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Are you seeking a career that offers thrills, excitement, and a chance to soar above the clouds? Have you ever felt a sense of envy watching a helicopter gracefully hover overhead and wondered what it would be like to pilot one? If so, you’re in the right place.

From choosing the right flight school to logging your first solo flight, this article details the five essential steps of becoming a helicopter pilot. 

What Does a Helicopter Pilot Do?

Helicopter pilots are skilled professionals who operate a range of rotary-wing aircraft. Their primary responsibility is to fly helicopters safely and efficiently. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Helicopter pilots also:

• Conduct aerial surveys and inspections

• Transport passengers and cargo

• Conduct search and rescue operations

• Support firefighting efforts

• Provide helicopter tours

• Assist with agricultural operations, such as crop dusting and spraying

The industries that employ helicopter pilots include:

• Emergency medical services

• Law enforcement

• Military and defence

• News media

• Oil and gas exploration

• Tourism

• Utilities and infrastructure maintenance

Whether flying a patient to a hospital or capturing breathtaking aerial footage for a news broadcast, helicopter pilots perform essential roles in many industries.

How to Become a Helicopter Pilot

To become a helicopter pilot, you’ll need to log the necessary flight time,  gain relevant-flying experience and pass all the written and flight exams to get your license, 

It might seem overwhelming, but don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Here are five steps to help you pursue a career as a helicopter pilot:

#1 Schedule a Medical Exam

Scheduling a medical exam is an essential first step to becoming a helicopter pilot in Canada. This step ensures that you meet the medical requirements set by Transport Canada, the regulatory body that oversees aviation in Canada. Transport Canada requires all pilots to have a valid medical certificate to operate an aircraft safely. Receiving this certificate proves that you meet the medical standards necessary to fly an aircraft and perform your duties as a pilot.

During your medical exam, a certified aviation medical examiner will assess your vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, respiratory function, and overall physical and mental health. Any health issues that could interfere with your ability to fly safely will be identified during this exam.

Health problems that may interfere with obtaining a license include:

• Cardiovascular diseases, like hypertension or coronary artery disease

• Respiratory diseases, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Neurological disorders, like epilepsy or stroke

• Psychiatric disorders, like depression or anxiety

• Substance abuse

• Visual or hearing impairments that cannot be corrected with glasses or hearing aids

Its important to understand that these health problems do not automatically disqualify you from becoming a helicopter pilot. Instead, the medical examiner will evaluate the severity of the condition and determine if it affects your ability to fly safely. You may need to provide additional medical documentation or get a waiver from Transport Canada to obtain a license.

#2 Earn a Degree or Attend a Flight School

Attending a flight school or earning a degree in aviation is a crucial step for anyone pursuing a career as a helicopter pilot. That’s why choosing a reputable flight school like Select Aviation College is crucial. Our experienced instructors will provide you with the essential skills and knowledge to become a successful helicopter pilot. You’ll also have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, networking events, and mentorship programs to help you get a head start in the industry.

Additionally, a degree or certification from a respected flight school like Select Aviation College can give you an edge over the competition when it comes to landing a job.

 

#3 Secure Financial Assistance

Becoming a helicopter pilot can be expensive, and the cost can be a significant barrier for many individuals. Fortunately, financial assistance is options like scholarships, grants, loans and other financial aid programs are available to help you achieve your goals without breaking the bank.

The good news, organizations like Select Aviation College have a range of financial assistance options to help students fund their flight training. These options can help reduce the overall cost of flight training and make it more accessible to individuals who may not have the resources to pay for it upfront.

By securing financial assistance, you can focus on what really matters – your flight training. 

#4 Obtain the Proper Licenses

To obtain a proper helicopter pilot license, you must meet specific requirements and pass several exams. Here’s why this step is crucial in your journey to becoming a helicopter pilot:

Legality: In Canada, operating a helicopter without the proper license is illegal. You could face fines or even imprisonment if caught flying a helicopter without the appropriate license.

Safety: Obtaining the proper licenses ensures that you have received the necessary training to operate a helicopter safely.

At Select Aviation College, we offer a range of helicopter pilot training programs that lead to different licenses. Here are some of the licenses you can obtain with us:

Private Pilot License: The Private Pilot License allows you to fly a helicopter for personal use or recreation. It is the first step towards becoming a licensed commercial pilot.

Commercial Pilot License:  A commercial pilot license allows you to get paid for flying a helicopter. This license is required if you want to become a professional helicopter pilot.

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): This license is Canada’s pilot certification level. It allows you to act as a helicopter pilot-in-command and fly for major airlines.

#5 Update Your Resume

Your resume is one of the best ways to showcase your skills and experiences as a helicopter pilot. When crafting your resume, be sure to include the following:

• Total number of flight hours and any specific types of flights you have experience with.

• The types of helicopters you’ve flown 

• Any advanced training or certifications you’ve earned

• Any awards or recognitions you’ve received

Remember, your resume is your first opportunity to make a great impression on potential employers. 

Salary and Job Outlook for Helicopter Pilots

The salary and job outlook for helicopter pilots in Canada can vary based experience, location, and the industry they work in. According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the median annual salary for helicopter pilots in Canada is approximately $78,000, with the range falling between $60,000 and $120,000.

Regarding job outlook, the demand for helicopter pilots in Canada is expected to grow moderately over the next few years due to the expansion of the natural resource sector, increasing tourism, and the need for emergency medical services. 

FAQs About Becoming a Helicopter Pilot

Here are some common questions about becoming a helicopter pilot:

What sort of math skills do helicopter pilots need?

Helicopter pilots need a solid foundation in basic math skills such as arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. In addition, they need to be able to calculate weight and balance, fuel consumption, altitude, and distance to ensure a safe and efficient flight. They may also need to use trigonometry to calculate headings and wind corrections. 

How much may my education and training cost?

The cost of education and training for helicopter pilots in Canada can vary depending on the flight school and training program chosen. Generally, obtaining a private pilot license can range from $10,000 to $15,000. In contrast, obtaining a commercial pilot license can range from $80,000 to $95,000. In addition to the cost of flight training, there may be additional expenses such as books, supplies, and equipment. For aspiring helicopter pilots, be sure to research the costs associated with flight training and to consider financial assistance options that may be available.

Should I attend a flight school instead of college?

Helicopter pilot candidates can attend flight school in place of traditional college. Flight schools may offer scholarships or job opportunities as flight instructors. In addition, flight schools provide the bonus of obtaining a degree and pilot license simultaneously.

Can I get a private pilot’s license without a high school education?

Yes, it is possible to obtain a Private Pilot’s License (PPL) without a high school education.

What is an instrument rating?

An instrument rating is an advanced certification that allows a helicopter pilot to fly only by using the aircraft’s instruments in conditions where visibility is limited or non-existent. With an instrument rating, a pilot can fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) instead of Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), where a pilot relies on visual cues outside the aircraft. 

What can I expect from helicopter pilot training?

Helicopter pilot training is a comprehensive program covering theoretical and practical aspects of flying helicopters. The training program typically consists of classroom, simulator, and in-flight instruction.

During the classroom instruction portion, you will learn about the fundamentals of aviation, helicopter systems, meteorology, navigation, aerodynamics and other important topics related to flying. Simulator training is also required. This involves using advanced computer-based training devices that simulate real-world flying conditions, allowing you to practice various flight scenarios in a safe environment.

The in-flight instruction portion is the most critical component of the training program.  It’s here where you’ll apply the lessons learned in the classroom and simulator in the real world. 

Overall, helicopter pilot training can be an intense and challenging experience, but it is also highly rewarding. By the end of the program, you will have the skills and knowledge necessary to safely and confidently operate a helicopter in various settings.

How to Become a Helicopter Pilot

Becoming a helicopter pilot takes dedication, hard work, and financial investment, but it can be an incredibly rewarding career. By following the five steps outlined in this article, you can set yourself up for success in the industry.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a helicopter pilot, consider Select Aviation College. With experienced instructors, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and various training programs and licenses, we’re committed to helping our students achieve their goals. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and start your journey to becoming a helicopter pilot.