Helicopter Pilot Advice
From Adviceopedia
Helicopter pilot advice may vary, depending on the source. An aspiring military helicopter pilot may receive different advice than someone who wants to pilot helicopters for sightseeing expeditions. However, there is some advice that reigns true for all potential helicopter pilots, regardless of their eventual specialty.
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Helicopter Pilot Advice for Hopefuls
Do I Have To Join The Military to Become a Helicopter Pilot?
Joining the military is a great way for potential helicopter pilots to get extensive training and all the certifications necessary to work in this field. This is not the only way to become a helicopter pilot, however, and many successful helicopter pilots never spend time in the military.
If you do join the military in the hopes of eventually becoming a helicopter pilot, do some research before signing up. The different branches of the military have different requirements for their pilots, and merely joining with the hopes of someday piloting a helicopter is not sufficient. Speak to a recruiter for the branches that appeal to you and ask about the requirements.
How Much Schooling is Involved?
The education and training involved in becoming a helicopter pilot depends largely on what you intend to do. For example, a helicopter pilot who carries paying customers as passengers will need more certifications than a pilot who does not. You can rest assured that no matter which route you choose you will wind up spending quite a bit of time studying and flying in training. It definitely takes dedication to become a helicopter pilot.
How Do I Get Started?
You will need to take flying lessons in order to get started. Not every flight school offers helicopter lessons because many of them focus on airplanes. You'll need to research the training options available in your area. Take a look at the various costs and time requirements, and decide if taking the lessons is something you can afford. Make sure you have the time to devote to the lessons before signing up.
Many flying schools offer free introductory flights. You won't be allowed to work the controls, but you will get a chance to ride in the type of helicopter you will be learning in. This is a great way to get a feel for what will be involved with flying a chopper.
Is Piloting a Helicopter Thrilling?
For many pilots, there is no bigger thrill than being in total control of the aircraft. This does not mean that being a helicopter pilot is all adventure and intrigue. Many helicopter pilots have jobs that might be considered relatively mundane, simply shuttling passengers from one place to another on a route that hardly ever varies.
The truth remains, however, that there are many helicopter pilots who have exciting jobs and who experience adventure every day. The answer as to whether being a helicopter pilot is thrilling depends largely on what you consider thrilling. For some pilots, merely having the joy of regular flights is thrilling enough.
How Much Do Helicopter Pilots Get Paid?
Like most other jobs, the scale of pay for a helicopter pilot varies widely. As an experienced and licensed helicopter pilot you can expect to make anywhere from $40k on up, with certain specialties making more money than others.
Military helicopter pilots make a salary that is based on their rank, in addition to extra pay for flight time and missions that are considered dangerous.
What Type of Job Can I Get as a Helicopter Pilot?
Several large corporations hire helicopter pilots to shuttle executives from place to place. News organizations often utilize helicopter pilots, and both hospitals and police squads usually have helicopter pilots on staff. This is in addition to the opportunities available within tourism, shipping, and the many other fields that regularly employ helicopter pilots.
