Helicopter Pilot – How to become a Helicopter Pilot

The career of a Helicopter Pilot has quickly gained ground and shed its past image as a recreational activity. It is now considered one of the most remarkable forms of transportation. With the emergence of different types of jobs requiring helicopter use, owning a Helicopter Pilot’s license has become an attractive career option.

There are various job opportunities for helicopter pilots in fields such as firefighting, offshore support, law enforcement, agriculture, pipeline and utility support, executive transport, sightseeing, fishing, emergency medical services, search and rescue, logging, cargo lift, news media, photography, aerial surveying, forestry, game control, and traffic reporting. They can also make a career as Helicopter Flight Instructors and Test Pilots in various flying institutes.

However, becoming a Helicopter Pilot requires dedication, hard work, and determination. This job demands intensive training and added responsibility to complete assigned tasks in unfavorable conditions. A Helicopter Pilot should be disciplined, patient, responsible, committed, and self-confident. This job requires a lot of hard work, stamina, alertness of mind, and adaptability to follow difficult time schedules.

A Helicopter Pilot needs special training and knowledge in areas such as air navigation, interpretation of meteorological reports, operations of sophisticated electronic and mechanical controls, and leading the Helicopter in adverse circumstances such as climatic and other emergency situations.

If you’re willing to take on the challenges of being a Helicopter Pilot and have a passion for flying, this career can provide you with endless opportunities and excitement.

How to become a Helicopter Pilot after the 12th?

Becoming a helicopter pilot after completing your 12th standard requires dedication, focus, and the willingness to put in hard work. Here are the steps you can take to become a helicopter pilot after completing your 12th:

1. Research the profession: Before pursuing a career as a helicopter pilot, you must have a thorough understanding of the profession. Research the job’s nature, requirements, and responsibilities. Talk to experienced pilots, visit flying schools and helicopter operators, and attend career fairs and seminars to gain more knowledge.
2. Choose a certified flying school: Choose a certified flying school that offers a course in helicopter flying. These schools have experienced and certified instructors and the training is in line with regulatory requirements.
3. Fulfill prerequisites: Before enrolling in a helicopter flying course, you need to fulfill the prerequisites such as passing the medical examination, being at least 17 years old, and having a valid Class II medical certificate.
4. Complete a helicopter flying course: Enroll in a helicopter flying course at a certified flying school. The course will include ground training, simulator training, and actual flight training, and you will learn about aerodynamics, flight controls, navigation, meteorology, radio communication, and flight planning.
5. Obtain a Commercial Pilot License: After successfully completing your training, you can obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) from the aviation regulatory body in your country. A CPL is a necessary requirement for a career in commercial helicopter flying.
6. Gain experience: To become a proficient helicopter pilot, you must gain flying experience. You can gain experience by working as a Flight Instructor or by working with an operator in a specific field like offshore support or aerial surveying.
7. Apply for a job: Once you have the necessary experience, you can apply for a job as a helicopter pilot. There are various job opportunities in fields such as firefighting, law enforcement, emergency medical services, offshore support, agriculture, and many others.

Becoming a helicopter pilot after completing your 12th requires dedication, focus, and the willingness to put in hard work. With the right training and experience, you can have a fulfilling career as a helicopter pilot.

Helicopter Pilot Eligibility

For Private Helicopter Pilot’s License (PHPL)

Age Limits
Not less than 17 years from the date of application for DGCA license. Allowing for the course duration, the student may not be less than 16-1/2 years on the date of joining the course.

Educational Qualification:
Candidate should have passed Class 10 or its equivalent from any recognized Board.

Medical Fitness
Medically fit class II as certified by a DGCA impaneled doctor or Medical Establishment for the issue of Student Pilot License, FRTOL(R), and PHPL license.

Helicopter Pilot Job Description

The role of a Helicopter Pilot is crucial in various fields and requires a range of skills and responsibilities. The job description of a Helicopter Pilot typically includes:

1. Pre-flight checks: Research relevant information on weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and destination landing facilities, and calculate fuel requirements and maximum loads.
2. Coordinating flight plans: Communicating with air traffic control to request clearance to take off and coordinating flight plans.
3. Controlling the aircraft: Controlling the direction, speed, and altitude of the aircraft during the flight.
4. Navigation: Navigating during the flight, following the designated route, and avoiding any obstacles.
5. Passenger safety: Ensuring the safety of any passengers on board.
6. Post-flight paperwork: Completing any necessary post-flight paperwork.

Helicopter Pilot Career Prospects

The career prospects for Helicopter Pilots are diverse, including jobs in fields such as firefighting, offshore support, law enforcement, agriculture, pipeline and utility support, executive transport, sightseeing, fishing, emergency medical services, search and rescue, logging, cargo lift, news media, photography, aerial surveying, forestry, game control, traffic reporting, and more. Helicopter Pilots can also make a career as flight instructors or test pilots in various flying institutes.

Helicopter Pilot Salary

In terms of salary, Helicopter Pilots can earn between Rs.1,00,000 to Rs.2,50,000 per month, depending on their flying experience and the company/organization they work for. The Government sector also provides attractive remuneration and incentives including contributory provident fund, gratuity, medical facilities, and free/concessional air passage. Helicopter Pilots are also provided with a range of benefits and allowances in addition to housing facilities, medical expenses, and out-station allowances.