Want to Become a Helicopter Pilot? This Is What It Entails

Flying helicopters is an enjoyable hobby and a lucrative career. If you love flying, then this is a good career path for you. However, in order for you to become a pilot, you have to meet certain qualifications. Look at some of the things you need to help you become a certified helicopter pilot.

•    Training

Becoming a helicopter pilot requires you to go through vigorous training. This will mean that you need to join a school that offers helicopter flying courses, like Professional Helicopter Services Pty Ltd. In school, you must possess great math skills, with a bias toward algebra, trigonometry, calculus and geometry. For commercial piloting, you will need to demonstrate higher math skills than are needed for private piloting. The best places to develop math skills are flight schools and aeronautical colleges. Exams will be math-centred.

•    Testing

You will have to take a series of tests before you qualify as a pilot. The tests will be in two main parts—namely, the written test and the flight test. In the written test, you will be examined on a number of key thematic areas, and you will have to pass this exam before you proceed. You will also take a flight test that will generally test you on manoeuvres and a couple of other things. If you wish to do commercial flights, you will have to take the second phase of both written and flight exams, specifically meant for this category. You will be allowed a re-sit if you fail a part of the flight test, but only for the part failed.

Lastly, you must take a medical test that you have to pass. Any health issues such as psychological disorders, drug abuse or heart problems will lead to a disqualification. Further, you must not have any poor colour vision problems. You can do some of these tests before you start your course to ward off disappointments later on if you fail.

•    Experience

In flight school, simulators will be used to prepare you for the skies. Flight schools and at times, private contractors will bequeath you the necessary flight experience to enable you to get certified. Qualification for a basic pilot license will mean you fly for at least 40 hours and at least 10 hours alone. Commercial licenses will attract at least 150 hours of solo flying. 

Finally, remember that becoming a helicopter pilot will require you to be able to pay for the training and the pilot license. Also, this career requires a fair share of passion, as not everyone is cut out to fly.