Helicopter pilot

Although not essential, you could do a university degree in air transport or aviation, which includes helicopter pilot studies with an approved flight training organisation.

To start a course, you'll need:

• A levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
• a minimum of a Class 2 medical certificate
• to be over 18

You'll need to apply for the higher level Class 1 medical certificate during your course to get your Commercial Pilot's Licence. If you wish, you can apply for the Class 1 certificate before your course starts.

As well as standard university fees, you will need to fund the flight training part of your course. Universities can advise you about this.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You can apply to join a course with a flight training organisation to get your Commercial Pilot Licence CPL(H). You'll need the CPL(H) to fly helicopters commercially.

Entry requirements vary though you'll usually need:

• to pass skills tests and a thorough medical assessment
• a minimum of 155 hours' flying time

The number of flying hours needed may be lower for trained aeroplane pilots.

As a first step, you could train for a Private Pilot's Licence PPL(H) which allows you to fly for personal use and build up your flying hours. The flight training school would assess your skills, and could ask you to take some pre-course training to prove that you have the level of ability and skills needed for commercial training.

Training is expensive and you'll usually have to fund it yourself.

You can also join the Army , Royal Navy or Royal Air Force and become a trainee pilot.

Career Tips

If you're thinking of a career as a helicopter pilot, it's strongly recommended that you consider taking a pilot Aptitude Assessment before you start training.

You could also do a trial lesson with a flight school to make sure this is the right career for you.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the The Honourable Company of Air Pilots , for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a helicopter pilot from:

• Careers in Aerospace
• British Helicopter Association
• The Honourable Company of Air Pilots
• Flying Start

As a helicopter pilot, you could:

• check weather conditions and airspace restrictions to plan routes
• work out fuel requirements and maximum loads
• file flight plans with authorities
• carry out pre-flight safety checks on equipment and instruments
• speak with air traffic controllers, crew and passengers during flights
• control navigation, speed and altitude along routes, using flight instruments
• complete paperwork after landing

As a pilot, you might:

• take passengers on charter or leisure flights
• transfer staff working in the offshore energy industry
• operate search and rescue aircraft
• assist police and emergency services
• carry out aerial photography and filming
• support training and combat operation in the armed forces

You could work on an aircraft or at an airport.

Your working environment may be at height and you'll travel often.