Helicopter Pilot Training Leads to Interesting Career Options

And as so many 1970s-era helicopter pilots are now looking at retirement, combined with the increasingly global society we live in, the demand for new helicopter pilots is high, creating even more opportunities for new pilots.

Helicopter pilot students must be at least 16 years of age and be able to pass a first class medical exam. To get started, you’ll first need to investigate helicopter pilot training schools to find the one that’s right for you. There are hundreds of pilot training schools across the United States, so it’s a matter of finding one that’s close to you geographically, but that also covers the skills you’ll need for your chosen profession.

Flying lessons are typically conducted in dual controlled aircraft, until the flight instructor deems the helicopter pilot student safe to fly solo. The student will then have to complete both written and flight examinations under the guidance of an FAA inspector. Once these exams are passed, the student will be allowed to fly with passengers, but not for hire. A private pilot can then learn additional skills and pass additional exams to earn the right to fly commercially.  The more education and experience you get, the more flight opportunities you’ll have.

If you’re interested in earning a degree, you can look at career colleges that partner with helicopter pilot training schools. For example, Charter College, based in Oxnard, Calif., is partnering with  flight training schools across the country to offer the Associate of Applied Science in Aviation: Rotor and/or Fixed Wing. The flight schools offer ground school and general flight instruction, while the Charter College provides students with the aviation and general education courses to prepare them to earn their FAA licenses and seek entry-level employment as commercial pilots or flight instructors. The program takes 70 weeks to complete and includes 210 flight hours for the helicopter pilot program. Another advantage to going the career college route is that their financial aid teams can help you ascertain what federal student loans you might be eligible for and then help you get it.

 If you think you might be interested in becoming a commercial helicopter pilot, visit a flight school near you and take an introductory class. After all, the sky’s the limit!