Helicopter Flight Training 101

You've known since childhood that being a Helicopter Pilot was the only thing you ever wanted to do. Dreams of landing on a deserted highway to assist in medical transport, search and rescue over snow capped mountains or lowering a basket to a stranded boater are just the beginning of missions you'll accomplish. Ok, time to wake up! There are a few things you need to know before throwing your money into flight training.

A few things to think over before you begin your journey are; first and foremost, there are no shortcuts. Secondly, it's not all glamorous. Lastly, this industry has very small circles, one mistake, if not fatal, and it's over. Sounds pretty crude doesn't it?

Conventional wisdom has it that you won't get picked up for your first "real" pilot job in aviation until you have at least 1,000 hours Pilot-In-Command (PIC) time. Certainly employers have the right to require a modicum of experience among potential job candidates. And most employers have insurance company guidelines and restrictions to deal with, so the 1,000-hour mark was not simply plucked from thin air.

Learning To Hover

"Did you find the hover button yet?"

It's a question asked in jest of some new students, but learning the fine art of hovering can challenge even the most determined aviator. After all, a stable hover is where helicopter flights begin and end, so it's a maneuver you'll need to master early on.