There are plenty of reasons why the job of a helicopter pilot has sought after. The most obvious is the feeling of flying and the freedom that comes with it. A helicopter pilot can go anywhere, whenever they want – something that is impossible for a commercial or private plane pilot. Additionally, pilots have the opportunity to work in various industries such as law enforcement, search-and-rescue missions, sightseeing tours, or even firefighting. The salary for a helicopter pilot can be quite high depending on experience and certifications held, making it an attractive job to those who are looking for a career with financial stability.
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Helicopter pilots must have the right skills and training in order to land the job. Becoming a helicopter pilot requires extensive knowledge of aviation regulations, flight maneuvers, and safety protocols. Individuals must also have a good understanding of aircraft systems and components as well as basic meteorology. Additionally, specialized training such as instrument flying is often necessary for certain jobs. Finally, the ability to think quickly and make decisions in challenging situations is essential for any pilot. Read on to find out how to become a helicopter pilot.
Contents
Steps to Become a Helicopter Pilot
There are a few steps you need to take
- Firstly, you’ll need to earn your Private Pilot’s License (PPL). This will require at least 40 hours of flight time, although the average is closer to 60. You’ll also need to pass a series of written exams and a practical test.
- Secondly, you’ll need to earn your Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL). The requirements for this are similar to the PPL, but you’ll need an additional 50 hours of flight time.
- Thirdly, you’ll need to earn your Helicopter Pilot’s License (HPL). The requirements for this are similar to the CPL, but you’ll need an additional 50 hours of flight time in a helicopter.
- Fourthly, you’ll need to complete a type rating in order to fly a particular type of helicopter.
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Types of Helicopter Pilots
There are two main types of helicopter pilots: private and commercial.
- Private helicopter pilots fly for personal reasons or for the purpose of providing transportation for a small group of people, such as a family or a business.
- Commercial helicopter pilots fly for the purpose of providing transportation to the general public. They may work for an airline, a tour company, or a medical service.
- Both types of pilots must have valid licenses in order to fly. The job outlook for helicopter pilots is expected to be good over the next decade. The number of jobs is expected to grow by 15% during this time.
How to Become a Helicopter Pilot After the 12th?
If you’re thinking about becoming a helicopter pilot after successfully finishing your 12th-grade exams, here is what to expect.
Undergraduate Level Preparation:
You can begin your journey by enrolling in a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering program at any recognized university. After completing this, you will be able to take the next step, which is to join a flying training school to earn your Private Pilot’s License (PPL).
Postgraduate Level Preparation:
Alternatively, if you wish to join a flying training school directly after 12th grade, you can do so by enrolling in a 2-year Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering program at any recognized university.
Aviation Courses
There are many aviation courses available that can help you become a helicopter pilot. These include the Private Pilot’s License (PPL) course, the Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) course, and the Helicopter Pilot’s License (HPL) course.
Flying Training Schools:
In order to obtain your PPL, you will need to join a flying training school. There are many reputable flying training schools located around the world that offer this course.
Pilot Licenses:
To become a helicopter pilot, you will need to obtain a Private Pilot’s License (PPL), a Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL), and a Helicopter Pilot’s License (HPL).
Type Rating:
In order to fly a particular type of helicopter, you will need to complete a type rating. This can be done by taking a course at a flying training school or by completing an online course.
How to Become a Helicopter Pilot Abroad?
The first step is to decide which country you want to train in. There are many countries that offer training for helicopter pilots, but the most popular ones are the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
- Once you have decided on a country, you will need to enroll in a flying training school. There are many flying training schools located across the world that offer this course.
- After successfully completing the training course, you will be able to take the next step, which is to obtain a Private Pilot’s License (PPL), a Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL), and a Helicopter Pilot’s License (HPL).
- In order to fly a particular type of helicopter, you will need to complete a type rating. This can be done by taking a course at a flying training school or by completing an online course.
Benefits of a Helicopter Pilot Job
There are many benefits of becoming a helicopter pilot. Some of these benefits include:
- To fly helicopters for a variety of purposes, such as transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, law enforcement, and firefighting.
- The ability to work in a variety of settings, such as airlines, tour companies, and medical services.
- The opportunity to travel to different places and see the world from a different perspective.
- The ability to earn a good salary and enjoy job security.
The job outlook for helicopter pilots is expected to be good over the next decade. The number of jobs is expected to grow by 15% during this time. This growth is due to the increasing demand for helicopter services in a variety of sectors, such as transportation, tourism, and medicine.
Skills Required to Become a Helicopter Pilot
Some of these skills include:
- The ability to fly helicopters for such transport, medical evacuation, law enforcement, firefighting, etc.
- The opportunity is different places and see the world from a different perspective.
- To earn a good salary and job security.
- To fly helicopters in all weather conditions and at all times of day or night.
- To think clearly and make quick decisions.
- To be able to handle stress and remain calm in emergency situations.
- To have good physical fitness and coordination.
Helicopter Pilot Income
The average salary of a helicopter pilot is $92,000 per year. However, this figure can vary depending on the employer, the type of helicopter flown, and the location of the job.
In the United States, the average salary for a helicopter pilot is $77,200 per year. In Canada, the average salary is $85,000 per year. And in the United Kingdom, the average salary is £40,000 per year.
Summary
Overall, the costs, hard work and dedication involve in becoming a helicopter pilot may be high, but the job has its rewards. Flying offers the feeling of freedom, and pilots have plenty of industry options to choose from. Additionally, a career as a helicopter pilot can lead to high salaries and financial stability. For those who are willing to invest the time and money, becoming a helicopter pilot may be well worth it in the long run.