Flying a helicopter commercially is a different deal altogether. While there is a lot of talk and material available around pilot training for airplanes, helicopter flying might have lesser clarity in terms of available information. In case you are keen on making a career in flying helicopters, then you must choose the right school to begin with.
There are a number of different types of helicopter available. Some are used in combat while some are especially reserved for flying passengers. Currently, helicopters are no longer a rare sighting.
More and more helicopters see employment across various domains such as passenger ferrying, rescue and similar things. In order to become a helicopter pilot, you need to complete training in flying the same.
Helicopter training schools have immense curriculum and practical sessions that you must complete before becoming eligible for a license in helicopter flying. Getting the pilot certificate needs specific guideline fulfillment and you must meet a number of requirements even during, after and before the flight training.
Admission Criteria
- Admission based-criteria are different as per the organization that sponsors your flight training. For instance, if you are enrolling into a helicopter flying lesson via the military, you must be enlisted personnel.
- There are a number of medical clearance that you need to get from the FAA before you apply for acceptance into a program at a helicopter flying school.
- Check if the helicopter school you shortlist comes with the right environment in terms of learning, time frame for flight-related hours, and availability of experienced instructions as well as the student services.
Research on the schools along these specifications outlined above. Look around you for the best options. Only when the helicopter school is of quality, can you expect to learn helicopter flying the right way.
Training Duration
There are a number of accelerated courses that promise you complete quality helicopter flying training. However, make sure you check into the authenticity of the courses.
- The reputable schools always state that while such short-terms courses could teach you the basics, this is not a recommended choice.
- A number of factors dictate the amount of time that you take for earning a license and ratings. The certificates you earn and the completion of a minimum number of flying hours are the most vital factors for the same. You need to hold the private pilot license first and then apply to earn the commercial pilot helicopter license.
- These certificates will enable you to fly commercially. A number of schools have programs that range over a couple of years too. These schools offer you a degree as well as four specific certificates.
Training Pilot Quality
Choose a helicopter training school that has an experienced pool of pilots. Research on how many graduates successfully completed programs from the particular school you are interested in. look for schools that are amply staffed with professionals who are well-trained and experienced for training quality pilots.
Operational Safety
This is a key element that you must consider while picking schools for helicopter flying training. Check the safety affiliations that are associated with the flight school first. Understand the measures and affiliations of safety linked to a school you shortlist.
Finances
Develop some awareness around the financial details involved in the helicopter training school, you pick. Check up if there are loan programs available. Do check out if the school has an authorization from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This will help you understand if the school accepts veteran education benefits for helping to cover the training costs.
Summing Up
Always pick a flight school that has a good reputation. These schools engage in partnerships and have contacts across the aviation industry. Such schools offer flight trainees a good number of opportunities for networking that help in future employment. Do check up on the accreditation involved with the school. The accrediting authority must have an association with the US Education Department too.