New to Helicopters

[Taylor]

Hello there,

I am very interested in learning to fly helicopters for a job. I have flown in mostly R22's and one R44 but that was in Australia. I am wanting to find out as much information as I can on how to obtain my helicopter license what certification do I need or should aim for to have as a career if it is best to go through a school or someone private. What helicopters are best to learn to fly in and to continue using after training. I have done some research but I would like to get some opinions and facts from those who are experienced not just the Google search engine. So any and all information you think would be great to know and helpful I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you!

[r22butters]

Ah' fresh meat!

 

Well lets see...

 

Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, CFII

School

R22 - 175 hours

R44 - 25 hours

 

To be honest if I were 20 years old, had parents willing and able to pay my way and I didn't get sick riding as a passenger and really loved flying, I'd go with Boatpix.

[Rich1]

The answer to your question will be complex simply because everybody's circumstances are different. Everyone's age, background, financial circumstances, marital status, etc. will all come to bear...that said, there are some generalities across all of the forums that can give you some broad insights.

 

1) military option: while it seems that there are limited Helo slots available following flight school and w the uncertainty of funding and deployments in the future...it would seem to be one option to obtain your training and certifications as well as potentially build some hours that could transfer to the private sector upon separation from the military..."potentially" seems to be the variable here.

 

2) flight instructor: probably the most common entry point is securing your initial Helo training at a private flight school and then hopefully being employed at same as a flight instructor. Most flight instructors seek to build their first 1000 or 1500 hrs and advanced certification (instrument or ATP) as an entry point to their first commercial pilots position. Even with 1500 hrs it seems there are still limited commercial pilot openings.

 

3) private funding: there are those that have the good fortune to fund their own training through personal capital...conversely, you'll find little support here or on most forums for borrowing funds through loans as the final debt load will be most difficult even if one does find immediate employment. Starting flight instructor and commercial pilot salaries are seriously low and make debt service difficult if not impossible...let alone provide for a family if married. If you can't find immediate employment...well then...most folks end up taking other jobs to pay the bills.

 

4) patience: lastly, and probably least popular because of the wait, is to complete a college degree in business or other leading to a professional degree (other than aviation),building a career and sufficient cash flow to either be able to rent "at will" or lease, or be able to afford your own helicopter. Having a college degree and other employment options makes sense in the event of a health condition that prevents flight instruction or a downturn in the economy that negatively impacts the flight school or the commercial operation you are working for.

 

Again these are broad generalities for your consideration, you will find out this forum (and other) is not short on other personal opinion :-)