

Private Pilot

Be at least 17 years old when you start training, then meet a minimum of 40 hours of flight time. 20 of those hours need to be with an FAA-authorized instructor, while 10 must be solo training. 

Commercial Pilot

The minimum age for a commercial pilot license is 18 years old. Flight time requirements are 150 hours, which are substantially more than those for a private pilot license, including 10 hours of cross-country flying. 

Get Necessary Certificates Before Training 

An FAA medical certificate is essential because it shows that you are medically fit to fly. Aspiring pilots also need a student pilot certificate, which allows them to fly solo to obtain the required hours before pilot certification.  

Enroll in a Ground School Course

Before getting up into the air, you need to complete a ground school course. The course will teach you the necessary information to pass the written exam and show you the basics of flight. 

Practice, Practice, Practice

Like developing any skill, flying a helicopter requires plenty of practice to master. Even if you meet the minimum required flight hours for the type of certificate you desire, consider flying extra if there are areas that you struggle with. 

The Check Ride

A check ride is the final stop before becoming a certified pilot. You go up in the air with an FAA examiner and demonstrate that you have mastered a variety of skills and maneuvers. 

Helicopter Flying Tips 

Does learning how to fly a helicopter feel overwhelming to you? Here are some key tips to help you navigate the process: 

  • Don’t Rush Through Training: Take your time with every training step, and repeat as many times as necessary to feel confident
  • Avoid Flying With Fatigue: Flying tired can cause mistakes and even fatal crashes 
  • Understand How to Fly With Limited Visibility: Flying in challenging conditions will prepare you for many different obstacles

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Aviation Career Paths? 

Yes. While you can participate in flight training at any age and acquire various certifications, there are age limits for many types of government aviation workers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows pilots to fly until age 65, even for those who start training later in life. 

Private aviation positions, such as with corporations, often do not have strict age limitations. It’s important to understand the obstacles you may face if you begin your training at an older age. However, you shouldn’t let that stop you from pursuing your goals. 

Is It More Difficult to Learn to Fly a Helicopter or a Plane? 

You may believe that flying a plane is more complex than operating a helicopter. It is actually the opposite. Helicopter piloting requires more skill and training overall to master. 

Helicopters can hover in the air and fly in every direction, as well as adjust altitude more easily than airplanes. Due to their versatility, they are trickier to fly as pilots must learn more skills overall. 

How Many Hours Can a Helicopter Pilot Fly Per Day? 

The time limits for helicopter pilots depend on several factors, such as the environment and your skill level. Additionally, the number of qualified pilots on board can be a determinant. 

The FAA has strict regulations for flight time limitations. For an aircraft with a single pilot, no more than eight hours of flight time are allowed in 24 hours. There are also rules for how many hours you can fly: 

  • Weekly
  • Monthly 
  • Annually

Begin Your Helicopter Training Today

Becoming a helicopter pilot is about more than fulfilling a dream; it requires immense skill and dedication. Use this guide to determine if you’re ready to begin your helicopter training journey. 

Higher Ground Helicopters can help you accomplish all of your goals. We offer flexible learning options catered to all types of students, with evening ground classes available. Whether you want to become a pilot yourself or a certified flight instructor, we have plenty of pilot training programs to choose from.

Are you ready to begin your helicopter journey? Contact us today to learn more.