The Foundation for Your Helicopter Career - Your Training

You have made the decision to be helicopter pilot. You can't wait to start your pilot training. There are a lot of flight schools out there - how are you going to choose the one that is right for you? Consider these points:

1) School Focus: If you want to make this your career, look for a school that focuses on career programs. The school should be able to train you from Private Pilot through Commercial Pilot or Flight Instructor. The school should offer ways to expedite your training that maximize your time and minimize your costs. Is the flight school affiliated with an accredited University? This shows that they have established relationships to help you further your education. Make sure that the school will be able to accommodate your training needs -- for example, will they work with your schedule and fly you on the days/times that suit you.

2) Instructors: Visit the facility and meet the Instructors at the school. Many Instructors have around 200 flight hours and have just completed their training. If you are on the career path, find an experienced Instructor who has been flying for a while in "real life" situations. Nothing beats experience. Experienced Instructors can save you money by teaching you in different ways if you struggle with a maneuver. Professional pilots draw on their personal field experiences to teach you tactics and strategies that will keep you safe if the event of an emergency. Military trained Instructors have a reputation for being the best out there due to the training they have received, which they can pass onto you.

3) Aircraft: Take an Introductory flight. These are also commonly called Discovery flights. It is normally a short flight of approx 30 mins, where you fly with an Instructor. The fun part of this exciting experience is that you are given the chance to actually fly the helicopter. Examine the helicopter carefully. Ask the Instructor to show you the aircraft. Does it look well maintained, both inside and outside? Find out who does the maintenance.

4) School Qualifications: Is the school Part 141 FAA certified? Do they teach both Part 61 and Part 141? You gain more flexibility and choices if the school offers both of these options. You could choose to do your Private and Instrument under Part 141 and your Commercial under Part 61, or any combination that suits your learning style. If you elect to do all your certificates/ratings under Part 61, you still enjoy the benefits of a Part 141 school. Part 141 schools are subject to random inspections by the FAA. These schools are required to maintain very high standards to keep their certification.

5) Payment: Does the helicopter school require full tuition fees be paid before your training commences? If they do, keep looking. If the school goes out of business in the middle of your training, you have limited options (if any) to get your money back. There are many schools out there that will offer discounted rates if you keep a reasonable amount of money on account with them. Most schools offer a "pay as you go" option.

6) Career Options: Will the helicopter flight school assist you in finding a job? Beware of schools that guarantee you a Flight Instructor job once you have completed your training - you may end up with a job and no students to teach. A good flight school will help you create your resume, offer references, and will have contacts and resources to help you find a job.

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