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Where to start?

Asked by: 3827 views
General Aviation, Helicopter

I'm interested in becomin a commercial helicopter pilot. I'm still in high school, but I want to know now so I know what I'm gettin myself into. If you can tell me the steps I need to take,(what I need to do after/durin my last high school years to prepare) and the requirements I have to have to get my license, I'd greatly appreciate it! Thank ya'll.

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2 Answers



  1. Matthew Waugh on Feb 02, 2012

    You either need a lot of money or a career in the military.
     
    If you go the military path, and qualify, they will teach you how to fly helicopters.
     
    If you go the lot of money path – that’s what you need. Helicopter training is expensive (I was just looking a Web site offering an R44 for dual at $500/hr). The other advice often given to people looking to make a career in aviation is to get a degree. Some say in aviation, some say in something else for those times when aviation work is not available.

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  2. Curtis Ide on Feb 06, 2012

    If you are interested in helicopters and you are interested and can qualify for military flying that is the way to go.  Helicopter training is very expensive.  I wouldn’t be suprised if you spend upwards of $100,000 to make it through commercial training in a helicopter – As Matt said some helicopter training is way up there but even an R22 with instructor will run you $300.00/hr and you need 250 hours or more.  Then once you have your license you still will have to pay your dues. 
    Fixed wing (airplanes) are cheaper for training and you can switch to helicopters but it will still cost you about the same or more.   The airplane ratings generally run about $50,000 depending on what you are looking for. 
    I would suggest talking to some university’s that offer flight training.  I am not sure which ones may have helicopter training but some of the big schools are – Embry Riddle, University of North Dakota, Ohio State, and Univerity of Ohio, University of Tenn. (i think, it’s in Nashville area), and many others.  If you aren’t interested in college there are a lot of professional pilot courses in Florida. You may start by looking at Flight Safety’s website. 
    Good luck.

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