What does it take to become a helicopter pilot?
Learning to fly helicopters takes time, dedication, brains, good physical coordination, and a sizable financial investment. Even then, flying helicopters isn't for everyone.
In practical terms, the FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time and 40 hours of ground instruction to qualify for your private pilot checkride. No one ever does it in the minimum time; according to the national average, most people take 60-80 hours flight time. The more often you fly — we suggest 3 times a week or more, particularly in the pre-solo stage — the faster progress you'll make. If you fly ~3-5 hours a week and make good progress, it'll take 3-4 months to complete your training for the Private Pilot License (PPL).
If you're thinking of becoming a career Commercial Pilot, that's an even larger commitment. It'll take about 2 years of hard work and will cost about $75,000 to gain enough ratings and acquire enough flight time to get an entry-level flying job.
What if I'm already a fixed-wing pilot?
You may think that if you fly airplanes, getting a rotorcraft add-on will take just a few hours and a checkride. It doesn't work that way. Airplanes and helicopters aren't just a different "class" of aircraft, they are a completely different "category," as defined by the FAA. Even for an experienced airplane pilot, learning to fly a helicopter may seem a lot like starting over.
You'll be ahead on training in navigation, weather, and radio. You don't have to take the written exam for a helicopter add-on, but you must complete the ground and flight requirements and take an oral and practical test (checkride).
What if I have a medical condition?
Every pilot is required to pass an FAA medical exam before you can solo. We encourage our students to get the FAA medical done immediately — even before you begin your flight training, if you think you might have a condition that will prevent you from passing the exam. Some medical conditions and use of the drugs prescribed for them may prevent you from becoming a pilot. We can provide you with a list of Bay Area physicians who administer FAA medical exams.
What if I'm not a US citizen?
You must go through the TSA Alien Flight Student process before you can begin your training, which may take up to 6 weeks. You can take a Discovery Flight, but you cannot officially begin your training until you have completed the process and GGH has been notified that you are approved for flight training.
GGH does not provide student or work visas for non-US-citizens, although we are happy to provide you with information about procuring a visa if you are coming to the US to train. We also have a non-US-citizen on staff who will be happy to share his personal experience with the process.
How does scheduling work?
GGH isn't a flight academy. All of our training is one-on-one. We don't have group classes or class schedules; the schedule is up to you and your instructor. Our training program uses our own very well-tested and effective syllabus that includes regular reading assignments, quizzes, exams, and stage-checks. When you've completed the requirements for a license or rating, your instructor will sign you off and schedule an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) to administer your oral and practical exams.
Can I rent a helicopter from you after I complete my training?
Yes. We're the only FBO in the Bay Area that has a renter program.
What's the job market like?
The number of helicopter pilots has remained quite low. Only about 3% of all rated pilots are helicopter pilots (and only about 3% of those are women). Helicopter pilots with a Commercial certificate are always in demand in a busy metropolitan areas. Jobs include news, traffic, weather, emergency services, aerial photography, aerial survey, law enforcement, and fire fighting.
Although GGH does not guarantee employment, we do like to hire our own graduates. If we have an opening when you complete your CFI/I at GGH, you'll always get first consideration.
How do I start?
Still excited about learning to fly? Great! A good place to begin is with a Discovery Flight. You will get your first ground school lesson and fly for a half-hour with a GGH Certified Flight Instructor to see what it's like.
Call us to schedule; we are open 7 days a week. We'll ask your name, weight, and cellphone number. When you come for your flight, bring your passport or driver's license and, if you've flown previously, your logbook/FAA licenses and medical certificate.