Humans have long sought to touch the skies. When inventors attempted to achieve that dream, they did not begin with the airplane. They began with Leonardo da Vinci’s early helicopter designs, dating back to around 1481.

Today, helicopters serve as an effective means of air travel. Have you ever taken a tour across a canyon in one and been so amazed that you wanted to learn how to fly yourself?

Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about how to become a helicopter pilot and the exciting career opportunities it offers.

Education and Training for Helicopter Pilots

A high school diploma is the basic requirement for pilot training. You can also pursue higher education and get a degree in aviation or a related field.

The degree is not as important as the skills you learn while earning it. Your eventual flight training and licensure will be easier and more effective if you hone skills such as:

  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Decision-making

You also need to maintain your physical fitness and mental sharpness. Training for helicopter pilots can be demanding. A slip-up can jeopardize your flight’s safety.

Once you’ve met the basic education requirements, you can get training. Look for helicopter flight schools accredited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).You’ll get ground school and flight training.

The Licensing Process

There are multiple types of helicopter pilot licenses.When it comes to learning how to become a helicopter pilot, the first step is to decide which license you want.

They all require an FAA medical certificate. An FAA-approved physician will check you for any conditions that could interfere with your ability to fly, such as:

  • Heart problems
  • Psychological disorders
  • Substance abuse
  • Lapses in consciousness
  • Hearing conditions
  • Vision impairments

From there, the licenses become increasingly specialized. A Private Pilot’s License (PPL) lets you fly for personal use.

A Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) lets you fly professionally but requires more rigorous training and more flight hours. The Airline Transport Pilot License (APT) is the highest level. You’ll need it if you want to fly as a captain.

Private Pilot’s License (PPL)

For a PPL, you’ll need ground school training. You must accumulate a minimum of 40 flight hours under the supervision of a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

These hours include the following:

  • 10 hours of solo flight
  • Three hours of dual cross-country flying with an instructor
  • Three hours of dual nighttime flying
  • Three hours solo cross-country flying
  • One 75-nautical-mile cross-country flight
  • Three solo take-offs and landings

You’ll need to take a written exam and achieve a score of at least 70% to pass. A flight test is also required.

Commercial Private’s License (CPL)

The requirements for a CPL are similar. You’ll need to pass the required written and flight tests.

You’ll also need to build up flight hours, but the way you do it is different than for a PPL. You’ll need to complete:

  • 20 hours of dual flight training
  • One dual cross-country flight
  • One solo cross-country flight
  • 10 hours of instrument training
  • 10 hours of solo flight training
  • 100 hours as pilot-in-command

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

An ATP is the highest level of certification, so it has stricter requirements beyond basic pilot training programs.

Holding a basic FAA medical certificate isn’t enough. It has to be first-class. A first-class certificate proves that all aspects of your health are excellent, including the following:

  • Vision
  • Hearing
  • Cardiovascular
  • Mental
  • Neurological

Pilots also have to already have a CPL before they can apply for an ATP.

An instrument ranking proves you can fly in areas of low visibility. To get it, you’ll need at least 40 hours of instrument flight experience. You’ll also need 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command.

An ATP also requires you to complete 1,500 flight hours.

Helicopter Pilot Career Opportunities

A helicopter license is more than just a certificate. It can mark the start of a rewarding and lucrative career.

Major airline company Boeing predicts the need for at least 674,000 pilots to meet their goals through 2043. It’s one line of work where you’ll almost always be in demand. The desire to get in the air never left humanity.

This high level of demand leads to significant earning potential. According to Salary.com, a chief helicopter pilot’s average salary is $165,585 per year at $80 per hour. It fluctuates based on factors such as location and experience.

The possibilities for your career with the proper license are just beginning. The array of potential helicopter pilot career options includes:

  • Emergency medical service (EMS) pilots
  • Search and rescue
  • Law enforcement pilots
  • Tour pilots
  • Corporate or private pilots

Additionally, you could become a flight instructor and share your knowledge with others.

Getting a higher license will expand your opportunities even further. The skills you learned as a helicopter pilot will make the process easier if you want to become an airplane pilot as well.

Tips for Becoming a Certified Pilot

Start budgeting and get financing before enrolling in flight school. You can even use benefits such as the GI Bill© or Military Disability Benefits© to make it more affordable.

Start working on your flight hours as soon as possible. They’re one of the most time-consuming parts of becoming a certified pilot.

Build up connections in the aviation industry to kickstart your career. Talk to other students at school or other pilots in your area. They could serve as mentors, helping you learn what you need to know.

Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in aviation technology and regulations. You may be retested periodically, so keep your skills sharp.

Learn How to Become a Helicopter Pilot Today

Have you been dreaming of learning how to become a helicopter pilot? The dream is closer than you might think. Knowing which certification to pursue and finding the right school will get you airborne quickly.

Higher Ground Helicopters is Ohio’s only FAA-approved 141 helicopter training facility. 

Our program is designed for career-minded working adults. We provide night classes to accommodate your busy schedule. You’ll go from the ground to the skies in 10-18 months.

Contact us to start flight training today.