Aspiring for national service or a lucrative career in private companies, the role of a helicopter pilot is considered highly significant and attractive today.
New Delhi: Touching the skies and living a life full of adventure is a dream for many young people. Some want to fulfill this dream by becoming pilots, and among them, becoming a helicopter pilot is a special and challenging option. Whether it's a relief and rescue operation during a natural disaster or transporting a VIP to their destination, the role of a helicopter pilot is crucial everywhere. Today, we will delve into the details of how one can become a helicopter pilot, the required education, the fees involved, and the job opportunities and salary prospects.
Why is the Role of a Helicopter Pilot Special?
A helicopter pilot is a professional capable of flying in diverse conditions. Their services are invaluable in government operations, corporate travel, medical emergencies, tourism, and military missions. From delivering relief materials in mountainous regions to operating air ambulances, a helicopter pilot plays a vital role in every challenging situation.
Educational Qualifications and Prerequisites
To become a helicopter pilot, a candidate must first pass the 12th standard with Physics, Mathematics, and English. This is the minimum educational qualification. Additionally, the candidate must be at least 17 years old. Admission to many flying schools requires a medical fitness certificate (Class I or Class II) as prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Course and Training Information
There are two main courses to obtain the qualification to fly a helicopter:
- Private Pilot License (PPL-H): This is an entry-level license. It involves at least 40 to 60 hours of flight training. After this course, the pilot is authorized for personal flights but not for commercial flights.
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL-H): This is the necessary license for commercial flights. The candidate needs 150 hours of flight training. This includes solo flying, navigation, night flying, and emergency handling training.
Some prominent institutions in India offer helicopter pilot training, including:
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics, Chandigarh
- Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy, Hyderabad
- Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited Training Center, Mumbai & Delhi
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Sciences, Rae Bareli
- Himalayan Aviation Academy, Dehradun
Before admission to these institutions, candidates may have to undergo an entrance examination or interview.
Course Cost and Fee Structure
The cost of the courses required to become a helicopter pilot is quite high. The cost of a Private Pilot License can range from approximately ₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs. For a Commercial Pilot License, this expense can increase to ₹25 lakhs to ₹40 lakhs. This includes flight training, ground classes, simulator training, and other necessary fees.
Job Opportunities and Career Prospects
After obtaining the course and license, numerous career options open up for candidates. Helicopter pilots can find employment in the following areas:
- Government services such as ONGC, Indian Coast Guard, State Police Department
- Private chartered helicopter companies
- Air ambulance services
- Tourism and travel companies
- Ministry of Defence and paramilitary forces (Army Aviation Wing, NSG)
- Disaster management agencies
- Some experienced pilots can also build careers as flight instructors.
Pilot Salary and Growth
At the initial level, a fresher helicopter pilot can earn a salary of ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 per month. This salary can increase rapidly depending on experience and organization. After two to three years of experience, this salary can reach ₹2 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs per month. In government services, this salary scale can be even more attractive with other allowances and benefits.
Important Suggestions and Preparation Tips
- Students planning to become helicopter pilots should develop a b grasp of Physics and Mathematics.
- Get the DGCA medical test done in advance for medical fitness.
- When choosing a good flying school, check its DGCA accreditation and placement record.
- Improving English language proficiency is essential as it is primarily used in flight operations and technical training.
- Maintaining physical and mental fitness is crucial as high levels of concentration and stability are required during flight.
