Choosing to become a helicopter pilot is a life-changing step toward an exhilarating and rewarding career. There might be different scenarios in your flying career, from serving in emergency situations and joining the armed forces to carrying passengers across beautiful landscapes. However, in order to become a commercial or personal pilot, you need to go through some procedures. Along with taking helicopter flying lessons in Blackpool, there are some other crucial steps. This post will shed light on all those requirements.
Educational Requirements
There are two paths to getting qualified for the helicopter pilot job. Acquiring a university degree or special training from private institutes can get you a licence.
University
You can complete a degree in air transport or aviation. This program includes pilot training from an authorised helicopter flight training institute.
In order to begin the course, you need:
- A level or equivalent level 3 qualifications
- a minimum of Class 2 medical certificate
- Age over 18
Also, you will need to apply for a Class 1 medical certificate while doing the course to get qualified for a commercial pilot license. You can apply for this certificate even before commencing the programme. Along with standard university fees, you need to pay for the flight training part of your course.
Entry Requirements:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs in grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including science, maths and English
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Other Routes
If you want to become a commercial pilot, you need to get a Commercial Pilot Licence CPL(H).
To enter the training programme, you need:
- 5 GCSEs in grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including science, maths and English
- to pass skills tests and a comprehensive medical assessment
- a minimum of 155 hours of flying time
In the initial step, you can get training for Private Pilot’s Licence PPL(H). It will enable you for helicopter rides, Blackpool for personal use and also help in forming up flying hours. The training school will evaluate your skills and ask you for pre-programmed training in order to make you eligible for commercial training. It needs to be noted that this course is costly, and you will need to fund it.
Skills And Knowledge Requirements
- You should be able to employ and handle equipment
- To pay utmost attention to every single detail
- Awareness of transport methods, costs and benefits
- Outstanding verbal communication skills
- Geographical knowledge
- Observation skills
- Adaptability, capability to work under pressure and abide by criticism
- Knowledge of using computers and other essential software for the field
Restrictions and Requirements:
- You will need a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) allocated by the Civil Aviation Authority
- Mandatory age over 18 years
- Need to pass a fitness, hearing and eyesight test by the civil aviation authority
- You will need to meet special nationality criteria.
Career Path & Development
After taking helicopter lessons in Manchester, you will be able to fly for personal use. Also can enter the commercial aviation industry. In addition, you will have the opportunity to start your own business of recreational flights, training institute or become a flying instructor. The helicopter pilot is a job that will continuously grow and take your career to heights. There are various sectors like commercial, air ambulance, armed forces, and private to get into.
In Final Words
It is crystal clear that becoming a helicopter pilot is the toughest job and takes a lot of effort. However, it also pays you back decently. There is a wide scope of jobs after taking helicopter flying lessons in Blackpool. Nevertheless, it needs to be mentioned here that in this niche, there is cut-throat competition. Thus, you need to be an expert in your profession.