How to Build Helicopter Flight Time

Helicopter pilots carry out a variety of tasks from medical evacuations, police work, disaster relief to flight instruction.

Building helicopter flight time can be a daunting task. It is both time consuming and expensive to build the time necessary for gainful employment. Fortunately, there are methods which can help pilots reduce the time and monetary investment needed to build those flight hours. Prospective helicopter pilots are required to earn a private helicopter license from a certified flight instructor before they are able to build their time. The United States Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard all operate helicopters and require competent pilots to join the ranks. This is the best way to earn your licenses and build helicopter time without investing a large amount of money.

Things You'll Need

• Private helicopter pilot license (or greater)
• Required funds or credit for training

Instructions

Training with the US Military

1. 

   The US Army employs thousands of helicopter pilots.

   Earn at least an associates degree to be considered for the United States Army's warrant officer program. Bachelor degrees are required for entry as a commissioned officer.

2. Decide which branch of the service interests you and visit your local recruiter. The recruiter will have to assemble a package, consisting of your resume, letters of recommendation, college transcripts, test scores and other material. This package will be reviewed by a board along with results from a personal interview.

3. Prepare for several years of intense flight training with the United States Military if you are accepted. Condition yourself physically, maintain a healthy lifestyle and learn all you can about what will be expected of you in training. Most of all, maintain a positive attitude as this is the most fundamental characteristic for future military aviators.

Training as a Civilian

1. Search your local area for a helicopter training school. A private helicopter license is a costly endeavor, so be sure to have the required capital or credit before starting lessons. Many flight schools are able to provide financial aid to prospective students.

2. Sign up for a training program. Helicopter training is a difficult program and requires dedication, hours of study as well as natural aptitude. Low level hovering can be stressful and tedious and the many concepts, regulations and procedures that need to be memorized require many hours of study.

3. Pass your checkride. The checkride is the last event in the training program and is a test of all the skills and knowledge you've acquired. This high-stress event is what determines who's earned the right to fly helicopters as a certified pilot.

4. Find another pilot to pair with and split the cost of a rental. This is the most cost-effective way to log flight time. Pilots are required to log 250 hours of flight time before they are able to apply for a commercial license.

5. Search local job listings. Licensed commercial helicopter pilots have many options to continue building flight time. Pilots choose to fly for local and state police departments, news channels, even medical evacuation and disaster relief teams. Experienced commercial pilots will be able to find jobs flying corporate charter; a well compensated position.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your research. Flying helicopters is expensive and requires a major investment. Be sure this is something you will enjoy before undertaking this venture.

References

• Federal Aviation Adminstration: FAR Part 61 Sec. 61.129
• Careers in the Military: Helicopter Pilots