Dream job as a helicopter and airplane pilot: Your path to the cockpit

Introduction: When the dream of flying comes true

The helicopter is fascinating – hardly any other aircraft symbolizes freedom, technology, and adventure so much. Whether for rescue missions in the mountains, sightseeing flights over breathtaking landscapes, or professional air transport: helicopter pilots are in demand and take on exciting, responsible tasks. But how does one become a helicopter or airplane pilot? What are the qualifications – and how does the training work?

Requirements and entry

The path to the cockpit usually begins with a trial flight – a great opportunity to take the controls for yourself and get a first feel for flying. Those who catch the bug can immediately begin training for a private pilot's license for helicopters and airplanes (PPL-H) .

This is what you need to get started:

• Minimum age: 16 years for the first solo flight, Completion of training at the age of 17)

• Good health (Class 2 medical certificate)

• Motivation, ability to concentrate and technical understanding

• No previous flying experience necessary

Training content

The training to become a helicopter pilot is divided into theoretical and practical lessons :

✏️ Theory lessons

In around 100 hours you will learn, among other things:

• Aerodynamics and flight technology

• Navigation and Meteorology

• Aviation law and communication

• Flight performance calculation and behavior in emergencies

🚁 Practical lessons

At least 45 hours of flight time (including 10 hours of solo flight time) with an experienced flight instructor. You will learn:

• Takeoff, landing and hovering

• Emergency procedures and autorotation

• Navigation and off-airport landing sites

• Radio communication procedures and airspace structures

Training usually takes place on popular training helicopters such as the Robinson R22 or R44 , depending on the flight school.

The training process at a glance (helicopter & aircraft)

1. The first step: trial flight and consultation
It all starts with a trial flight. Here, you'll have the opportunity to gain your first experience in the cockpit with a flight instructor. Not only will you be able to take the controls yourself, but you'll also get comprehensive information about the training process – tailored to your individual needs.

2. Plan next lessons & receive materials
You'll receive checklists, theory books, navigation materials, a flight log, and the addresses of aviation doctors. Your flight instructor will show you how to optimally prepare for each lesson.

3. Medical examination
You'll need a medical certificate for the training. Those who plan to fly professionally should undergo an examination at an aviation medical center.

4. Ab initio phase
Now things really get started: You'll learn basic flight maneuvers, takeoff, landing, emergency procedures, and become familiar with radio technology. At the same time, you'll begin the theory – from aerodynamics to meteorology to aviation law.

5. The first solo flight
An unforgettable moment: your first solo flight. Every pilot remembers this magical moment for a lifetime.

6. Consolidation phase near the airfield
You'll practice further solo flights, emergency procedures, and behavior in unusual flight situations. You'll develop confidence and learn to correctly assess weather conditions.

7. Navigation & Alpine Flights
First, you'll practice navigation flights on flat terrain, followed by the Alpine briefing – including two flights over the Alps. The highlight: a solo navigation flight of 250 km.

8. Exam preparation
All exercises will be refined so that you can confidently meet the test tolerances. You'll fly partly with an instructor, partly solo, and work specifically on your remaining remaining points.

9. The practical exam
Your flight instructor will recommend you take the final exam. If you pass, the examiner will issue you a provisional license—and you'll be allowed to fly and carry passengers. Shortly thereafter, you'll receive your official PPL(H) license from the FOCA.

Costs and duration

Training to become a PPL-H is an investment – ​​with costs of approximately 25,000 to 40,000 CHF (helicopter) , depending on the flight school, helicopter type and individual progress.
The duration of the training varies: full-time, you can obtain the license within 3-6 months (not recommended), part-time it usually takes 1 to 2 years.

What comes after training?

With the PPL(H), you are allowed to fly privately and carry passengers – but not commercially. Those who want to work as a professional pilot can then complete the CPL(H) training for a commercial pilot license.

Opportunities for specialization:

• Glacier landings

• High mountain flights

• Night flight authorization

• Retraining to larger helicopter types

• Flight instructor training

The path to professional aviation

Starting out as a professional pilot with a CPL(H) is challenging. Typically, you start part-time at a company and take on initial missions under the supervision of the chief pilot. With increasing experience, opportunities open up in mountain flying, passenger transport, or flight school.

Many of our graduates have made the leap into the cockpit – with the police, Rega, or transport aviation. We not only support our pilots during their training but also provide them with advice afterward.

Conclusion: An experience that connects

Training to become a helicopter pilot is more than just a course – it's a journey. One that combines technology with emotion, responsibility with freedom. Those who take this path not only discover the world from a new perspective, but also themselves.

And the best part: The first step to training to become a pilot is very easy – perhaps with a trial flight (including an airplane) directly from your desired location?

More knowledge

If you would like to learn more, visit the following links:
- Helicopter structure, aerodynamics and control
- Training to become a helicopter pilot
- to read " Little Helicopter School "

Book your trial flight now and gain your first flying experience with an experienced flight instructor. You'll also have the opportunity to learn more about helicopter pilot training options.

Author and owner Mario Lang is an entrepreneur with a passion for flying.
Mario Lang grew up in a family passionate about aviation – his father was a pilot himself, and as a teenager, he accompanied him during his paragliding training. His fascination with aviation was thus awakened at an early age.

Mario Lang

In 2001, Mario began his training as a helicopter pilot. Driven by his enthusiasm and desire to introduce others to flying, he later founded Heli GmbH . Today, his company, with helikopterflug.ch , hubschrauberflug.de , and hubschrauberflug.at, is one of the largest providers of helicopter flights in German-speaking countries.