Helicopter pilots are responsible and skilled officers who control and fly the many helicopters operated by the Services. They also perform combat maneuvers, spot and observe enemy positions, transport troops and equipment, and evacuate wounded troops.
What does a helicopter pilot do?
Helicopter pilots are found in a variety of industries to serve private individuals or commercial operations. Pilots may provide transportation services, seek military service or become flight instructors.
Some industries that employ helicopter pilots include:
Emergency medical services
Law enforcement
Agriculture
Executive transport
What qualifications do you need to be a helicopter pilot?
Typical entry requirements: To fly a helicopter for a living, you’ll need to hold a Commercial Pilot Licence CPL(H) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). To get onto the training course, you’ll need to have five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, Maths, and Science, to pass skills tests and a thorough medical assessment and to have a minimum of 155 hours’ flying time. The number of flying hours needed may be lower for trained aeroplane pilots.
As a first step, you could train for a Private Pilot’s Licence PPL(H) which allows you to fly for personal use and build up your flying hours. The flight training school would assess your skills, and could ask you to take some pre-course training to prove that you have the level of ability and skills needed for commercial training.
Below are steps to Become A Helicopter Pilot In South Africa
Certain milestones must be achieved before becoming a helicopter pilot. For instance, a commercial helicopter pilot must first pass all exams to obtain a private pilot license.
Pilots must pass written and flight exams to obtain a pilot’s license, log the required amount of flight time and gain relative experience according to job specifications. If you want to pursue a career as a helicopter pilot, follow these five steps:
Schedule a medical exam
Before enrolling in school or a flight training program, pilot candidates will need to pass a medical exam to determine that their mental and physical health will not interfere with flying.
The exam must be performed by a Federal Aviation Administration-approved physician. Doctors will check for health problems that may interfere with obtaining a license, such as:
Heart problems
Psychological disorders
History of drug abuse
Lapses in consciousness
Earn a degree or attend a flight school
Unless you plan to fly a helicopter for personal enjoyment, you may consider obtaining a degree. Most helicopter pilot employers require an associate or bachelor’s degree in math, physics or aeronautical engineering. Some universities that offer aviation programs also provide the process to obtain licenses.
Attending a flight school may be a shorter route to licensing since the program focuses specifically on what it takes to become a pilot. This includes adequate flight time and exam preparation for written, oral and flight exams.
Secure financial aid
Some flight schools and private companies offer loans, such as the Career Training Loan, for those interested in becoming pilots. Some industry groups may offer training, education or scholarship opportunities.
In lieu of school, candidates may choose to enter the military, where training and licensing are offered in exchange for service. If you are a pilot with a fixed-wing license, you can apply for a rotorcraft license as an add-on, which may reduce the requirement for flight hours.
Obtain the proper licenses
Helicopter pilots earn a private license first, then go on to earn a commercial license. Some pilots may aspire to become an Airline Transport Pilot, the highest achievement recognized by the FAA.
For all licensing, practice exams are available on the FAA website. Age requirements dictate that while a 16-year-old can earn a certification, individuals must be 17 before they can qualify for a private license. Licensing requires accumulating daytime and nighttime flight hours, as well as dual and solo trips.
Update your resume
A resume should contain how many flight hours a pilot has, the aircraft the pilot is familiar with and whether they have earned any awards from flight school. Some flight schools may provide resume templates for pilots so they can include all pertinent flying and training information.
How much does it cost to be a helicopter pilot in South Africa?
How much it costs to get a pilot licence in South Africa
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| 15 Solo hours on PA28-161 @ R1 750 per hour | R26 250 |
| 5 Dual hours on FNPT II @ R960 per hour | R4 800 |
| 15 Hours @ R414.00 (minimum by law) | R5 250 |
| 3 Dual hours on PA28-161 @ R2 050 | R6 150 |
How much does it cost to become a pilot in SA?
It takes around 18 months and costs around R 755654.91 to get your CPL in South Africa. Keep in mind though that you will need further training and certificates to get a job in an airline, like instrument rating and type rating, for example, type rating alone would cost you another R 755654.91
How long does it take to become a helicopter pilot In South Africa?
On average, a helicopter private pilot certificate takes 2 – 4 months full-time training. A commercial helicopter pilot certificate can then take another 2 – 6 months. For most students, completing a full-flight training program of PPL, CPL, CFI & CFII takes 8 – 12 months.
Are helicopter pilots in demand In South Africa?
The demand for helicopter pilots is extremely high. A recent study by Boeing estimated that there will be a shortage of 59,000 helicopter pilots worldwide through 2037. This means that for at least the next 17 years (and probably much longer than that), good helicopter pilots are almost guaranteed a job.
Is it difficult to learn to fly a helicopter In South Africa?
BUT it’s really only difficult at first. After learning and practicing the maneuvers and with experience, flying helicopters becomes like riding a bike, manageable and instinctive. Once you begin making small control inputs and learn how the helicopter responds, flying the aircraft will become much easier.
How hard is helicopter flight school?
Becoming a helicopter pilot isn’t easy, there’s a lot of studying, hard work, and dedication that goes into earning a pilot’s license. Once you’ve put in the effort, however, the reward will far outweigh the cost. With a pilot’s license, you can get paid to follow your dreams.
What do I need to study to become a pilot in South Africa?
How To Become A Pilot In South Africa
The student must be 16 years or older.
The student should have attained a class 1 or 2 medical certificate.
The student should hold an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) language proficiency certificate (if required).
Is it worth it to become a helicopter pilot?
Simply put, if you love to fly and think the idea of spending hours a day in a cockpit thousands of feet above the beautiful views sounds like fun, then yes, becoming a helicopter pilot will be worth it. Learning to fly is challenging. Training is rigorous. Low paying jobs while you build hours.