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How to become a Helicopter Pilot?
Tell us everything we need to know to become a Helicopter Pilot.
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
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3 answers
Phil Cala
Advisory Consultant
9
Answers
Lake Ridge, Virginia
Updated
Phil’s Answer
One thing that can sometimes be overlooked on the path to becoming a pilot (in the military) is the higher standard in medical examinations. There are certain conditions that won't necessarily disqualify you from military service as a mechanic or a supply clerk, but may disqualify you from serving as a pilot.
I would advise that before someone set their sights on becoming a military pilot, that they confirm they have no disqualifying health issues that would prevent them from achieving that goal.
I would advise that before someone set their sights on becoming a military pilot, that they confirm they have no disqualifying health issues that would prevent them from achieving that goal.
Cody Hancock
Consulting
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Cody’s Answer
There are multiple ways in which you can become a helicopter pilot (I myself hold a Commercial, Instrument, and Type rating for rotorcraft); I will tell you what I did and offer additional routes that I know of:
What I did: Went to college on an ROTC scholarship (you don't need a scholarship, you can simply join your school's ROTC program if they have one) and prior to graduation decided to enter the Army National Guard rather than going active duty (you can fly in the National Guard OR active duty, I just chose to do the Guard) and assessed to the Aviation branch. From there you will be sent to flight school and be given very in-depth training on how to fly, in addition to maintenance related tasks, mechanics, and aerodynamics. This training is VERY high quality and that is reflected when you go to apply to civilian aviation careers. Why the Army over another branch? The Army largely only flies helicopters whereas other branches (Marines, Navy, Air Force) fly planes and make the process more complicated. Downside to this is that the Army currently requires a 10-year ADSO (service contract) to branch into aviation; Upside is that rather than paying for flight school, you're getting paid to attend flight school and receiving a higher quality of training.
Other options:
1. Embry Riddle University has programs that allow you to go to college and major in aviation related degrees so that you can earn your licenses while you attend school, leaving with licenses and a bachelor's degree
2. Attend an aviation academy such as WingsAir or CAE that will allow you to gain your licenses and achieve flight hours by training other student pilots (downside to this is it can get quite expensive for the rotorcraft programs)
Keep in mind that getting a civilian job in rotorcraft aviation typically typically requires 1,000+ hours of flight time which can take years to build.
Hope this helps - Blue skies and tailwinds!
What I did: Went to college on an ROTC scholarship (you don't need a scholarship, you can simply join your school's ROTC program if they have one) and prior to graduation decided to enter the Army National Guard rather than going active duty (you can fly in the National Guard OR active duty, I just chose to do the Guard) and assessed to the Aviation branch. From there you will be sent to flight school and be given very in-depth training on how to fly, in addition to maintenance related tasks, mechanics, and aerodynamics. This training is VERY high quality and that is reflected when you go to apply to civilian aviation careers. Why the Army over another branch? The Army largely only flies helicopters whereas other branches (Marines, Navy, Air Force) fly planes and make the process more complicated. Downside to this is that the Army currently requires a 10-year ADSO (service contract) to branch into aviation; Upside is that rather than paying for flight school, you're getting paid to attend flight school and receiving a higher quality of training.
Other options:
1. Embry Riddle University has programs that allow you to go to college and major in aviation related degrees so that you can earn your licenses while you attend school, leaving with licenses and a bachelor's degree
2. Attend an aviation academy such as WingsAir or CAE that will allow you to gain your licenses and achieve flight hours by training other student pilots (downside to this is it can get quite expensive for the rotorcraft programs)
Keep in mind that getting a civilian job in rotorcraft aviation typically typically requires 1,000+ hours of flight time which can take years to build.
Hope this helps - Blue skies and tailwinds!
Wayne Johnson
Maintenance Programs at Alaska Airlines
81
Answers
Auburn, Washington
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
The following web site will give you some basic information about getting your Helicopter Pilots License, however you will need to acquire a Commercial Pilots License to fly for hire.
Private Pilots License - Approximately $25,000.
Commercial Pilots License - Approximately $23,000, (required to fly for hire).
The below website has a nice breakdown the cost to get the various licenses.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/540601bee4b0a806a01d7678/t/6364366859b76013970bf27f/1667511914465/2022+Helicopter+Training+Programs.pdf
The below website has some information about flight training in the San Francisco Bay Area - (Hayward, Ca).
https://www.specializedheli.com/helicopter-training
THE OTHER ROUTE IS TO JOIN THE MILITARY. The Army does not require you to have a degree. The other services do.
In your favorite search engine, just type "how to become a helicopter pilot in the military."
You can also talk to the various military recruiters and they will give information about becoming a helicopter pilot.
Enjoy your journey, Wayne
Private Pilots License - Approximately $25,000.
Commercial Pilots License - Approximately $23,000, (required to fly for hire).
The below website has a nice breakdown the cost to get the various licenses.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/540601bee4b0a806a01d7678/t/6364366859b76013970bf27f/1667511914465/2022+Helicopter+Training+Programs.pdf
The below website has some information about flight training in the San Francisco Bay Area - (Hayward, Ca).
https://www.specializedheli.com/helicopter-training
THE OTHER ROUTE IS TO JOIN THE MILITARY. The Army does not require you to have a degree. The other services do.
In your favorite search engine, just type "how to become a helicopter pilot in the military."
You can also talk to the various military recruiters and they will give information about becoming a helicopter pilot.
Enjoy your journey, Wayne