An aviation career is an exciting path to take. You can reliably use the part 135 pilot requirement to realize your dreams.
Whether you want to become a tourist, firefighting, or emergency medical service provider, you can reliably use part 135 pilot requirements to realize your dreams.
Why fly a helicopter?
Flying a helicopter is exciting because your aircraft can land anywhere. It can also hover and fly backward. However, before exploring this thrilling experience, you must know the requirements and fulfill them.
#1. Confirm your eligibility
To join an aviation college, a candidate must
- Be at least 17 years
- Be competent in English
- Be a high-school graduate or have a diploma
- Be declared medically fit according to FAA requirements
# 2. Application
An eligible candidate should make an application to an aviation college. Most schools require the students to fill out a form and attach the relevant documents. An interview may be necessary to help the institution pick the best candidate.
#3. Know helicopter’s pilot requirements
The Federal Aviation Authority is strict about the issuance of flying licenses. One must fulfill specific goals before getting an FAA license.
FAA flying requirements
To become a helicopter pilot, a successful candidate must;
- Take and pass exams that include;
- a written examination
- an oral test
- a finalist skill exam with an FAA-approved examiner
- Fly for at least 40 hours. The minimum hours on the flight must include:
- At least 20 hours flying with an instructor
- Night flying for 3 hours
- Cross country flying for 3 hours
- Make at least 10 take-offs and landings
- At least 10 hours flying alone without an instructor
- Complete cross country flying alone for more than 50 nautical miles
Joining an aeronautical University offers a chance to pass the above requirements above students from other aviation students.
# 4. Set realistic study time
Flying is a diplomatic career that requires keenness and excellence. Consequently, a student needs to sacrifice to go beyond the minimum requirements. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in aviation science or a diploma course, you need to set realistic timelines within which you’ll clear your studies. Therefore, research before enrolling to study with any aviation college.
# 5. Choose your training school well
You will be as good as the training you obtain from the aviation school you attend. The school impacts the duration of the study and the cost of your course. Choose an FAA-approved school for:
- Ease in acquiring your flying license
- Unmatched ground-based training
- Quality instructors
- Top-notch weather and other flying conditions
# 6. Be psychologically prepared
Flying a helicopter is not a career for the faint-hearted. Apart from lengthy theoretical hours, a student takes practical sessions behind the rotary winged aircraft. The ground-based training, flying for 20 hours with an instructor, requires patience, resilience, and discipline.
However, the hard work soon pays off when you get your flying license and become the pilot of your dreams.
# 7. Pick a career path
You can consider flying a helicopter as a career. You can become fly a helicopter in the following fields:
- Tourism as a tour operator
- Medical emergency
- Search and rescue department
- Fire and rescue department
There are many career options in helicopter flying. Choose your aviation school wisely and live your dream.