Helicopter Pilot

You can apply to join a course with a flight training organisation to get your Commercial Pilot Licence CPL(H). You'll need the CPL(H) to fly helicopters commercially.

To get onto a training course, you'll need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, maths, and science
• to pass skills tests and a thorough medical assessment
• a minimum of 155 hours' flying time

The number of flying hours needed may be lower for trained aeroplane pilots.

As a first step, you could train for a Private Pilot's Licence PPL(H) which allows you to fly for personal use and build up your flying hours. The flight training school would assess your skills, and could ask you to take some pre-course training to prove that you have the level of ability and skills needed for commercial training.

Training is expensive and you'll usually have to fund it yourself.

You could also join the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force as a trainee pilot.

You'll need:

• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• customer service skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

On a day-to-day basis you may:

• check weather conditions and airspace restrictions along your planned route
• file flight plans with authorities
• work out fuel requirements and maximum load
• check the helicopter's equipment and instruments
• carry out safety checks
• gain clearance from air traffic control
• during flights, use instruments to navigate, control height and speed, and communicate with air traffic controllers
• after landing, complete paperwork before preparing for the next flight

You could work on an aircraft or at an airport.

Your working environment may be at height and you'll travel often.

Career tips

If you're thinking of a career as a helicopter pilot, it's strongly recommended that you consider taking a pilot Aptitude Assessment before you start training.

You could also take a trial lesson with a flight school to make sure this is the right career for you.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the The Honourable Company of Air Pilots, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a helicopter pilot from:

• Careers in Aerospace
• British Helicopter Association
• The Honourable Company of Air Pilots
• Flying Start

You'll need to:

• hold a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
• be over 18 years of age
• pass the Civil Aviation Authority medical before you can take a course - the medical includes tests on your fitness, hearing and vision

You'll need to meet certain nationality rules to apply. All jobs are open to British nationals and many are also open to Commonwealth citizens.