Learning to fly a helicopter is one of the most exciting things you can do. If you are thinking about taking to the sky to get your pilot license, you may be wondering how you can find out if flying helicopters is for you and the different types of licence available to you. Below is a guide to everything you need to know.

Trial flight

If you have never flown in a helicopter, the best way to explore if it is the right thing for you is to book a trial flight. Many flight schools offer one-off trial flights which are designed to offer you to an introduction to the principles and theory of flight and the different controls in the cockpit. After this briefing, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a short but exhilarating flight in a helicopter.

Types of helicopter licence

When training to become a helicopter pilot, you will have the choice of two different types licences. The type you decide to train for will depend on what you intend to use your training for.

Student licence

Before you can begin training, you will need to apply for a student licence. To apply you will need to pass a medical exam. Once you have a student licence, you can begin training toward one of the following licences.

Private licence

If you would like to learn to fly a helicopter so you can fly for pleasure and not to earn money, then a private licence is the best option. This licence will enable you to fly helicopters of the same rating and class as the one you trained on. If you wish to then learn to fly a different type or class of helicopter, you will need to take part in a conversion course. As well as practical learning, you will also attend classroom lessons so you can develop your aeronautical knowledge. Before you are awarded your licence, you will need to pass an exam which will test this knowledge.

Commercial licence

If you wish to work for a company which operates helicopter flights for profit, such as transporting people from one location to another, you will need to apply for a commercial licence. This will cover everything included in the private pilot course and additional learning which covers the skills you need to fly commercially and the responsibilities you have to your passengers.

If you would like to find out more, you should contact a helicopter flight training company today.