Category: Career

Helicopters today, have many uses aside from transportation. They have adapted to serve various capabilities, working in different disciplines from disaster recovery operations to exploration tours. Some of the pilots take the task of piloting a helicopter as their hobby or do it for fun, whereas others aim to become professional pilots.

To become a helicopter pilot, one requires a lot of patience and expertise put into practice to ensure perfection. The career is both challenging and rewarding after learning the tactics and the ways of becoming a fully-fledged helicopter pilot. In this article, we focus on helicopter pilot training and what it takes to become one.

What’s the work of a helicopter pilot?

As mentioned, helicopters are used in a variety of fields worldwide, both private and commercial operations. Helicopter pilots mainly offer transportation services, seek out military services, or become helicopter pilot training instructors. As for helicopter pilot training, there are things you need to know before embarking on the practice.

Requirements for becoming a Helicopter Pilot

First and foremost, there are specific academic credentials required before embarking on helicopter pilot training. However, there are some things you are required to have to complete your training. These include:

Decision on the type of license you’ll get

For starters, you need to decide on whether to go for a private or commercial helicopter license. The former enables you to fly passengers who are embarking on recreational or business purposes. However, in this case, you don’t receive payment for your services. A commercial helicopter pilot training, however, enables you to charge for any services rendered as a helicopter pilot and can also lead to pilot employment.

Aviation reference number

Upon deciding on becoming a helicopter pilot, you are required to acquire an Aviation Reference Number. At this point, you don’t need a student pilot’s license. The procedure is usually straightforward. However, it takes some time to complete. The ARN is just like your pilot license that remains constant throughout your pilot career.

Aviation security identity card (ASIC)

Helicopter pilot training instructor

ASIC is a requirement to access protected areas of Security Controlled Airport with regular transport operations. An Aviation security identity card is also required as you submit the final license presentations. Also, during the application of ASIC, you will undergo security checks and fill out various forms. As many institutions provide helicopter pilot training loans, paying the fee upfront is no longer necessary to give you ample time for the money to get to you and straight to the training facilities.

Medical exam

A medical examination is required before enrolling to helicopter pilot training. The doctor performing the test should be nominated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. You will also require your ARN before undertaking the medical test.

The medical examination process is long and thorough to ensure you are in the right physical and mental state to operate any type of aircraft. You only renew the medical test once after 4 or 2 years for forty and under and forty and above respectively, when going for Private Helicopter pilot training.

Theory and Flight Training

Once you have all your credentials, you can now proceed with helicopter pilot training in theory first. Here, you get to learn the basics of being a helicopter pilot and the terms used. Afterward, you will be taken to the field to practice what you have learned and familiarize yourself with the helicopter machines.

Flight Testing

Once you have had enough practice through helicopter pilot training, it is time to test your skills on the helicopter in the sky. You are ready.

As mentioned, helicopter pilot training requires a lot of patience and dedication to achieve excellent results. Once you have all the requirements at hand, you can then proceed with the training that will determine your piloting career.

 

 

 

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