How to Be Helicopter Pilot/Flight Instructor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 1, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The job of a helicopter pilot and flight instructor requires an individual to have an extensive understanding of aeronautical principles and regulations. The pilot needs to have a comprehensive knowledge of the aircraft and be able to identify any potential problems. Having a clear understanding of the principles of flight and the ability to quickly react to changing conditions is essential for this role.

In addition, the pilot must have excellent communication skills in order to effectively instruct students, both in the air and on the ground. This requires a strong understanding of the regulations and procedures related to flying, as well as being able to teach and motivate students. The ability to maintain situational awareness and keep a safe and efficient flight path is also essential.

Furthermore, having precise judgement is necessary in order to ensure a safe landing and take-off, while also being able to detect and avoid any potential hazards. All these skills and knowledge must be maintained through continual training and practice in order to fly safely and confidently.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Private Pilot Certificate. To become a helicopter pilot, you must first obtain a Private Pilot Certificate. To do this, you must be at least 17 years old, have a valid medical certificate, pass an FAA written exam, and receive a minimum of 40 hours of flight time.
Obtain an Instrument Rating. Once you have obtained your Private Pilot Certificate, you will need to obtain an Instrument Rating. To do this, you must have at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time, pass an FAA written exam, and receive a minimum of 40 hours of instrument flight time.
Obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate. After obtaining your Instrument Rating, you will need to obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate. To do this, you must have at least 250 hours of flight time, pass an FAA written exam, and receive a minimum of 40 hours of commercial flight time.
Obtain a Helicopter Rating. After obtaining your Commercial Pilot Certificate, you will need to obtain a Helicopter Rating. To do this, you must have at least 100 hours of helicopter flight time, pass an FAA written exam, and receive a minimum of 40 hours of helicopter flight training.
Obtain Your Flight Instructor Certificate. After obtaining your Helicopter Rating, you will need to obtain a Flight Instructor Certificate. To do this, you must have at least 200 hours of helicopter flight time, pass an FAA written exam, and receive a minimum of 40 hours of flight instructor flight training.
Obtain Your Helicopter Flight Instructor Rating. Once you have obtained your Flight Instructor Certificate, you will need to obtain a Helicopter Flight Instructor Rating. To do this, you must have at least 500 hours of helicopter flight time, pass an FAA written exam, and receive a minimum of 40 hours of helicopter flight instructor flight training.
Apply for a Job. Once you have obtained your Helicopter Flight Instructor Rating, you can begin applying for jobs as a helicopter pilot/flight instructor. You may want to consider working for a school or company that specializes in training helicopter pilots or working for a local law enforcement department or emergency services group.

Being a helicopter pilot and flight instructor requires a great deal of skill and knowledge. To stay up to date and competent, it is important to continually take courses and attend seminars that cover the latest aircraft and aviation technology. Furthermore, it is important to regularly review the applicable regulations and flight manuals.

it is essential to practice regularly in order to maintain proficiency. it is important to stay current with industry best practices and safety procedures. By staying updated and competent, pilots and flight instructors can ensure they are providing the highest level of safety to their passengers and clients.

You may want to check Flight Engineer, Flight Officer, and Flight Director for alternative.

Job Description

Helicopter Pilot: Responsible for safely operating a helicopter and transporting passengers or cargo to designated locations.
Helicopter Flight Instructor: Responsible for providing instruction and training to helicopter pilots in the areas of pre-flight preparation, aircraft operations, navigation, communications, and emergency procedures.
Helicopter Maintenance Technician: Responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing helicopters and related aircraft systems.
Helicopter Air Traffic Controller: Responsible for managing air traffic, ensuring the safe and efficient flow of aircraft throughout the airspace.
Helicopter Dispatcher: Responsible for monitoring flight progress, coordinating aircraft operations, and communicating with pilots, mechanics, and other personnel.
Helicopter Mechanic: Responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing helicopters and related aircraft systems.
Helicopter Flight Engineer: Responsible for monitoring aircraft performance and systems during flight operations.
Helicopter Pilot Examiner: Responsible for evaluating the skills and knowledge of helicopter pilots and issuing pilot licenses or ratings.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aviation regulations and safety standards
Knowledge of aircraft systems and equipment
Knowledge of aerodynamics and aviation meteorology
Ability to operate aircraft safely and effectively in a variety of weather and environmental conditions
Ability to perform pre-flight inspections and maintenance
Ability to coordinate with air traffic control personnel
Ability to respond to emergency situations quickly and effectively
Ability to plan, execute, and document flight operations
Ability to teach basic flight principles and techniques
Ability to demonstrate proficient operation of aircraft systems and equipment
Ability to communicate effectively with passengers, crew, and other aviation personnel
Ability to maintain appropriate records as required
Ability to maintain professionalism at all times

Being a successful helicopter pilot and flight instructor requires a certain skillset. One of the most important skills to have is the ability to make quick, accurate decisions in unpredictable and potentially hazardous situations. This skill requires confidence, knowledge, and practice.

A pilot needs to be able to apply their knowledge and experience to any situation they may face while out flying. They should also be familiar with the principles of aerodynamics and aircraft systems, as well as the current regulations in the area they are flying in. good communication skills are essential for pilots who are teaching others to fly in order to successfully impart knowledge and safety procedures.

Lastly, having a strong sense of situational awareness is key for pilots to be able to recognize potential hazards and act accordingly. With these skills, a successful pilot will be able to confidently and safely navigate the skies.

Flight Simulator Engineer, Flight Operations Coordinator, and Flight Control Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Helicopter Pilot/Flight Instructor?
What types of training do you specialize in?
How do you handle emergency situations?
How do you go about teaching your students?
What do you think makes a successful Helicopter Pilot/Flight Instructor?
What safety procedures do you follow when flying?
How do you keep up with changes in the aviation industry?
Tell me about a challenging experience youve had as a Helicopter Pilot/Flight Instructor and how you overcame it?
What do you do to ensure your students are well prepared for their flights?
Do you have any suggestions for improving the flight instruction experience?

Common Tools in Industry

Flight Simulator. A computer program used to simulate aircraft flight and its environment, used to practice piloting skills (e. g. Microsoft Flight Simulator).
Radio Communication Equipment. Equipment used to communicate with air traffic control, other aircraft and ground personnel (e. g. handheld transceivers).
GPS. Global positioning system used to quickly determine positions and navigate (e. g. Garmin GPS).
Weather Radar. Onboard equipment used to detect precipitation and other weather conditions (e. g. Honeywell Primus).
Navigation Charts. Maps used for plotting a course and navigating (e. g. Jeppesen VFR aeronautical charts).
Flight Computer. A handheld device used for quick calculations related to aircraft performance, weight and balance (e. g. E6B mechanical flight computer).
Preflight Checklist. A list of items that must be checked before the aircraft can be operated (e. g. Helicopter Preflight Checklist).
Emergency Procedures Handbook. A handbook containing emergency procedures for various scenarios (e. g. Emergency Procedures for Helicopters).

Professional Organizations to Know

Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Helicopter Association International (HAI)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
Professional Helicopter Pilots Association (PHPA)
National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)
International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI)
International Society of Transport Aircraft Training (ISTAT)
International Council of Air Shows (ICAS)

We also have Avionics Flight Test Engineer, Flight Deck Technician, and Flight Maintenance Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Aviation. The practice of operating aircraft, such as airplanes and helicopters.
Airspace. The space above the earth's surface, where aircraft fly.
Flight Path. The route taken by a flying aircraft.
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Regulations governing aircraft operations during instrument flight conditions.
Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Regulations governing aircraft operations during visual flight conditions.
Air Traffic Control (ATC). The monitoring and controlling of aircraft in flight, to ensure safety and efficiency.
Radio Communication. The use of radios to communicate with other aircraft and air traffic control personnel.
Navigation. The process of determining the location and direction of an aircraft in flight.
Weather. The atmospheric conditions of an area, including cloud cover, wind speed, temperature, and humidity.
Aerodynamics. The study of how air interacts with the surfaces of an aircraft and how it affects the performance of the aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of license is required to be a Helicopter Pilot/Flight Instructor?

A Helicopter Pilot/Flight Instructor will need an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with a Helicopter rating.

How many hours of experience are typically needed to become a Helicopter Pilot/Flight Instructor?

Most Helicopter Pilots/Flight Instructors need at least 1,500 hours of flight experience to be certified.

What type of duties do Helicopter Pilot/Flight Instructors typically perform?

Helicopter Pilot/Flight Instructors typically provide instruction to students on ground and in-flight operations, as well as perform safety checks and maintenance tasks.

What safety measures do Helicopter Pilot/Flight Instructors need to be aware of?

Helicopter Pilot/Flight Instructors need to be aware of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and guidelines, as well as local airspace and terrain restrictions. They must also ensure that aircrafts are maintained and operated in accordance with these regulations.

What skills are important for Helicopter Pilot/Flight Instructors to have?

Helicopter Pilots/Flight Instructors need to possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills, be able to work quickly and safely under pressure, and have a strong understanding of aeronautical principles.