Helicopter FAQ
Which is easier to fly — A helicopter or an airplane?
Initially, an airplane is easier to fly. A helicopter is less stable and will not fly if the pilot takes his or her hands off the controls. However, once you get the feel of it, it is like riding a bicycle — you do it without thinking.
Do I need to fly airplanes before I fly helicopters?
NO! If your goal is to fly helicopters — fly helicopters! Some people feel they will save money if they learn airplanes first, not so. This applies equally to those seeking a Private License and those who wish to make a career in helicopters.
I want to learn both helicopters and airplanes — which should I do first?
This is a difficult but not uncommon question. You need to evaluate your goals and discuss them with a school that operates both helicopters and airplanes.
Where is the least expensive place to learn to fly?
The United States. California is the most competitive due in part to our excellent year round flying weather. The proximity of the Robinson factory to Los Angeles gives it an edge. This is just a guide — shop around!
Once I have a helicopter license will I be able to fly any helicopter?
Technically speaking in the US you can fly any helicopter less than 12,500 lb. (that is BIG!) In real life the insurance companies call the shots. They will assess each individual depending on their total helicopter time and their time in similar type of aircraft, e.g. turbine or piston. Once you meet the minimum requirements they usually will insure you if you get 5 or 10 hours of instruction in the type you wish to fly. In fact all the controls work the same in flight. It is the start up and shut down procedures that differ. It is usually a lot of fun as well as a challenge flying a different helicopter.
What do I need to start pilot training?
Nothing! As you proceed you will need to get an FAA medical certificate — it is a good idea to do it early to make sure you are going to meet the requirements before you spend too much on flight training. As your training proceeds, reference materials and equipment may be purchased when appropriate.
How many to hours does it take to get a Private Pilot's License?
The FAA minimums are 10 hours solo and 20 instruction. For most of us mortals it takes longer. You should budget for a total of 50-60 of which 10 hours will be solo. If you already have an airplane license you will be able to do it in around ten hours less. Be very cautious of Flight Schools that guarantee you a license in a set amount of hours.
How long does it take to get a Pilot's License?
For someone studying and flying full time it can be done in four weeks assuming normal weather conditions. It t is wiser to allow six weeks for the Private License, another two months for Commercial and month for the CFI. If you fly part time as many people do it will take longer. Try to fly twice a week as a minimum to start. Some people can fly as little as once a week or even once every two weeks but progress is slower resulting in more hours to achieve a license..
Is there a lot of ground study required?
Yes, you have to pass a fairly straight forward written test, then an oral exam but the most important ground instruction you need to do is that which will keep you safe in the air. Your flying will also progress faster if you understand how your aircraft works. Most ground instruction is done on a one on one basis, your Flight Instructor will also act as your Ground Tutor. The more studying you do at home the less time (and money) you need spend with an instructor. Most students will need at least 20 hours of Ground School before they get their Private License.
Who invented the helicopter?
Leonardo Da Vinci actually designed a helicopter but was unable to find a sufficient source of power to make it fly. The Wright Brothers experimented with vertical flight before getting airborne in a fixed wing aircraft. Igor Sikorsky is credited with the first helicopter flight although there were already numerous gyroplanes which required forward movement or a strong wind to fly.
Can a helicopter fly upside down?
Yes. But as far as we are aware none can sustain inverted flight. There are many remote-control helicopters that fly upside down for prolonged periods so it is aerodynamically possible. It requires a lot of power and a lightly loaded helicopter to even loop a helicopter. Aerobatic flight is prohibited in most normal helicopters — most pilots are more comfortable with the fuselage firmly suspended from the rotor system.
Are helicopters more dangerous than airplanes?
No. Helicopters can land at the first sign of trouble, even if the engine stops it can be safely landed by a proficient pilot. A properly maintained helicopter flown by a pilot who knows his own limits as well as his aircraft's is in a much safer environment than a car on a crowded freeway at 65 miles per hour.
What happens if the engine stops in a helicopter?
In the event of an engine or drive system failure a helicopter can glide to a landing. The term for this maneuver is "Autorotation". The air moving up through the rotor blades causes them to rotate and provide lift. Although they can't glide very far a safe landing can be accomplished in a parking lot or any clear area. The same maneuver is employed to land in the event of a tail rotor failure. Autorotations are practiced regularly by the student pilot with an instructor.
Can you land a helicopter anywhere you like?
In the US the FAA does not prohibit landings anywhere. We are often asked can we land in someone's back yard. Most cities have an ordinance against aircraft landings except designated areas such as airports or heliports. A permit is usually required in order to land anywhere else in the city except in emergency. Many tall buildings have helipads by regulation to allow evacuation by helicopter in case of fire. Some of these are approved by the city for normal operations and can be used with the permission of the owner. Once outside the cities you can land anywhere with permission from the owner of the property or the controlling agency in a State or National Park.
What type of work is there for pilots?
A helicopter is so versatile it is used in numerous roles. Here are some examples: Fire Fighting, Law Enforcement, News Reporting, Traffic Reporting, Wild Life Protection, Crop Spraying, Cattle Mustering, Oil Exploration, Offshore Oil Support, Mining Support, Aerial Survey, Executive Transport, Sight Seeing Tours, Aerial Photography.
If I get a Commercial License will I be able to find employment?
You can achieve a Commercial Pilots License in 150 hours. Many of the operations listed in the previous question require 1,000 hours or more. Again then insurance companies often dictate the hour requirement. Most civil pilots start out as Flight Instructors. You can log the time you spend teaching. From there it is usually possible to get some "stick" time in larger helicopters. Once you have more hours and perhaps some turbine time other employers will consider you for employment. We have not seen anyone who is determined and dedicated fail to find employment once they have got their qualifications.
Will you guarantee me employment at Group 3 upon completion of all courses?
No. We do, however, hire CFI's who have trained with us when positions become available. Be wary of any operation which makes a blanket promise of a job if you train with them. The market for pilots is at its best and there are more openings for well-trained CFI's than there have been in past years.