How To Become A Pilot

In previous articles I have covered the routes to  fixed wing pilots Licences for pleasure, commercial and military. Microlights, balloons and gliders have also been discussed. I have now been asked to provide similar information for Helicopter flying. Obtaining a helicopter licence is probably a more difficult task than for fixed wing. Employment opportunities are also more limited.

There are the usual two routes Military or civilian.
The selection procedure for the Miltary is the same as for fixed wing pilots. In brief having a degree is a positive advantage, good interview techniques are also important and the required fitness is essential. If this is your aim then make sure you learn some of the history of the chosen service and have a clear idea of why you have chosen that particular service.

The Royal Naval and Marines operate slightly differently but in general selected personnel complete the Defence Elementary Flying Training on a basic aircraft then move to the Defence Helicopter Flying Training School.

On completion  Royal Navy candidates then convert to aircraft such as the Sea King  for operational training while Royal Marines go to the Army Training School for the operational training and later join their observers for joint training as crews. On completion of elementary training The Royal Air Force  stream pilots into fast jet, rotary (helicopter flying) or multi engine training.

The civilian route can be very difficult as currently there are no sponsorships available. Anyone wanting to be a helicopter pilot has to finance the training and it is expensive. The requirements for helicopter flying and obtaining a licence are as follows:

Basic Leisure Pilot Licence (H)
Minimum age 16 years  Obtain passes in the theory subjects Air Law, Human Performance, Meteorology, Communications, Flight Performance and Planning, Navigation and Aircraft General Knowledge .
Flying:  Minimum 35 hours instruction in helicopter flying including a minimum of 20 hours dual instruction, 6 hours supervised solo flight and 3 hours navigation training. Complete a helicopter flying skills test.

Leisure Pilot Licence (H)
Minimum age 16years. Obtain passes in the theory subjects Air Law, Human Performance, Meteorology, Communications, Flight Performance and Planning, Navigation and Aircraft General Knowledge .
Flying: Minimum 45 hours instruction in helicopter flying including a minimum of 25 hours dual instruction, 10 hours supervised solo flight including at least 5 hours cross country flight time with one flight of at least 150km with one full stop landing at an airfield other than the departure airfield.  Complete a helicopter flying skills test.

Private Pilot Licence (H)
Minimum age 17 years. Obtain passes in the theory subjects Air Law, Human Performance and Limitations, Meteorology, Communications, Flight Performance and Planning, Radio Aids, Operational Procedures, Principals of Flight, Navigation and Aircraft General Knowledge .
Flying: Minimum 45 hours instruction in helicopter flying including a minimum of 25 hours dual instruction including 5 hours instrument dual instruction  10 hours supervised solo flight including at least 5 hours cross country flight time with one flight of at least 185km with two full stop landings at  two airfields other than the departure airfield.  Complete a helicopter flying skills test.

Helicopter flying is less affected by the weather so the training programme usually goes fairly smoothly. Once qualified finding work can be daunting. The largest area of civilian helicopter operations is the North Sea. Sponsorships do occur from time to time and you should not neglect the racing fraternity. Overseas opportunities particularly in Africa are another source of employment.

Good luck with all your endeavours and happy flying.