How to Obtain a Helicopter License
Private study for a helicopter license is becoming increasingly popular as older, war-era pilots reach retirement age. According to the FAA, more than half of all helicopter pilots now receive their licenses by studying at flight schools around the country.
Obtaining a helicopter license takes months of training, practice and exams. It's a challenging process, but also very rewarding--with a helicopter license, you can fly solo recreationally, or pursue additional training for a helicopter career.
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Instructions
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Take an introductory lesson from a flight school in your area. Many schools offer the initial lesson for a reduced rate. This is an opportunity to make sure that you want to pursue your pilot's license.
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Register with a flight school. Speak with several instructors about their rates. Make sure you are comfortable with the instructors, as you will be spending many hours together in a helicopter.
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Arrange to take the FAA Third Class Medical exam with a certified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Your flight school can direct you to registered doctors in your area.
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Attend ground school. This is offered by all flight schools as a prerequisite to flight training.
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Contact the FAA District Office to arrange your ground school test. They will provide you with FAA Form 8060-7, Airman's Authorization for Written Test, which you must present at your test session.
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Pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge written test. Bring your logbook, signed by the ground school instructor, as well as photo ID.
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Complete a minimum of 40 hours of in-flight training. This must include 20 hours of flight instruction, 10 hours of solo flight, and situational training for night flight, takeoffs and landings, cross-country flight and test prep.
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Contact the FAA District Office to arrange your practical exam.
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Fill out FAA Form 8710-1 (Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating) and ask your instructor to sign it. Also bring your logbook, your written test report and your medical certificate with you on the day of the test.
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Take the FAA Private Pilot practical test. Your examiner will ask you to perform various maneuvers in the helicopter during your test session. If you pass, you will be issued with a private pilot's certificate.
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Tips & Warnings
You do not need to complete all of your training at the same flight school, as your instructors can sign off on your training as you progress. However, it is best to complete your training with the same instructor because they are aware of what you've learned so far. Your training will go faster this way.
The results of your written test are valid for two years, so you can complete this test even if you only have time to take part-time flying lessons.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit helicopter image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
