The first step to fulfill your dream of flying helicopters is to get your Private Pilot’s License (PPL). This is true regardless of if you want to fly as a hobby, for business or as a career. Obtaining your license will allow you to fly friends and family day or night around the United States while acting as Pilot in Command (PIC). Some of the restrictions of a Private Pilot’s License are that you may not fly in poor weather or charge for your services, you will need advanced ratings to do those things. The license will, however, introduce you to the world of flying and give you the skills and knowledge to fly safe and have fun while doing it!

You will need a medical from an approved aviation examiner. Information can be found here.

FAA Rating Requirements

Part 141 General Requirements:

Minimum 17 Years Old to Take Flight Test (age 16 for Student Pilot & Solo)

Must Read, Write, Understand, and Speak English

Obtain a FAA Medical Certificate (Prior to first Solo Flight)

Complete 35 hours Minimum Flight Time Including 10 hrs of Solo Flight

Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test

Pass an FAA Written Knowledge Test