Have you dreamed of piloting a helicopter – experiencing the unmatched thrill of being suspended in mid-air with endless breathless views?
For those with a passion for great heights, flying a helicopter is among the most exhilarating adventures any aviation machine can offer. This is because the machine’s agility allows the pilot to perform maneuvers – like flying backward, landing almost anywhere, or remaining stationary – impossible to pull off for those piloting fixed-winged aircraft.
Piloting a helicopter is more complex than flying a fixed-wing aircraft because there are additional aerodynamic principles to master, helicopters are heavier, and there are more controls to manipulate to handle the machine.
How Much Does A Helicopter Pilot License Cost?
The helicopter license cost options include required training established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ensuring the license holder flies safely by remaining compliant with established rules and regulations.
The price you will pay to earn your helicopter license will depend on a number of considerations. However, common factors that impact the helicopter license price you will pay will include –
- The type of helicopter license you intend to earn.
- The aviation/pilot licenses you may already possess.
- The location of your training and your selected school/instructor.
- The required flight hours to attain proficiency.
Types of Helicopter Pilot Licenses
The first license you will need to fly a helicopter is the private helicopter pilot’s license. This allows you to fly a chopper for personal use.
Private Helicopter Pilot License (PPL (H))
The Private Helicopter Pilot License allows its holder to act as one of the following – without being paid –
- A pilot-in-command in non-commercial operations.
- A co-pilot in non-commercial operations.
Qualifications for the Private Helicopter Pilot License include –
- To be a minimum of 17 years old.
- Be able to provide acceptable proof of identity.
- Speak/Read/Write English.
- Hold a 3rd Class Medical Certificate.
- Have at least 40 hours of total flight time (FAA).
- Flight training hours equal to a minimum of 20 hours.
- Solo flight time of a minimum of 10 hours.
- Take and pass your check ride.
The private helicopter pilot license price ranges from $24,000 to $30,000. These expenses generally cover ground and flight school classes as well as instructor-led flight time. However, flight school costs can vary, depending on the individual’s aptitude, the selected school, and career objectives. 
Commercial Helicopter Pilot License
The Commercial Helicopter Pilot License or certification entitles the holder to act as a professional pilot-in-command or co-pilot for hire – receiving payment for commercial flights.
Qualifications for commercial helicopter pilot licenses include –
- To be a minimum of 18 years old.
- Hold an FAA-Issued private helicopter license – If you already have a private pilot certificate, this certification must be maintained appropriately, which typically requires the passing of a flight review – generally every 24 calendar months for the private pilot.
- Be able to provide acceptable proof of identity.
- Speak/Read/Write English.
- Hold a 2nd Class Medical Certificate.
- Thirty hours of ground education.
- Have a minimum of 150 hours of total flight time.
- Flight training hours equal to a minimum of 20 hours.
- A minimum of 100 hours of total flight time in a powered aircraft.
- A minimum of 50 hours in helicopters.
- A minimum of 100 hours of pilot-in-command
- A minimum of 35 hours of pilot-in-command time in a helicopter.
- A minimum of 10 hours of pilot-in-command in cross-country flight in a helicopter.
- A minimum of 10 hours for solo flight time.
- The final step in obtaining your helicopter pilot license is to take and pass your check-ride.
Due to the extensive training required for aspiring commercial helicopter pilots, it is noted that the commercial helicopter license costs will be higher than that of a private license. Potential helicopter license candidates may also need to meet the requirements of a flight instructor rating before being eligible for their commercial pilot’s license.
The commercial helicopter pilot license cost for training and related expenses can range from $20,000 to $75,000 – including the requirement to complete Certified Flight Instructor training, if applicable.
Additional Cost Considerations For Becoming A Helicopter Pilot
While flight training is a fundamental component of helicopter pilot training, other requirements and fees include –
FAA Airman Knowledge Test
Before receiving a helicopter pilot’s license, you must pass the FAA Airman Knowledge Test. This written examination will assess the test taker’s knowledge of –
- Aviation Regulations.
- Navigation
- Helicopter Performance and Operability, and more.
The approximate cost to take this test is $175.
FAA Practical Exam
If you are pursuing a helicopter license, you will also need to pass the FAA’s – the Federal Aviation Administration’s Practical Exam – which includes an official from the FAA observing your skills in real-time.
The approximate cost to take this test is $700 – $1,100 – depending on the ‘check-ride’ and the area where the test is conducted. A checkride is flight training terminology that refers to a comprehensive examination that licensed pilots undergo to demonstrate competence/proficiency when flying an aircraft.
Aviation Insurance
Once licensed, you may wish to obtain an aviation insurance policy to protect you from future legal issues/damages while working as a helicopter pilot. Note that not every state requires liability insurance for helicopter pilots.
However, like most insurance, the cost of this specific type of policy will vary -running between $1,400 to $2,000 yearly for the operation of a small aircraft. The cost of insuring commercial operations may run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Advanced Training for Helicopter Pilots
Depending on your goals as a helicopter pilot, you may need to invest in additional training, such as instrument rating, mountain flying, emergency medical services, or night flying, which can add to the total cost of obtaining your helicopter pilot license – but open career paths and opportunities.
Helicopter Pilot Career Opportunities
Fortunately, helicopter professionals have a wide range of job opportunities because their unique skills are easily transferable to other economic sectors.
Emergency Medical Services
Helicopter pilots often transport patients with urgent or emergency medical needs to nearby medical facilities.
Police Force/Fire Brigade
- Helicopter pilots employed by the government or police forces perform various tasks. They may participate in aerial surveillance, rescue operations, and more.
- Certain helicopter pilots have specialized training when fighting forest fires.
Commercial Transport/News Coverage
Helicopters offer rapid transportation of passengers by providing commercial tours in Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, and more. They can also provide a bird’s eye view of current news or traffic situations.
Search and Rescue Teams
These specialists recuse people in danger – whether at sea or on land.
Flight Instruction
Training students to become future pilots.
It’s important to remember that the cost of helicopter pilot school is an investment in yourself and your future. Consider your options carefully so you can reach your lofty career objectives.
