Considering what you can do with a private helicopter license? A Private Pilot License is an excellent choice for personal and recreational flying, offering the freedom to explore new destinations and share the experience with friends and family. While the private license is ideal for non-commercial uses, we’ll also explore how advanced certifications, such as a commercial license, can open the door to exciting career opportunities in the aviation industry.
This blog will guide you through both personal and professional pathways, from recreational flying to career-oriented roles that require advanced skills and certifications.
Overview of a Private Helicopter License
Earning your private helicopter license is the gateway to a dynamic and rewarding helicopter pilot career. Through comprehensive training and exams, you'll develop essential skills that lay the foundation for exciting flying opportunities and future adventures in the skies.
Types of Licenses: Private vs. Commercial
A Private Pilot License (PPL) is the most common starting point for individuals pursuing helicopter flight training. This foundational license allows you to fly solo or with passengers, such as family and friends, for recreational purposes. With a PPL, you’re authorized to fly during both day and night under visual flight rules, making it possible to attend aviation events, airshows, or fly-ins. However, it is important to note that a PPL is more limiting, as it does not permit pilots to be compensated for their flying services or take on professional roles.
For those seeking a broader range of opportunities, obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is the next step. A CPL allows you to be paid for your flying skills and take on professional roles in sectors such as aerial firefighting, search and rescue, and tourism. Many private pilots choose to continue their training and pursue a commercial license to unlock these opportunities and build a career in aviation.
Key Requirements: Training, Medical, Exams
To get a private helicopter license, you need to meet several key requirements. First, you must complete flight training. The FAA minimum hour requirement for a Private Pilot Certificate is 35 hours of ground training and 35 hours of flight training. Most people complete their training in 50-60 hours, but we can’t guarantee a specific minimum for completion—everyone learns at a different rate.
Secondly, there are medical requirements. Although you only need a third-class FAA medical certificate from an FAA-approved medical examiner, we recommend getting a first or second-class medical if your goal is to pursue a career as a professional helicopter pilot. You can learn about navigating FAA medical certificates here.
The next step involves completing both the FAA written exam and the practical test. The written exam covers essential topics such as aircraft systems, weather, navigation, regulations, and aerodynamics. A passing score demonstrates your understanding of critical flight theory and regulations.
Following the written exam, you will take the practical test, often called a check ride, with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). This test includes an oral exam and a flight test. During the oral exam, you’ll be asked questions related to flight planning, helicopter systems, and regulations. In the flight test portion, you will demonstrate your ability to control the helicopter in various conditions, including hovering, autorotations, takeoffs, landings, and emergency procedures. Successfully passing the check ride certifies you to operate as a Private Pilot in Command under FAA regulations.
At Hillsboro Heli Academy, however, we offer a unique advantage with our self-examining authority. This authority allows us to conduct in-house evaluations of our students, eliminating the need for an external FAA examiner for the check ride. Our qualified instructors, certified under this authority, assess your flight skills and knowledge directly, streamlining the certification process.
To learn more about the benefits and process of self-examining authority, be sure to check out our blog post Hillsboro Heli Academy Granted Examining Authority by FAA.
Personal and Recreational Uses
Fly Family and Friends
With a private helicopter license, you can take family and friends on flights for personal and recreational purposes. While you're permitted to carry passengers and share flight expenses, compensation for your services is not allowed. You can fly to nearby destinations, enjoy scenic locations, or take weekend trips to places of interest. Night flights are also an option, offering a unique flying experience.
Travel and Sightseeing Opportunities
A private helicopter license allows you to explore landscapes and landmarks from above, flying over mountains, lakes, and city skylines. These flights can be purely for personal enjoyment, providing an opportunity to visit remote areas that may be difficult to access by road. You can also participate in aviation events, like fly-ins, which offer a chance to connect with other pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
Participation in Helicopter Flying Clubs
Joining a helicopter flying club provides the opportunity to connect with other pilots while enhancing your flying experience. Many clubs host events, fly-ins, and social gatherings where pilots can exchange knowledge and improve their skills. Clubs may also offer access to aircraft rentals, allowing you to practice flying more often without the cost of ownership.
Career Opportunities Requiring Advanced Certifications
As we mentioned, a private helicopter license allows you to operate an aircraft for personal and recreational use. While these capabilities can add value to your personal endeavors, the private license does not permit compensation for flying services. For those looking to pursue a rewarding pilot career and engage in paid opportunities, obtaining a commercial helicopter license is essential.
Continuing your training and pursuing a helicopter commercial certification opens doors to a wide range of career paths, such as aerial firefighting, search and rescue operations, medical transport, and roles in the media and entertainment industries. Additionally, advancing to certified flight instructor (CFI) and instrument instructor (CFII) ratings allows you to gain valuable experience while being compensated to train the next generation of pilots. These certifications position you for long-term success in the demanding and rewarding helicopter industry.
Aerial Photography and Videography
Working in aerial photography and videography allows helicopter pilots to capture breathtaking views from above, supporting industries such as tourism, real estate, and media production. High-quality aerial images are often used to market properties, promote travel destinations, or document special events from unique angles.
This role offers a blend of creativity and aviation, but it requires a commercial helicopter license to perform these services for compensation.
Corporate and Executive Transportation
Providing corporate and executive transportation by helicopter offers a fast and efficient mode of travel for business professionals. As a helicopter pilot, you can fly executives to meetings, avoiding traffic and reducing travel time.
This service is valued for its convenience and ability to make business travel more productive. Offering transportation services to corporate clients requires the appropriate commercial certification to legally provide these services for compensation.
Agriculture and Surveying
Helicopters play a critical role in agricultural operations and land surveying. Helicopter pilots can assist farmers by providing aerial views of their crops, helping them identify issues such as irrigation problems or pest infestations.
Additionally, aerial surveying provides essential data for land management, map creation, and infrastructure development. These tasks require a commercial certification to ensure compliance with aviation regulations while performing compensated work safely and effectively.
Search and Rescue Operations
Those who pursue advanced certifications, such as a commercial pilot license, can explore search and rescue as a career.
Professional helicopter pilots work closely with emergency response teams to locate and rescue individuals in distress, whether in remote areas or dangerous conditions. With the necessary qualifications, this role offers a rewarding career where your skills can make a significant impact.
Medical Evacuations and Disaster Relief
Helicopter pilots play a crucial role in medical evacuations and disaster relief. While private pilots cannot be compensated for these services, obtaining a commercial pilot license opens doors to professional opportunities in these critical fields.
Pilots with the required certifications transport patients to hospitals during emergencies and deliver essential supplies to disaster-stricken areas. This career path allows you to use your flying skills in life-saving operations, providing aid in times of crisis.
Aerial Firefighting
Aerial firefighting is a challenging and rewarding career, requiring advanced training and certification beyond a private pilot license. Pilots in this field are responsible for dropping water or fire retardant on wildfires, often operating in extreme conditions.
Those who earn their commercial pilot license and undergo specialized firefighting training can pursue this vital profession, helping protect both land and lives.
Film and Media Industry
Helicopter pilots are in demand for aerial photography and cinematography in the film and media industry. While private pilots can participate in these projects without compensation, obtaining a commercial pilot license allows you to turn this into a paid career.
Pilots work on films, TV shows, and commercials, capturing stunning aerial shots that are essential for high-quality production. This field offers a unique blend of creativity and aviation for those with the necessary certifications.
Training and Education
At Hillsboro Heli Academy, we offer a comprehensive helicopter pilot training program designed to guide you from a private pilot license through to obtaining your Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII) certification. This thorough program ensures that students develop the skills and knowledge essential for a successful career in aviation.
The training begins with the Private Pilot License (PPL), where you'll gain fundamental flying skills and a solid understanding of helicopter operations. This license is ideal for personal and recreational flying, allowing you to share your experiences with family and friends while building confidence and proficiency. For those who aspire to a professional career as a helicopter pilot, obtaining a commercial certificate is essential.
As you progress in our program, you will pursue the following additional certifications to further enhance your qualifications and open more career opportunities:
- Instrument Rating: This certification allows you to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR), enabling you to operate in various weather conditions and enhancing your flying capabilities.
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): This rating opens up opportunities for professional flying roles by qualifying you to be compensated for your services. It includes advanced training to handle complex flight scenarios and equipment.
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) License: Becoming a CFI allows you to teach others how to fly, providing a pathway to gain more experience while earning a salary. This role also helps you accumulate the flight hours required for further advancement.
- Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII) Certification: This advanced instructor rating equips you to teach instrument flying, further broadening your teaching capabilities and professional prospects.
Our program also offers specialized training in external load operations and mountain flying. These advanced skills are crucial for various professional applications, such as firefighting, search and rescue, and other demanding missions. By integrating this specialized training,, we ensure that you are well-prepared for a diverse range of career opportunities.
While the private pilot license is excellent for personal and recreational flying, our goal is to provide you with the comprehensive training required to excel in the competitive helicopter industry. We focus on equipping you with the most sought-after skills, preparing you for a fulfilling and successful career in aviation.
Start Your Journey to Becoming a Helicopter Pilot with Hillsboro Heli Academy
A private helicopter license offers a range of opportunities for personal and recreational enjoyment, and it also serves as the first step toward a professional helicopter pilot career. With advanced certifications, you can pursue careers in search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and so much more.
Ready to take the next step toward your dream of becoming a helicopter pilot? Whether you’re looking to enjoy the thrill of flying or want to explore new career opportunities, Hillsboro Heli Academy can help you get there.
Contact us today to learn more about our world-class helicopter training programs and start your journey in aviation!
FAQs
1. What can you do with a private helicopter license?
A private helicopter license allows you to fly for personal and recreational purposes. You can transport yourself and passengers on scenic flights, enjoy the freedom of flying for leisure, and explore various destinations. However, under this license, you are not permitted to receive compensation for your flying services.
2. Can I give flight instruction with a private helicopter license?
No, a private helicopter license alone does not qualify you to provide flight instruction. To become a flight instructor, you must obtain additional certifications, such as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating, which requires one to hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate.
3. Is it possible to upgrade from a sport pilot certificate to a private helicopter license?
Yes, you can upgrade from a sport pilot certificate to a private helicopter license. To do so, you will need to meet additional training requirements, complete the necessary flight hours, and pass both a written exam and a check ride to obtain your private helicopter license.
4. Are there restrictions on where I can fly with my private helicopter license?
Yes, there are certain restrictions. For example, flying in controlled airspace requires proper clearance from air traffic control. However, as a private pilot, you will have the freedom to fly recreationally in most airspaces, as long as you adhere to FAA regulations and any specific airspace requirements.