Private Pilot

About Us

Home Page

What do I have to do to become a helicopter pilot?

For a Private Pilot License you need to meet the following requirements:

61.109 (c) For a helicopter rating. Except as provided in paragraph (k) of this section, a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in §61.107(b)(3) of this part, and the training must include at least

(1) 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a helicopter;

(2) Except as provided in §61.110 of this part, 3 hours of night flight training in a helicopter that includes—

(i) One cross-country flight of over 50 nautical miles total distance; and

(ii) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.

(3) 3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in a helicopter in preparation for the practical test, which must have been performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test; and

(4) 10 hours of solo flight time in a helicopter, consisting of at least—

(i) 3 hours cross-country time;

(ii) One solo cross country flight of 100 nautical miles total distance, with landings at three points, and one segment of the flight being a straight-line distance of more than 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and

(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

You also have to pass a computer-based knowledge test. (We will give you the necessary instruction to enable you to pass this test)

Are helicopters difficult to fly?

Helicopters are challenging to fly. That is what makes them so special. You can join a very select group of people and become a helicopter pilot! Come and see us for a trial lesson. If you already hold a pilot's certificate the hours are reduced to 19 with no written exams! Any previous flying experience counts towards your certificate. Your ICAO license is good anywhere in the world.

If you are a United Kingdom citizen no conversion is required to fly ‘G’ registered helicopters with your ICAO license. You can fly helicopters as if you had a UK license. That includes night flying and abroad. See the CAA web site for details:

www.caa.co.uk/srg/licensing/faq.asp?faqid=208

Also see our Frequently asked questions at “FAQ’s”.

Dutch Country Helicopters