Would you like to pilot helicopters? It’s possible if you take some time to study and practice the wide range of skills involved. This process will include the necessary training and a first-class helicopter examiner. 

However, your first step should be to make an appointment with experienced pilots in the field of aviation you wish to pursue or learn more about the intricacies of obtaining this type of license before attempting this process yourself.

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How Does Obtaining a Helicopter Certificate Work? 

If you’re interested in obtaining your helicopter certificate, you can schedule a visit with a local flight training facility or start an online search to find a good instructor. Once you’ve scheduled an appointment with an instructor, the next step is to study. If you’re already a pilot, then it’s time to enroll in ground school and start studying the basics of flying helicopters.

Where Can You Get a Helicopter Certificate?

If you’re seriously interested in pursuing a ‘license’ to fly a helicopter, then it’s time to start studying the basics through at-home printed and online training materials and apps. The next step would be to enroll at your local flight training facility.

Although there are plenty of online resources that can help you learn more about this process, the best place to begin would be at your local flight training facility. This is where you will be able to both study and practice your new skills before scheduling an appointment with an FAA examiner. They will direct you toward the right materials to study that fit within their syllabus.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Helicopter Certificate?

The cost of getting the ‘license’ to fly a helicopter range widely depending on a variety of factors, but it is not uncommon for the cost to be in the $10,000 to $15,000 range. You will also need to consider the cost of equipment and any other expenses you may have while obtaining this certification.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Helicopter Certificate?

It is difficult to give a definitive time frame for how long it will take you to get a helicopter certificate. There are a number of different factors that would determine this amount of time, including the number of flight hours you already have, the type of helicopter you’re interested in, and the extent of your training. On average, if you are flying part time, it takes roughly six months.

What Can You Do With a Helicopter License?

A helicopter pilot certificate allows you to fly all helicopters depending on the type of operations you plan to fly, and the level of your certificate, whether it is a private or commercial certificate. These include private, corporate, and commercial operations. You will need a rotorcraft instrument rating in order to fly in low weather conditions. You will be able to fly in controlled airspace with any certificate level.

7 Steps to Obtain Your Helicopter Certificate

Although it can seem intimidating, obtaining a helicopter certificate is not as complicated as some people think. With the right instructor and the proper amount of training, anybody can obtain a license to fly a helicopter within a reasonable amount of time.

Step 1: Minimum Eligibility Requirements

To obtain a helicopter certificate at the private pilot level, you must be at least 17 years old and must log at least 40 hours of flight time including at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in § 61.107(b)(3).

To obtain a helicopter certificate at the commercial pilot level, you must be at least 18 years old and must log at least 150 hours of flight time as a pilot consisting of at least: 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in helicopters; 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least 35 hours in helicopters; and 10 hours conducting cross-country flight in helicopters.

Step 2: Medical & Student Pilot Certificates

Before you can schedule an appointment with an examiner, you must obtain a current and valid medical certificate. This will ensure that you are fit for operating the helicopter safely. You must also have a student pilot certificate to fly solo in advance of obtaining your private pilot certificate.

Step 3: Complete Ground School

You are not able to earn a helicopter certificate without first completing a ground school course. This is where you will be able to learn about what it takes to successfully pass the written test as well as prepare for your flight training experience.

Step 4: Log the Minimum Flight Time

Once you are fully ready, you will be required to obtain a certain amount of flight time in helicopters before scheduling an appointment for your FAA written test, depending on the certificate level you pursue.

Step 5: Pass the Written Exam

You will schedule your training hours with an instructor in order to prepare you to fly the helicopter. It is during this time that they will also prepare you for the written or knowledge exam, as well as familiarize you with all of the available maneuvers in the helicopter.

Step 6: Pass the Check Ride

Once you have completed the training and acquired the necessary flight hours, it is time to schedule a check ride. At this point, you must be able to perform each maneuver required by the FAA examiner.

Step 7: Maintain Your Certification

If you already have a private pilot certificate, you must maintain that certification by passing a flight review as required by the level of operation for which you are flying, which is generally every 24 calendar months for the private pilot level in Part 91 operations.

Start Your Helicopter Journey 

After you have obtained the necessary training, there is no better time to obtain your helicopter license than now. With the certification, you will be able to fly any type of helicopter and earn a substantial salary for your work.

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The post How To Get a Helicopter Pilot License appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

When it’s time to leave home and metaphorically spread your wings, you might literally want to learn how to fly. Flying is the safest form of transportation out there, so giving a young person the opportunity to get a pilot license doesn’t seem that far-fetched.

So, how old do you have to be to get a pilot’s license? We’ll discuss ages, the different types of licenses available, and how to become a pilot in the following article.

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How Old Do You Have to Be to Fly?

There is no minimum age when it comes to learning how to operate an aircraft. Some people start training with a qualified instructor as young as 11 or 12 years old. However, there is an age requirement for obtaining a student pilot license.

What is the Youngest Age That You Can Get a Pilot’s License?

You only need to be 14 years old to get a student pilot license, but that only permits the operation of balloons and gliders. So, how old do you have to be to fly a plane?

How Old Do You Have to Be to Take Flying Lessons?

Again, there’s no specific age required to take flying lessons. However, you do have to be at least 16 years old to legally fly solo. The first step toward getting a pilot license is applying for a student pilot certificate.

How do I Get a Student Pilot Certificate?

According to the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) website, visit the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website, or apply by paper using FAA form 8710-1. You then have several avenues through which you can submit the application to the Airmen Certification Branch. 

Just take the form to either a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), an FAA-designated pilot examiner, an airman certification representative associated with a part 141 flight school, or a certificated flight instructor. Any of these offices will then send the forms to the proper destination so that they can be processed. 

A student pilot certificate will be mailed to you once officials verify that you meet all of the requirements. From there, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining your pilot license.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for a Student Pilot Certificate?

Along with a minimum age of 16, or 14 for gliders and balloons, you must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. A medical exam may be needed depending on the kind of pilot license you want. 

When do I need a medical certificate?

You don’t need a medical certificate to fly gliders or balloons, but before you fly solo, you will need to pass a medical exam. It’s recommended to take the exam before you begin paying for flight lessons. If there are conditions that will prevent you from getting your pilot license it’s best to find out before you spend on costly lessons. 

Medical exams are given every five years to pilots under 40 years old, and every two years once they turn 40. 

What is the Maximum Age to Be a Pilot?

Commercial pilots must retire at 65, but they can still fly privately. Private pilots over 65 must pass a medical exam and flight review every two years to keep their pilot license. 

Can a Pilot Fly Anywhere in the World?

The simple answer is yes. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has a set of standards that must be met for international flight. A pilot license and other necessary certificates from the United States are widely accepted since they closely conform to the ICAO rules.

Different Pilot Licenses and Their Requirements

We’ve answered the question, “How old do you have to be to get a pilot’s license?” But, there is more than one type of pilot license, so let’s take a look at the differences and benefits offered by each.

Student Pilot License

This license is for students in training and is required before you fly solo. A student pilot license will allow you to log solo flight time, but you don’t need one to take lessons. 

Minimum Age: 16 (14 for gliders and balloons)

Aircraft: Airplane, helicopter, gyroplane, and airship

Sport Pilot License

This pilot license allows you to fly light sport aircraft (LSA) without a medical certificate, and only during daytime hours. An LSA is an aircraft that is simple to operate and the best choice if you only fly for fun.

Minimum Age: 17 (16 for gliders and balloons)

Aircraft: Light Sport Aircraft

Recreational Pilot License

If the thought of flying more powerful aircraft excites you then this is the pilot license to get. Many of the restrictions held by student and pilot certificates are lifted with an instructor endorsement.

Minimum Age: 17

Aircraft: Aircraft up to 180 horsepower

Private Pilot License

If you want to know how to become a pilot of any aircraft, it starts with obtaining a private pilot license. The sport and recreational licenses only permit pilots to carry one person when in flight, but private license holders can transport several passengers.

Minimum Age: 17 (16 for gliders and balloons)

Aircraft: Any with proper training

Commercial Pilot License

You can make money flying once you get your commercial pilot license. Banner towing and flight instruction are two simple ways to earn extra cash. However, there are further certifications needed if you want to become an instructor or carry passengers. 

Minimum Age: 18

Aircraft: Single and dual engine aircraft

Airline Transport Pilot License

You need this pilot license to fly for a commercial airline. Either a restricted or unrestricted license can be obtained. The restricted ATPL license is for pilots who still have to meet the minimum age and/or hour requirements. Restricted ATPL holders can work as co-pilots until they qualify for an unrestricted ATPL.

Minimum Age: 

• Typically 23 
• 21 for restricted ATPLs

Aircraft: Passenger and cargo aircraft

Teach the Children to Fly and Watch Them Soar

Learning to fly has more to do with one’s level of maturity rather than age. Granting young people the privilege of flying can spark the imagination and creativity, leading to innovative technological advances in the future. 

There are so many career options within the world of aviation. Obtaining a pilot license is just one of many gateways to discovering even more opportunities in the industry! 

If you want to stay in-the-know regarding the advancements being made with flight safety and maintenance, subscribe to FLYING Magazine for reliable and consistent information. 

The post How Old Do You Have to Be to Fly a Plane? appeared first on FLYING Magazine.