How to Get Started

What is Needed to Start a Helicopter Pilot Career

Becoming a helicopter pilot requires a combination of passion, education, training, and financial investment. The requirements for starting this journey are largely similar between Canada and the U.S., though there are some regulatory differences. Below is a comprehensive guide that merges the key requirements for both countries, while highlighting the distinctions.

1. Basic Eligibility

Before beginning your training, there are a few basic eligibility requirements common to both Canada and the U.S.:

  • Age:

    • Canada: You must be at least 17 years old to begin training for a Private Pilot License (PPL) and 18 years old for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
    • U.S.: The age requirement is the same. 17 years old for a PPL and 18 years old for a CPL.

  • Language Proficiency:
    Both Canada and the U.S. require applicants to have proficiency in English for understanding aviation terminology and communications.

2. Medical Requirements

Both countries require a medical exam to ensure pilots are physically fit to fly. The certification levels differ slightly:

  • Canada:

    • Category 1 Medical Certificate: Required for commercial pilots.
    • Category 3 Medical Certificate: Required for private pilots.
      The exam includes vision, hearing, and general health checks.

  • U.S.:

    • First-Class Medical Certificate: Required for commercial pilots.
    • Second-Class Medical Certificate: Required for private pilots.
      The medical exam includes vision (correctable to 20/20), hearing, and general physical health.

3. Selecting a Flight School

Choosing the right flight school is essential for your training, and while the overall process of training is similar in both Canada and the U.S., the regulatory requirements for flight schools differ.

  • Canada:
    In Canada, flight schools must be approved by Transport Canada. These schools are referred to as Approved Training Organizations (ATOs). ATOs must meet the standards set out by Transport Canada for the training they provide. When selecting a flight school in Canada, you should ensure the following:

    • The school is Transport Canada-approved.
    • The school has an experienced team of instructors and a fleet of well-maintained helicopters.
    • The school provides structured training that meets the required regulations for obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

    Unlike the U.S., Canada does not have a Part 141 or Part 61 distinction. However, ATOs must still follow Transport Canada's standards for the flight training syllabus, making sure that students receive the training needed to meet licensing requirements.

  • U.S.:
    In the U.S., flight schools are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and they can be classified as either:

    • Part 141 Schools: These schools are structured and regulated, following a specific curriculum and strict guidelines. These schools generally offer more formal and faster-paced programs.
    • Part 61 Schools: These schools offer more flexibility and can tailor the training to each student's individual progress. The training is generally less structured and can take longer to complete.

Regardless of which country you're training in, ensure the flight school has the appropriate certifications, experienced instructors, and a fleet of well-maintained helicopters. The training you receive at this stage is crucial to your success as a helicopter pilot.

4. Ground School and Flight Training

Both Canada and the U.S. require ground school and practical flight training, though the exact content and structure may vary slightly.

  • Ground School:

    • Canada: Covers Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARS), flight theory, weather, navigation, and other essential topics.
    • U.S.: Covers Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), flight theory, weather, navigation, and other essential topics.
      Ground school is typically completed before or alongside flight training.

  • Flight Training:
    Training begins with dual instruction (with an instructor) and progresses to solo flights. Initial lessons focus on basic maneuvers such as hovering and straight-and-level flight, before moving on to more advanced procedures.
    Canada and the U.S. both require a certain number of flight hours to progress through the licensing stages.

5. Required Flight Hours for Licensing

The required flight hours vary between Canada and the U.S. for both Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

Private Pilot License (PPL)

  • Canada:

    • 17 hours of dual instruction (flights with an instructor).
    • 12 hours of solo flight time.
    • Additional flight training hours may be required for cross-country or night flight training.

  • U.S.:

    • 20 hours of flight training with an instructor (dual instruction).
    • 10 hours of solo flight time.
    • The remaining hours (at least 10) can be a mix of dual and solo flight, depending on the student's progress.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

  • Canada:

    • 100 hours total helicopter time – minimum of 55 hours dual flight time including 10 hours (5 hours may be simulator) of instrument time and 5 hours of cross country flight time
    • 35 hours of solo flight time – 10 hours of cross country flight time with 1 long cross country flight of not less than 2 hours from the point of departure with 3 full stop landings at points other than the point of departure
    • Pass a flight test of approximately 1.5 hours. The Transport Canada flight test includes testing of knowledge on the ground as well as the flight portion and is not part of the 100 hour program

  • U.S.:

    • 150 hours of total flight time.
    • 100 hours of pilot-in-command (PIC) time.
    • 50 hours of cross-country flying.
    • 10 hours of instrument flight training.
    • Additional hours may be required for specific maneuvers or conditions, such as night flight and cross-country flights.

6. Written and Practical Exams

To earn your Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL), you’ll need to pass both a written exam and a practical flight test:

  • Written Exam:
    • The written exam tests your knowledge of aviation topics, including regulations, weather, navigation, aircraft systems, and other relevant areas.
    • In Canada, the exam is based on the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARS), while in the U.S., it is based on the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).
  • Practical Exam:
    • The practical exam (also called a check ride) involves a flight test with an examiner. You’ll demonstrate your ability to safely operate a helicopter, perform various maneuvers, and handle emergency situations.
    • In Canada, this is done with a Transport Canada examiner.
    • In the U.S., the flight test is conducted with an FAA examiner.

The practical exam ensures that you not only understand the theoretical aspects of flight but also have the ability to execute them in real-world conditions.

7. Gaining Experience and Employment

After obtaining your Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL), pilots typically need additional flight hours to secure employment, especially for entry-level jobs.

Many new pilots begin by working in positions that allow them to gain more experience and flight hours:

  • Entry-Level Jobs:
    These may include working in ground crew positions, assisting with aerial surveys, providing scenic tours, or working in agricultural aviation (such as crop dusting or spraying).

  • Low-Paying Jobs:
    Entry-level jobs may not pay well at first, but they offer invaluable flight experience. Many pilots start with lower-paying jobs to build their hours before advancing to higher-paying roles. These positions help new pilots become more proficient in various flight conditions, increase their confidence, and prepare them for more advanced jobs.

  • Small Charter Companies:
    New pilots often work for small charter companies or other flight operations that provide various types of helicopter services.

In both Canada and the U.S., building flight hours and gaining experience is crucial for advancing in the aviation industry. As pilots accumulate more hours, they become eligible for higher-paying and more specialized positions.

8. Ongoing Education and Career Advancement

Once you’re licensed, there are always opportunities for further education and career advancement, regardless of whether you’re in Canada or the U.S.:

  • Additional Ratings and Certifications:

    • Pilots can pursue various additional ratings to expand their qualifications, such as instrument ratings (for flying in low visibility), type ratings (for flying specific helicopter models), or becoming a flight instructor to gain more flight hours.
    • Both Canada and the U.S. encourage pilots to enhance their skills and qualifications by pursuing further education and certifications.

  • Specialized Roles:

    • Many pilots move into specialized careers once they’ve gained sufficient experience and flight hours. These roles can include:
      • Search and Rescue
      • Firefighting
      • Offshore oil rig support
      • Law enforcement
      • Air ambulance
      • Charter operations

    Both Canada and the U.S. offer similar pathways for pilots to transition into these specialized fields once they’ve accumulated enough flight time and experience.

Flight schools in both countries often offer additional courses and training programs to help pilots meet their career goals and expand their skills. As the aviation industry evolves, opportunities for specialization and further career growth continue to grow.

Conclusion: The Path to Becoming a Helicopter Pilot

Whether you’re in Canada or the U.S., the journey to becoming a helicopter pilot involves many of the same key steps: meeting age and medical requirements, attending an accredited flight school, completing ground school and flight training, and earning the necessary licenses.

Both countries require a significant investment of time and money to complete flight training and obtain a commercial license. However, the challenges along the way are also deeply rewarding. Whether flying for personal enjoyment or pursuing a career in industries like law enforcement, firefighting, or offshore oil rig support, the path to becoming a helicopter pilot is one of continuous learning, personal growth, and passion for aviation.