Why Become a Helicopter Pilot?
For most pilots, the attraction to aviation is an emotional one rather than something that is based on salaries or job opportunities. However, the current conditions are very favorable for pilots and are likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. Helicopter pilots often have difficulty explaining their passion for flying, but will tell stories about how their fascination with helicopters began at an early age. Many would choose the profession even if it was poorly paid and if job prospects were limited. To understand why they would do so you have to take a flight in a helicopter. No other form of aviation can provide such an experience, probably the closest thing to flying like a bird that a human can ever achieve – flying low and slow, landing in forest clearings or on mountain tops, the helicopter can do things and go places that no other aircraft can safely accomplish. It is this flexibility and versatility that makes it possible for helicopters to be used in a wide variety of roles, thereby creating multiple career paths for a helicopter pilot. Whether it is flying a search and rescue helicopter, taking oil workers to an oil rig in some remote corner of the earth, penguin counting in Antarctica, or hauling logs in the forests of Montana, helicopter pilots can choose between many very different, but equally challenging, activities.
A fascination with helicopters, and a passion for flying, should be considered the essential pre-requisites for a career as a helicopter pilot. The helicopter industry demands many sacrifices from pilots in the early years such as the high cost of training, relatively low entry level salaries, nomadic lifestyle, long hours, risk of layoffs as contracts are won and lost by big companies, and of course the physical risk associated with flying. Without a passion for flying these negative issues may outweigh the positives. However, for most helicopter pilots the thought of doing something else never crosses their mind—they love their job and the challenges it presents, and they enjoy long, happy, safe, and successful careers.
If you are considering a career as a helicopter pilot here is an essential list of questions to ask when comparing flight schools:
Is the school Part 141 approved? There are literally hundreds of flight schools throughout the US. Schools that operate under FAA Part 141 approval teach an approved and structured syllabus.
Is the school accredited? The accreditation process is challenging, but very positive for the school. It raises academic and administrative standards and provides important benefits and safeguards for students.
How many years has the school been in business? Look for schools with a solid track record of providing high quality instruction.
Where are the practice areas located? Schools should be located within a 5-10 minute flight of the practice areas. You are likely paying for instruction by the hour and having practice areas located close to the airport will save time and money.
Does the school have adequate facilities? It goes without saying that the school should provide an environment conducive to learning. Be sure to tour the school prior to signing up and spend time looking around the classrooms and briefing areas. Are the areas protected from interruption or are students meeting with instructors in a noisy and distracting environment?
Does the school help with job placement?Steer clear of schools that guarantee employment upon graduation. Remember if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Instead, the school should be able to name companies their graduates have gained employment with and should provide a detailed explanation of the job placement assistance provided.
Is aircraft maintenance conducted in house?Ask to visit the hanger or maintenance facility when you tour the school. The facility should be well lit, clean and organized.
What is the instructor to student ratio?4-5 fulltime students per instructor is about the maximum to ensure each student is training frequently enough.
How many and what type of aircraft does the school operate? The school should have aircrafts sufficient to meet the needs of the student body. If a school has 20 students and only one helicopter each student would likely fly only once a week.
Does the school provide support for non-training needs? Quality schools care about their students both inside and outside of the classroom. Look for schools that provide a high level of service to students for non-training needs as well.
Best of luck as you make plans for a career as a helicopter pilot. With the right motivation and quality training great adventures and wonderful opportunities await.
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