How to Become a Helicopter Pilot in the UK

Many flying hours are required for the student pilot.

The prospective helicopter pilot can apply to one of the numerous school in the U.K. that are approved or registered with the Civil Aviation Authority.There are also different levels of licensing that may be studied for; many people begin by gaining a private pilot's license. The costs of training for a helicopter's pilot's license is significant, and the study required demands commitment.

Things You'll Need

• Medical
• General Certificate in Secondary Education

Instructions

Private Licence

1. Apply to an approved flying training school to train for the Joint Aviation Approved (JAA) private pilot's license. This license allows you to fly yourself, friends and even colleagues. However, you must not do this for hire. Complete a minimum of 45 hours of flying, both under instruction and solo. Complete the ground examination in related subjects and undergo an aviation examination.

2. Apply to a JAA approved Modular Flight Training Organization to complete training if you wish to progress from a private helicopter's pilot's license to a commercial pilot's license. Achieve 155 total helicopter flight time, of which at least 50 hours must have been completed as pilot-in-command of a helicopter. In addition, undertake at least 500 hours of knowledge study. Pass nine examinations. As a student commercial pilot, commence a 35-hour commercial flying course. Complete a pilot's skills test with a CAA examiner.

3. Apply directly to do an integrated helicopter's pilot's training as an alternative to the modular route. Study full-time for 12 months. Complete 500 hours of theoretical knowledge and flying. Pass the medical and take the commercial pilot's skills test with a CAA examiner. This enables the pilot to fly a helicopter commercially and privately.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish to work as a commercial helicopter pilot, explore possibilities of sponsorship.

• Much of a commercial helicopter's work involves routine work, which is not always as glamorous as the image some people may have of the job.

References

• Helicopter Pilot Training