How to Get a Helicopter Licence: A Step-by-Step Guide
As a pilot, obtaining a helicopter licence can be an exciting and challenging experience. With a commercial helicopter pilot’s licence, you will be qualified to fly for hire, conducting a range of aerial services such as cargo transportation, medical transport, tourism, and surveillance. But getting there requires dedication, hard work, and a structured approach.
Contents
Understanding the Licencing Requirements
To start, let’s define what a commercial helicopter pilot’s licence requires. According to the aviation authority’s guidelines, an applicant must be at least 17 years old (18 for hot air balloon operating privileges) and have demonstrated a high level of aptitude for aeronautical knowledge, judgement, and flying skills. The specific requirements vary from country to country, but the international standards provide a framework.
Helicopter Licence Qualifications
Here are some of the qualifications you should aim to achieve:
| Aspect | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 17 years old |
| aeronautical experience | a minimum of 40 hours of flight experience, 25 hours of solo flight and 5 hours of supervised Instrument Flight Training |
| English language | hold a language proficiency of ICAO Level 4 or a valid Private Pilot Licence and a rating of ICAO Level 3 English |
| Theory exams | pass 15 subjects written exams on the subjects approved by the authority |
| Practical skills | demonstrate practical flying skills on a Boeing 433 type helicopter under the supervision of a instructor |
Enrolling in a Helicopter Flight Training Programme
Enrolling in a flight school or institution approved by your local civil aviation authority (CAA) is crucial for obtaining your helicopter licence. Here, you’ll undergo a series of lessons with a qualified instructor to master the techniques and theory behind helicopter piloting.
Choosing a Flight School
When selecting a flight school, make sure it has:
| Feature | Why is it important |
|---|---|
| Approval by the national aviation authority | Ensures the school meets the stringent standards |
| Experienced instructors | Teach the right flying techniques and procedures |
| Modern helicopters | Provide consistent and safe flight training environments |
| Well-maintained equipment | Ensure students receive a consistent and positive learning experience |
Meeting the Flight Hour Requirements
To gain experience and logging flight hours is a fundamental part of getting a commercial helicopter pilot’s licence. You’ll need to have a minimum of 40 hours of flight experience before taking your theory exams, and an additional 40 hours after gaining your Licence.
Meeting the Night Flying Requirement
As a commercial pilot, you’re required to complete a night flying lesson within the past 24 hours before sitting for the CPL(H) theory exam.
**Helicopter Flying Time Requirements for CPL(H) Licence
Here is a summary of the helicpoter flying hours required:
| Stage | Flight Hour Requirements |
|---|---|
| LAPL (Licence and Rating A) | a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, consisting of a minimum of 25 hours in a aeroplane helicopter, plus ground school lessons and theory studies |
| PPL(H) | 50 hours of flight time, and 30 of these 50 hours shall be hours of pilot in command solo flight |
| CPL(H) | a minimum of 150 hours of total flight time, including: |
- at least 112 hours as pilot in command
- 50 hours of cross-country flight, including a 3 stage flight (flight to departure airport, destination airport to destination, departure airport departure airport, each stage requires a total duration of more than 43 minutes (including preparation) |
| 25 hours of aeronautical education |
Passing the Theory Exam
Theory exams are required for each module of helicopter training, such as theory of flight, aircraft and systems, aerodynamics and weather. Once you feel confident with the material, you’ll schedule an examination and demonstrate your understanding of aeronautical theory.
Passes the Commercial Pilot Test (CPT)
Congratulations! You’re almost ready to fly professionally. On the commercial pilot test day, you’ll be subject to an in-flight testing of your proficiency in maintaining control and manipulating the airplane’s engines.
**Gaining Endorsements for Additional Ratings
Now you have gained your Commercial Helicopter Pilots License. You must also earn endorsement for specialized ratings like helicopter instrument instructor, night, and emergency procedures endorsements, which would allow you to fly further duties.
Practical Applications for Your License
From here, it’s onwards and upwards. With a commercial helicopter pilot’s license, you’ll have increased job opportunities in various aeronautical careers, whether operating helistarts in Africa or operating firefighting campaigns during the wild fires season, the demand is high!
