Fly with Confidence: Helicopter Pilot License Training 101

If you're considering a career change or deciding on a career that takes you to new heights, there is no better way than to become a helicopter pilot. You can make flying helicopters a reality with the right training and dedication. Helicopter pilots have diverse job opportunities available to them, including military roles, law enforcement, emergency medical services, search and rescue operations, and aerial photography.

At Hillsboro Aero Academy, we offer Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved professional pilot programs that can give you the skills needed to fly in all weather conditions and environments related to the location of various helicopter jobs. Our flight training courses include Federation Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 61 and Part 141 training and our one-of-a-kind Joint-EASA-approved courses, including certificates meeting the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. Also, our specialty training, such as external load operations and mountain flying, will give you an edge over other aspiring pilots.

With our comprehensive training programs, you can confidently set yourself up for a helicopter pilot career in one place. Let's look at helicopter professional pilot training fundamentals and how to prepare yourself as you step into the high-demand industry confidently.

The Fundamentals of Helicopter Pilot Training

The journey to becoming a professional helicopter pilot is an exciting and rewarding experience. At Hillsboro Heli Academy, our school dedicated to helicopter training, we provide the necessary tools and guidance to ensure our students are adequately prepared for success. You should first know what's included in our professional pilot program. Our comprehensive professional pilot program covers all aspects of flight training, from Private Pilot to Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor ratings ensuring that you have the knowledge and confidence to make it in your aviation career. Thousands of helicopter pilots from over 55 countries have chosen us to help them pursue their dream of flight.

With experienced instructors, and support resources such as lesson scheduling, account management, on-site maintenance, and career placement assistance, we strive to provide our students with everything they need to reach their dreams by setting them up with everything required to obtain the necessary skills for a rewarding helicopter career.

Preparing for Helicopter Pilot License Training

One of the first steps to take before beginning helicopter pilot license training is to become familiar with the regulations and requirements set by the FAA. A private or commercial pilot's license requires obtaining and holding a valid FAA Medical Certificate. You will need to get an FAA Medical from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to pass this requirement. We recommend obtaining a medical before applying for admissions to ensure you will be issued a recommended 1st or 2nd class medical needed for a professional pilot career.

While considering medical requirements, it is also essential to know and prepare for aircraft weight restrictions that must be adhered to when operating a helicopter. Our flight school mainly trains in the Robinson R22, and our school policy says students flying this aircraft must weigh at most 220 pounds to fly the aircraft safely. While we have an R44 with a 240-pound weight limit that can be used for training purposes, we would like to point out that its utilization comes with a considerably higher cost and does not allow you to fulfill the 50-hour requirement needed for instructing in the R22.

In addition to preparing for helicopter training, students will need documents such as proof of citizenship and proof of education while applying for admission at Hillsboro Heli Academy. International students will also have to show proof of language proficiency and proof of finances to verify they have the funds to pay for their training. The admissions team will review each student's application individually and help guide them through the admissions and enrollment process.

Finally, it's essential that aspiring pilots mentally prepare themselves for helicopter pilot license training beforehand. Considering the training commitment and flexibility required as you progress through your training will help better prepare you. To train effectively, we recommend that you commit to being a full-time student completing five activities a week on average.

Examining the Different Types of Helicopter Pilot Licenses

Becoming a certified helicopter pilot is an exciting process, and the first step is to understand the different types of licenses needed to support your career.

The Private Pilot Certificate allows pilots to fly helicopters for fun and recreational purposes. It is important to note that this certificate does not permit passengers to be carried in exchange for any form of compensation. To obtain a Private Pilot Certificate, the FAA hour requirement is 35 hours of ground training and 35 hours of flight training. Additionally, you must pass a written exam and a practical flight test with an FAA-certified examiner.

The Instrument Rating allows pilots to fly safely in low-visibility conditions such as clouds, fog, rain, and snow. The Instrument Rating also requires 35 hours of flight training and 30 hours of ground training, then pass both a written exam and a practical flight test with an FAA-certified examiner. This rating requires more extensive training than the Private Pilot Certificate since it involves flying solely based on the instruments without relying on visual cues from outside the cockpit.

The Commercial Pilot Certificate permits pilots to carry passengers or cargo in exchange for payment. This certification also requires both a written exam and a practical flight test with an FAA-certified examiner. Additionally, a Commercial Pilot Certificate requires 30 hours of ground training and 115 of flight training and a minimum of 20 hours needs to be completed with a flight instructor, while the specific duration of dual training will vary based on additional training modules or the school's approved curriculum.

The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Rating is necessary if you want to instruct other pilots on how to operate aircraft safely and is a great way to build the required flight hours that helicopter employers seek. The FAA minimum requirement is 40 hours of ground training and 25 hours of flight training before taking the final check ride with an FAA-approved examiner. Additionally, applicants must hold at least a commercial pilot certificate and possess adequate knowledge about aviation regulations governing instruction flights before becoming certified instructors themselves.

The Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) Rating will grant you the ability to impart essential skills to aspiring instrument pilots, focusing on the crucial aspect of flying solely by reference to instruments. Obtaining this rating will make you competitive in the job market as a flight instructor. This rating can be completed by the approved FAA Part 141 or Part 61, and the hours are dependent on your instrument proficiency.

Choosing the Right Flight Academy

Choosing the right flight academy is an essential step for any aspiring pilot. With so many schools offering different programs and levels of accreditation, it can be difficult to know which school will provide the best training and outcomes for your career. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a flight school:

Accreditation: The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) provides accreditation that ensures the highest quality training standards. Look for this accreditation when choosing a flight school, as it indicates that the institution meets or exceeds specific standards set by the ACCSC.

Visa Programs: The F-1 visa program offers foreign students the opportunity  to apply for up to 23 additional months to work and build flight hours after their pilot training.

Environment: Flight schools in sunny climates often rely on simulators for instrument flying; however, pilots should build their flight hours in challenging weather conditions and diverse geographical features – something the Pacific Northwest can provide with its varied terrain and inclement weather patterns.

Safety Management: Look for IS-BAO certification – the recognized standard for aviation safety – to ensure that safety is the highest priority at your chosen school.

Partnerships: Professional partnerships with helicopter operators and other aviation industry employers are also important factors to consider when selecting a school; such partnerships may offer future job opportunities upon completion of license training.

When deciding between multiple potential flight schools, take your time to research each option thoroughly before making your decision. Ultimately, choosing the right flight academy will determine your success in becoming a certified helicopter pilot.

Costs and Financing Options for Your Helicopter Pilot License

Our program costs are calculated using historical averages specific to our students rather than relying on FAA minimums as this provides a more precise representation of the program's actual expenses. On average, the Helicopter Professional Pilot Program costs approximately $80,000, but financing options are available to help aspiring pilots achieve their dreams. You can find our program pricing here

To finance these costs, you can explore some of our third-party financing options to apply for loans through Meritize or College Ave Student Loans. Additionally, students may qualify for scholarships from organizations like Alaska Resident or Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) which provide funds toward flight training expenses for those who meet their criteria.

It is essential to do your research before deciding on a financing option so you can choose one that works best for you. With proper planning and guidance from our admissions team and staff, you can fly confidently towards achieving your dreams of becoming certified professionals in the helicopter industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a certified helicopter pilot can seem intimidating if you're just starting your journey. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about obtaining a helicopter pilot license:

How can I become a helicopter pilot?

At Hillsboro Heli Academy, we offer our Helicopter Professional Program, which provides students with the ratings and certificates needed to be employed in this industry. Our program consists of flight training for private, instrument, commercial, and flight instructor courses and ground school lessons covering topics such as aircraft systems and navigation techniques and simulations that allow pilots to practice before taking an actual flying lesson with an instructor certified by the FAA. With our help aspiring pilots can confidently pursue their dream of becoming certified helicopter pilot.

What can I expect from helicopter pilot training?

Once you begin flight training, you will become part of a substantial community comprised of students and instructors, all prepared to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue your aviation aspirations. Through personalized flight and ground instruction, certified flight instructors will guide you in fulfilling the FAA requirements for every certificate or rating, ensuring your readiness for each milestone.

How long does it take to become a qualified helicopter pilot?

Our helicopter program is designed to take approximately 14 months to complete if you are a full-time student committing to being on the flight schedule five times per week. Your training speed can change depending on how often you fly, the amount of study time you commit, and the time of year you start your training.

What does a typical schedule look like?

Our helicopter students have one-on-one ground with their instructor 2-3 times per week. As for your flights, if you are a full-time student, you will be scheduled for 4-5 flights per week so you can make efficient progress through the course and still stay on track even when a flight is canceled for weather or maintenance.

How to Get Started with Your Helicopter Pilot License Training

Getting started with helicopter pilot license training is the first step toward an exciting new career. We want all aspiring pilots out there to know that getting started doesn't have to be difficult or intimidating - you can fly confidently. That's why our admissions team is here to help you every step of the way. We'll guide you through the steps necessary to start your journey toward becoming a certified helicopter pilot. Get in contact with one of the members of our admissions team at info@flyhaa.com or 1.503.726.3000 today so that you can take the first step toward your new career!