RotorSky
How do I become a helicopter pilot?
The career as a helicopter pilot is a thrilling and fulfilling Challenge. You fly passengers to spectacular, inaccessible places or master demanding exterior load transports. We offer you a professional education that optimally combines theory and practice to prepare you in the best possible way for your career as a helicopter pilot.
The path to a pilot's license
Your journey to becoming a professional helicopter pilot normally starts with a private pilots license PPL(H), followed by the commercial pilots license CPL(H) and can lead to the highest level, the airline transport pilots license ATPL(H).
> Initial consultation
In a first conversation our team introduces you to the upcoming course. You will receive all the necessary detailed information and an explanation of the eligibility requirements.
> Introductory flight
At RotorSky, you have the opportunity to take a no-obligation trial flight with dual controls before starting your course. You can test whether you have the right feeling in the air and whether flying is in your blood.
> Medical eligibility
Before starting your practical flight training, the medical eligibility will have to be checked. It is recommended that this is done before starting with the course.
(Details: https://www.austrocontrol.at/piloten/flugmedizin)
>Registration and conclusion of the training contract
Now we can get started. With a valid registration, nothing stands in the way of flying high.
> Helicopter pilot training
A mix of lecture, interactive teaching platform and training materials create the theoretical module of the training. Already after a small theory block, the practical part of the training, consisting of a minimum of 45 flight hours, is integrated into the curriculum.
> Radio training
Before the first solo flight the students must finish their radio training. Safety is paramount, and proper communication must be ensured, especially during solo flights.
>Theoretical exam
After successfully completing the theory lessons the exam is being held by the Austro Control. The confirmation of a positive exam result is required for the practical exam.
>Practical exam
Last but not least the practical exam. Flight safety, theory and practice in the helicopter are all counting here. An independent examiner reviews the skills and issues the license if the exam is passed.
>Fly yourself
Finally independent at the controls. At RotorSky your journey can continue. Our charter helicopters are available to you immediately, so that the fun doesn’t end with the license.
Overview of licenses for helicopter pilots (EASA)
To begin training as a helicopter pilot, you must meet certain criteria. The specific requirements depend on the type of license you are aiming for.
Entry requirements:
PPL(H) (Private Pilot License) - Start of Career
Minimum age: You must be at least 16 years old at the start of the course and have reached the age of 17 for the license to be issued.
Medical fitness: A positive Class 2 medical fitness examination is required.
Entry requirements
CPL(H) (Commercial Pilot Licence) - Basics:
Minimum age: You must be 16 years old to complete your first solo flight and 18 years old to obtain your license.
Medical fitness: A positive Class 1 medical fitness examination is required.
Qualifications: You must hold a valid Austrian PPL(H) or a PPL(H) from an ICAO member state with a valid type rating. You also need basic knowledge of mathematics, physics, and English.
Flight experience: You must be able to demonstrate at least 155 flight hours on helicopters, of which 50 hours must be as pilot in command. Ten of these hours must be cross-country flights.
Two paths to a commercial pilot's license:
CPL(H) modular:
The modular approach is divided into three consecutive sections (“modules”), which offers learners a high degree of flexibility alongside a job.
Module 1: PPL(H) Private Pilot Training with a minimum of 45 flight hours
Module 2: Lesson planning as an independent pilot
Module 3: CPL(H) Commercial Pilot Training from 155 flight hours
CPL(H) integrated:
The integrated route is a continuous, intensive, full-time program without modules. Practical training for the CPL(H) integrated comprises 135 flight hours. Only after completing the entire training program are pilots permitted to fly the aircraft independently.
Additional information :
ATPL(H) VFR/IR THEORY:
This training pathway integrates the more comprehensive ATPL(H) theory exam into your professional helicopter pilot training. Instead of the CPL(H) theory alone, you will acquire the higher-level ATPL(H) theory , which is a prerequisite for the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). This theoretical knowledge will be noted on your CPL(H) license and is the crucial step towards later being employed as pilot-in-command (PIC) in a multi-pilot cockpit .
Your future with RotorSky
RotorSky Academy supports you in the training and further education of aspiring private and commercial helicopter pilots. The flight school has more than 30 registered helicopters for training purposes, making it a leading training center in Austria. The program can be tailored to individual requirements to optimally prepare you for the demands of the industry.
As part of a global aviation company, RotorSky gives you access to the latest training technologies. Many training programs include the use of simulators to supplement the training:
Instrument Rating - IR(H) : The practical part of the training combines flight hours in a real helicopter with units in an FFS/FNPT-III simulator.
Type Ratings : Practical training for a type rating can include full-flight simulator (FFS) training as well as sessions on a real helicopter.
Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) : The 20-hour practical training for working in a two-pilot cockpit is conducted in the FNPT-III.
Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Training : Practical training can comprise five to ten hours in the FNPT-I and three hours in the FFS.
Start your journey as a pilot with RotorSky
You now know some of the steps required to become a helicopter pilot. What should you do next? There are three key steps!
Your introductory flight
on the helicopter
Your path to the cockpit!
Take this opportunity to experience a helicopter flight in all its details. Our introductory flight is the ideal preparation for anyone considering pilot training or who simply wants to take the controls themselves.
Your fleet: Choose from the world's most popular training helicopters for your flight:
Robinson R22
Robinson R44
At RotorSky, you're not just a passenger, you're part of the crew. From professional flight preparation (weather briefing, route planning) and pre-flight checks on the aircraft to the flight itself and the final debriefing, you experience the entire process.
Professional instruction : Quality and safety are our top priorities. That's why you'll conduct your introductory flight exclusively with experienced EASA flight instructors who will support you with their expertise.
Gift idea: Surprise someone with a personalized trial flight ticket! Fill out the form below, and we'll organize your unforgettable flight experience, complete with boarding pass!
Sequence
Meeting point at Linz Airport, General Aviation Center
Preliminary briefing and planning of the flight, including filing the flight plan.
Preparing the helicopter, external check
Safety briefing, instruction on instruments, starting up
Taxiing, taking off, flying: YOU now experience the fascination of flying firsthand. You are always in contact with the pilot via the headset.
Landing and servicing the helicopter
Follow-up discussion and information about the training at RotorSky
Photography and filming are of course permitted; bringing sunglasses and, if necessary, a hat is recommended.
Requirements:
good general health
good general mobility
Exclusion criteria :
Panic attacks
Epileptic seizures
Fainting spells
Cardiovascular problems
Total duration and costs
Introductory flight with an EASA flight instructor on a Robinson R22:
Approx. 2.5 hours (including 30 minutes flight time): EUR 300.00 excluding VAT.
Approx. 3.0 hours (including 60 minutes flight time): EUR 600.00 excluding VAT.
Introductory flight with an EASA flight instructor on a Robinson R44:
Approx. 2.5 hours (including 30 minutes flight time): EUR 400.00 excluding VAT.
Approx. 3.0 hours (including 60 minutes flight time): EUR 800.00 excluding VAT.
Should you decide to pursue training with RotorSky, we will cover the costs of your trial flight!
These are introductory flights as part of flight training, and by no means commercial sightseeing flights or similar.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
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