For many decades, helicopter pilot was an occupation largely held by veterans who learned to fly during their military service. But today, more and more aspiring helicopter pilots are receiving helicopter flight training from civilian flying schools and earning their helicopter licenses and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) certification.

Taking to the sky on these wingless birds of mechanical aviation is more achievable for the average citizen than you may think. There are hundreds of flight schools open to the public, which makes it easy to get one-on-one training at a pace that works for you. Today’s helicopters are also more technologically advanced and easier to fly, making it safer than ever to earn your wings as a helicopter pilot. Check out some of the reasons why becoming a helicopter pilot can add a dimension of adventure and fulfillment to your life.

Careers as a Helicopter Pilot

Talk about busting out of the cubicle! As a commercial helicopter pilot, the cockpit is your desk and the sky’s the limit. More and more companies require skilled helicopter pilots to help them run smoothly – whether it’s a global enterprise in need of swift transportation for their top executives or a local news station looking for a sweeping vista of the latest scoop. Got an entrepreneurial itch? Take your business plan to the sky by offering helicopter tours of your most beloved tourist attraction.

When you enroll in flight school, you’ll be put in touch with numerous contacts and networking opportunities to help you get your foot in the door in the world of commercial helicopter piloting. With the right amount of experience and training, you can build your passion for helicopter piloting into a six figure annual income.

Helicopter Piloting as a Civic Duty

Along with policemen and firemen, helicopter pilots rank among society’s  bravest, most selfless civil servants. From daring rescues on the high seas to suspenseful high speed car chases, helicopter pilots play a pivotal role in keeping our cities and wilderness for citizens to work, relax and research. Provide a valuable civic duty as well as earn a living by becoming a helicopter in the service of rescue operations, law enforcement, firefighting and other exciting positions.

Flying Helicopters for Leisure

Not everyone flies a helicopter to make a living – many helicopter pilots fly simply because they enjoy it. You can fly recreationally on a Private Pilot’s licence with about half of the training required for a Commercial Pilot’s licence. You can rent your own hangar space at a nearby airfield or you can build a helipad on your own property. Redefine Sunday driving by bringing friends and relatives up in the air or earn your Private Pilot’s licence so you can chauffeur yourself to and from your private island.

Learning to Fly a Helicopter

Indeed, one of the great things about helicopter pilot training is its flexibility. Understandably, most of us who have reached a point in our lives where we’ve decided to pursue our dreams of becoming a helicopter pilot have numerous obligations and time constraints.  To accommodate the pace of life, you can undergo helicopter training in concentrated twice a day sessions or space it out over a few sessions each month. All you need to become a helicopter pilot is a genuine desire to fly – you can even begin your training without deciding what type of licence you’d like to earn!