Q : What is involved in becoming a Commercial Helicopter Pilot?
A : The following are the steps involved in becoming a Commercial Helicopter Pilot

• Obtain your Helicopter license with Copter Charters Flight Training Academy
  
  
• Work can be found anywhere in India
  
  
• Must be able to work anywhere in India
  
  
• Must enjoy the outdoors and work in remote areas, although the metros are seeing a huge increase in helicopter operations, especially in places like Mumbai where the offshore helicopter industry is fuelling India’s hunt for more oil.
  
  
• Flexibility, is a key requirement, as getting a start in the helicopter industry can involve relocation, time away from home and work outside in all kinds of weather. Going with the flow can mean all the difference in getting a good start in the aviation industry.

Q : Do I need any previous flying experience?
A : No, the majority of students who start training have no previous flight training experience.

Q : How do I get started?
A : Following are the steps :

• Fill out an application form, and pay a deposit
  
  
• You need to have funding for tuition
  
  
• Obtain a category Medical fitness certificate from an approved Medical Examination Center of the DGCA
  
  
• Choose a start date; be prepared to train on a full time basis

Q : What types of Helicopter Licenses are there?
A : The following are the types of Helicopter Licenses

• CHPL - Commercial Helicopter Pilot's License:required to work for hire, to carry passengers and equipment
• PHPL - Private Helicopter Pilot's License:carry passengers for personal use
  

Q : What are the medical requirements?
A : As per DGCA norms on the site.

Q : How long does the training take?
A : Training duration :

• Commercial License is approximately 50 to 60 weeks on a full time basis
• Private License is approximately 20 to 30 weeks on a full time basis
• Part time studies will take longer

Q : Can I take my training part time
A : Yes you may however expect it to take much longer, this may also cost more in the long run. Some people prefer this because of employment and other circumstances.

Q : When are the start dates?
A : We are open year round and are flexible with start dates, but Jan & July start dates work out most convenient. Choose a convenient time of the year for your training.

Q : Does Copter Charters provide work after training?
A : We do plan to hire graduated students from our program. We will offer referrals and references to other companies for students possessing a positive attitude and good work ethics. Employers are expected to contact our flight instructors for the best possible candidates to fill their positions based on each trainee pilot’s temperament and skill-set.

Q : What Pilot Training courses will be offered?
A : The proposed training programs are:

• Commercial Helicopter pilot
  
  
• Private Helicopter pilot
  
  
• Conversions from Airplane License towards Helicopter License
  
  
• Instructor ratings
  
  
• Recurrent training
  
  
• Vertical Reference training
  
  
• Role specific training for example, External load training (Slinging loads under the helicopter)