Find out all about our training courses, licences, the skills required and our advice on how to realise your dream of becoming a helicopter pilot!
Just follow our 10 key steps and get ready to take off in Switzerland.
Step 1: Understanding the requirements
Before you take the plunge, it’s essential to understand the basic requirements for becoming a helicopter pilot:
Age and education
- Minimum age: You must be at least 16 to fly solo and 17 to obtain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) for helicopters. For commercial pilots, the minimum age is 18.
- Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required.
Medical Aptitude
- Medical certificate: You must obtain a medical certificate from a doctor who examines aviation. There are different classes of medical certificate, the first class being the strictest and required for a commercial licence.
Step 2: Choosing your pilot path
There are several types of helicopter pilot licence, and your choice will depend on your career goals:
Private Pilot Licence (PPL) for Helicopters
- Allows you to fly helicopters privately.
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) for Helicopters
- Necessary if you want to fly professionally. It involves more rigorous training and higher standards.
Step 3: Enrol at a flying school
Location and Facilities
- Take into account the location, the weather conditions, the availability of helicopters and the quality of the instructors.
Costs
- Flight training can be expensive. Look for schools that offer financing options, scholarships or grants.
Step 4: Start on the theory
There are 9 theoretical branches, including :
- Aerodynamics: Understanding the principles of helicopter flight.
- Navigation: Learn how to plot a course and read aeronautical charts.
- Meteorology: Understanding weather conditions and their impact on flight. Materials and power line inspections.
- Air traffic control: learning the rules and communication protocols.
Step 5: Start your flight training
Flight training includes hours of dual-flight instruction with a certified flight instructor and solo flights.
Stage 6: Passing the theory test
To obtain your helicopter pilot licence, you must pass a written examination administered by the OFAC. The exam covers all the subjects learned during theoretical training.
Step 7: Accumulate flight hours
Accumulating flying hours is essential for transferring from one licence to another. The requirements are :
- PPL: Minimum of 45 flying hours, including 20 hours of instruction and 10 hours of solo flying.
- CPL: Minimum of 150 flying hours.
Final stage: Passing the practical exam
The practical test is the final stage in obtaining your helicopter pilot licence.
Step 9: Obtain additional certifications and qualifications
Depending on your career goals, you may need additional certifications and qualifications:
- Instrument flying: Allows you to fly in a variety of weather conditions.
- Flight Instructor: Allows you to teach others to fly helicopters.
- Mountain training: Required for landing above 1100m in Switzerland.
Stage 10: Pursuing a career
Once you have your commercial pilot licence and the necessary qualifications, you can pursue a variety of careers:
- Commercial flights: Fly scenic flights and private transfers.
- Rescue: Transport patients and medical staff.
- Aerial work: Carry out operations such as fire-fighting, transporting materials and inspecting power lines.
- Instruction: Train future pilots.
FHATO Flight Training Center : “FLY SAFE & PERFECT EVERYWHERE”
Ready to take the first step towards becoming a helicopter pilot? At Fhato, we offer comprehensive training programmes tailored to your needs. Our experienced instructors, state-of-the-art facilities and fleet of modern helicopters guarantee you the best education and practical experience.
Why choose us?
- Experienced instructors: Our certified instructors are dedicated to your success.
- Modern Fleet: Train in the latest helicopters, equipped with advanced avionics.
- Flexible programmes: Choose from a range of training options to suit your schedule.
- Financing options: We offer various financing solutions to make flight training accessible.
Get started today!
Embark on your journey to the skies with FHATO. Contact us today to find out more about our programmes, plan a visit or register for our upcoming classes. Your dream of becoming a helicopter pilot is just one flight away!
Find out more about our school
Continuing training
Aviation is a field of continuous learning. Regular training and keeping up to date with the latest regulations and technologies are crucial to a successful career.
Are you already a PPL-H or CPL-H pilot and want to fly a new type of helicopter? The Qualification Type (QT) allows you to improve your skills on another machine.
Our training lasts several days and includes both theory and practice. We offer initial QTs or renewals.
For PPL-H, CPL-H and ATPL-H pilots, the opportunity to fly other types of helicopter.
Each year, 3 months before the expiry date, an extension test must be carried out with an examiner in order to continue to carry out the duties of Captain on Type.
If the expiry date has passed, the pilot must take a renewal course.
Hold a PPL-H or CPL-H licence.
Have a valid class 1 or 2 medical certificate.
Visit this page to find out all about our training courses: FHATO
Depending on the QT chosen and the rates in force. QTs may be financed by state bodies only if you are already a commercial pilot with a valid CPL-H.
Additional costs are to be expected, including the cost of affixing the QT and the cost of the in-flight examination.
We invite you to ask us via our contact page.
