Considering learning to fly a Helicopter?
Flight in both airplanes and helicopters use the same basic principles of lift, weight, thrust, and drag but that is where the similarity ends and the way that these aircraft can fly is very different. A Helicopter uses rotor blades that spin incredibly fast to provide the lift that the helicopter needs to take flight, while an airplane requires constant airflow over its wings to stay in the air.
With the differences in the way that these aircraft fly there are also differences in what they can do. An airplane is more limited than a helicopter as it requires a long runway to take off while a helicopter can take off by lifting straight up. Helicopters can hover and take tight turns while an airplane must keep moving to stay in flight.
Helicopters can travel to many places that would otherwise be inaccessible which makes them very useful in search and rescue missions. Helicopters can move in ways that an airplane cannot which allows them to go to places and land where it would be impossible for an airplane to do so, making a helicopter much more useful for many industries.
Flying a Helicopter is a very hands-on experience with the pilot needing to be in control for the duration of the flight to make slight adjustments and movements as needed. Due to the precision and flexibility of a helicopter, it does require more training, practice, and vigilance to operate.
What does it take to learn to fly a Helicopter?
To be able to fly a Helicopter you will require a license and there are a few options available to you. Each license has a minimum age and requires a certain amount of flight time in a helicopter, written, oral and practical exams as well as medical clearance that you are fit to fly.
If you would like to fly a helicopter for a living and be paid to do so then you will require a commercial license. If you would like to fly for your personal use and fly for fun then all you will need is a private license.
The Private Pilot’s License Helicopter or PPL (H) – follows a specific syllabus dictated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA). The minimum age to undertake the skills test for the issue of a license is 17 years old in Ireland. There is no upper age limit just the requirement to keep passing your medical certification with an Aviation Medical Examiner. No previous flying experience is required.
The PPL (H) written examination – includes Aviation Law, Operational Procedures, Aircraft General Knowledge, Principles of Flight, Flight Performance and Planning, Navigation, Meteorology, Human Performance and Limitations, and Radiotelephony.
Night Qualification – Once you have received your Private Pilot’s Licence you will be able to progress towards training for a Night Qualification that will allow you to fly through UK airspace at night. The Night Qualification has a combination of the airfield and circuit work including takeoffs and landings flown solo, and different navigation techniques to fly at night.
The Commercial Pilot’s License Helicopter or CPL (H) – Allows you to fly a helicopter professionally and earn an income. The CPL (H) entitles you to fly a multi-seat helicopter in commercial air transport. As with the PPL (H), the CPL (H) follows a specific syllabus dictated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA). Applicants for a CPL (H) are required to have a valid radiotelephone license and PPL (H) license. The minimum age to undertake a CPL (H) is 18 years old in Ireland and a valid medical certificate is required.
Career Opportunities in the Aviation Industry
After completing your Helicopter Flying Lessons, you can expect to work as a Helicopter Pilot or Co-pilot, Helicopter Flight Instructor, Commercial Helicopter Pilot, Aerial Firefighter, Law Enforcement Helicopter Pilot, Medical Transport Helicopter Pilot, Search & Rescue Helicopter Pilot.
If you’re serious about taking Flying Lessons and learning more about the Aviation Industry, check out courses in the Nightcourses.co.uk national course finder.
