Helicopter pilot training is rigorous and an often long process, but for good reasons. The process involved takes a beginner who has never flown before and teaches them to become a professional who is able to pilot these air vehicles. For many people, helicopter pilot training is exciting and sets up the individual for a rewarding career in aviation flying some of the most advanced machines in the air today. There are many different types of qualification, which can range from someone flying these machines for leisure, to those flying for work such as tourism or for a company. There are even qualifying courses for those looking to fly for military and defence purposes. From leisure to commercial, the courses allow you to properly operate the equipment required to ensure safety. Furthermore, it allows you to know all the aviation regulations and rules which rule the airspace and ensure you do not break any of these.
If you are thinking about a career change or what you want to do, and are considering the aviation industry, here is what is involved in helicopter pilot training in Australia.
Education
Helicopter pilot training involves some level of education in the form of a Diploma in Aviation. These are typically offered at colleges such as TAFE and will give the individual the education and experience to understand the theoretical concepts required in the aviation industry. You can even pursue higher education such as a bachelor’s degree in Aviation, which is offered at some universities across the country. This will give you further knowledge of the aviation industry and may help you to stand out as you have a higher education compared to most. Helicopter pilot training relies on having a base form of education in order to build on these concepts during practical experience, where these concepts can be applied to a real environment.
Practical experience
There is definitely practical experience required in helicopter pilot training, as it is necessary to be exposed to a legitimate and real world environment which allows you to apply your theoretical knowledge and skills. Helicopter pilot training requires a fair few hours before you can gain the qualification. For a commercial license, you require a minimum of 125 hours of actual experience in a practical environment, depending on your unique situation. This is the bare minimum required to get a good amount of experience in the cockpit. This can be arduous, but it is important to note that this situation can be risky if not qualified properly, and as such, this much experience ins required as a minimum.
Examinations
No course is complete without its set of examinations, and helicopter pilot training is no different. Examinations are a good way to test your theoretical knowledge and memory retention. Helicopter pilot training is a good way to become a fully qualified professional in aviation, but there are rigorous regulations which must be followed. These have to be ingrained into the individual, and examinations are put in place to ensure those who become qualified adhere to these rules. Expect quite a few examinations across the bachelor’s or diploma of aviation, as well as for the license itself.
In summary, helicopter pilot training is the necessary path to become a fully fledged aviation professional, however it is an arduous journey. Helicopter pilot training involves theoretical learning in a classroom, practical experience in number of hours required for qualification as well as many examinations needed to fully become a qualified professional who is able to fly for both leisure and commercial reasons.