The Helicopter Pilots are responsible for inspecting the various control systems, instruments, fuel, and other prerequisites of the aircraft before starting a flight. The Helicopter pilots are responsible for maintaining the safety of the passengers by keeping constant communication with the air traffic control and the dispatcher.
The Indian Aviation Industry has witnessed tremendous growth and is expected to become the third-largest aviation market in the world. It can open up the opportunity for helicopter pilots in India in Tourism, medical services, corporate travel, mining, etc. On a global level, the employment opportunity of helicopter pilots is expected to grow by 15% in the coming decade.
In order to become a Helicopter Pilot, candidates need to go through a training process and obtain a CPL or PPL License in order to fly. On completion, a candidate can seek job opportunities in Government or Private Sectors. They are hired as a Co-Pilot, Chief Pilots, Airline Pilots, captains, Commuter pilots, First Officers, Experimental Test pilots, etc. Helicopter Pilots offer essential services during any form of casualty.
Several Entrance Exams are conducted to be able to pursue various Aviation Courses, where students need to score a minimum of 55%. Some of the top courses that can be pursued in order to become a Helicopter Pilot are BTech in Aeronautical Engineering degrees, which is the basic education level of all professional helicopter pilots. Read More: How to Become a Pilot
Some of the Top Aviation Colleges offering the above-mentioned courses are NIMS University, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, Garware Institute of Career Education and Development, etc. Admissions to these colleges are done both on the basis of merit and on the basis of entrance exams as well. The average course fee ranges between INR 3,00,000 – 6,00,000. Check: Private Pilot License Jobs
- How to Become a Helicopter Pilot: Quick Facts
- Steps to become a Helicopter Pilot
- Types of Helicopter Pilots
- How to Become a Helicopter Pilot in India
4.1 How to Become a Helicopter Pilot After 12th
5.1 BTech in Aeronautical Engineering
5.2 BSc in Aviation
5.3 BBA in Aviation
6.1 UK
6.2 USA
6.3 Canada
6.4 Australia
- Benefits of Becoming a Helicopter Pilot
- Skills Required to Become a Helicopter Pilot
- Top Recruiters for Helicopter Pilot
- Salary of a Helicopter Pilot in India
10.2 Experience Wise
How to Become a Helicopter Pilot: Quick Facts
| Industry | Aviation |
| Eligibility | BSc in Aviation/BTech in Aeronautical Engineering/BBA in Aviation after class 12th |
| Average Starting Salary | 5,00,000 – 7,00,000 Lac |
| Job Opportunity | Airport Operations Manager, Airport Relationship Manager, Air Traffic Controller |
Steps to Become a Helicopter Pilot
Helicopter Pilot is a very responsible, demanding, and multitasking job. To make the process simpler here are a few points:
- Choosing the Right Programme: Enrolling in a BTech or a BSc Programme in a recognized Aviation College is the first step. It is very essential for a candidate to choose the right program as the airport offers various jobs from technical to management. Considering that candidate may choose from BBA, BTech, and BSc programs.
- Choosing the Right College: Candidates must choose a suitable college according to their convenience as well as the curriculum. Candidates have to ensure their own aspiration to be an Airport Manager, Ground Staff, or an Air Traffic Controller, thus accordingly choosing their college which provides the maximum exposure to their students through internships, projects, and seminars.
- Entrance Exam Eligibility: The minimum eligibility for JEE is 60% in 10+2 in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. JEE is valid for any engineering and similar Technical courses like Aeronautical Engineering or Avionics which makes them eligible to be a Helicopter Pilot.
- Registering as a Pilot: Registering as a Pilot and becoming a Commercial Pilot for the first few years to obtain experience. A professional helicopter pilot’s license is required for those who plan to work commercially in the helicopter transportation industry. Candidates need to clear a written examination to obtain a CPL and a PPL.
- Resume and Application: Building a resume highlighting their experience in flying and operations and finding a job and getting hired. They may apply to reputed companies that provide helicopter services and get hired by them like Pawan Hans, RAF, IAF, Indian Airlines, etc.
Types of Helicopter Pilots
There are numerous job profiles of Helicopter Pilots in Government and Private Organisations are:
- Private Helicopter Pilot – They require a Private Pilot’s License (PPL) to fly. This can be the first step in commercial flying but the person is not supposed to charge for the flight. They travel cross country with landings and takeoff from an airport tower.
- Commercial Helicopter Pilot – They provide support 24*7 services and cater to the needs of passengers. They require a Commercial Pilot License which is considered to be a standard license for flying. They ensure the safety of passengers and payload.
- Helicopter Pilots in the Navy or Army – They are specialists in military emergencies. They work in Disaster Management and deliver aid to injured soldiers.
- RAF Airman and Airwoman – They specialize in engineering and technical roles like aircraft technician, cyberspace communications specialist, and survival equipment specialist.
How to Become a Helicopter Pilot in India?
Helicopter Pilot being a very popular profession requires perseverance and hard work. Mentioned below are a few of the crucial ways in which one can prepare himself/herself to become a Helicopter Pilot.
School Level Preparation
- Candidates who want to pursue BTech Course need to have a specific subject combination of Math, Physics, and Chemistry in the 10+2 Level
- Candidates should try to achieve a minimum of 60% aggregate to enroll in the top Aviation College to pursue BTech/BSc or even BBA in aviation.
- Most of the candidates start preparing with the 10 Boards and enroll themselves in Coaching Institutes.
How to Become a Helicopter Pilot After 12th?
After Successfully completing class 12th board exams students aspiring to become helicopter pilots can follow the below-mentioned procedures for a hassle-free career journey.
UG Level Preparation
-
BTech in aeronautical engineering, BSc in aviation, and BBA in aviation or airport management are the courses that aspirants can pursue at the bachelor’s level.
- The minimum aggregate should be around 60% in BTech or BSc.
- After 4 years of intensive study, candidates have to complete a 2 – 6 months internship program
PG Level Preparation
-
Although most professional helicopter pilots have only a bachelor’s degree as their basic education level, many candidates pursue further education to find better job opportunities and get a salary hike.
- For Post Graduation, aspirants can pursue MTech or MSc in aviation or even pursue MBA in airport management.
- A candidate should have 55% marks at the bachelor’s level to enroll themselves for a master's course.
- Candidates having Diplomas or other degrees cannot enroll themselves.
Aviation Courses
BTech in Aeronautical Engineering is the most popular course to become a Helicopter Pilot as a Bachelor's or Undergraduate degree. This is the only valid degree to practice as a degree although there are similar courses like BSc/BS i.e. Bachelor of Science.
BTech in Aeronautical Engineering
- BTech Aeronautical Engineering is a four years Engineering Course specializing in aerospace engineering. It is a kind of mandatory course for aspiring pilots in India as well as abroad.
- A 60% minimum aggregate in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology is required to pursue this course.
- The objective of the course is to conduct research and provide contemporary education for creating sustainable efficient designs in Aeronautics.
- JEE Mains qualifying marks are compulsory for Indian Nationals, PIOs, and OCIs.
- 55% minimum aggregate with Physical Science in 10+2 is required to pursue a Bachelor of Technology abroad.
- In the UK, USA, Australia, and Europe, the JEE aspirant also needs an IELTS Score above 6.5 and TOEFL above 85.
- After a 4-year degree course, candidates will have to complete one year of Internship in the aviation department.
BSc in Aviation
- BS or Bachelor of Science in Aviation is a three-year undergraduate degree that will provide theoretical as well as practical knowledge that is required to be a professional helicopter pilot.
- Students will have the opportunity in choosing national or international elective modules at the end of the second semester and also an internship.
- The average fee of a Bachelor Of Science is 2Lac (INR) while it may be around £9000 if pursued abroad.
- An IELTS Score of 7 (abroad ) is the criteria to get admission to BS.
- The minimum eligibility criteria is a pure Science Stream Background with a 55% aggregate and valid score in JEE ADVANCE, BITSAT, and COMEDK.
BBA in Aviation
- BBA in Aviation and Airport Management is another option as a Bachelor's Degree.
- 60% minimum aggregate in 10+2 in PCMB is required to be eligible for BBA Course.
- It is a three-year degree with a one-year internship in aviation.
- AIMS Institute, Bangalore, and HITS Chennai are the top colleges to pursue BBA in Aviation.
How to Get Helicopter Pilot License
The candidates are required to follow a set of rules in order to get a helicopter pilot License from their respective authorities. In India, there are several agencies that offer helicopter pilot Licenses to candidates. The candidates are required to keep the following things in mind before applying to the license course
- The candidates must be between 17 to 18 years of age and should have physics, chemistry, and mathematics as their subjects in their 12th or equivalent level.
- The candidates are required to score 55% marks in their 12th.
- The candidates are required to maintain the Medical fitness Class-II status as prescribed by the DGCA. The candidates are required to get the Class-I Medical Fitness certificate from an authorized DGCA prior to the training.
- Candidates are required to pass their written test, followed by Psychometric Test: and a personal interview for their selection.
- The candidates are required to record at least 150 hours of training to be eligible for the Helicopter Pilot license
- The average cost of Helicopter Pilot License training can go up to INR 45 Lakhs.
How to Become a Helicopter Pilot Abroad
Helicopter Pilot as a career is showing a spike in growth like no other career as the current emergency situation demands efficient Helicopter Pilots. Thus the best places to complete basic education abroad are the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.
How to Become a Helicopter Pilot in the UK
- Subject combination requirement with JEE qualifying marks.
- A BS degree from India before BTech is common in the UK.
- An IELTS score above 6.5 is mandatory for admission to colleges in the UK.
- The average fee is around GBP 22,000.
- Apart from JEE, students need to clear the UK Aptitude Test.
Top Colleges
| Name of the College | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| Imperial College | 37 L |
| University College | 35 L |
| Newcastle University | 56 L |
| University of Oxford | 55 L |
| King's College London | 46 L |
| University of Cambridge | 47 L |
| University of Edinburgh | 46 L |
| University of Manchester | 38 L |
| University of Glasgow | 46 L |
| Queen Mary University of London | 38 L |
How to Become a Helicopter Pilot in the USA
- A valid JEE Score is the primary requirement for admission.
- After completing the Bachelor’s Degree, candidates must apply for a training program of 3 years.
Top Colleges
| Name of the College | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | 64 L |
| Stanford University | 45 L |
| Columbia University | 47 L |
| University of Pennsylvania | 45 L |
| Johns Hopkins University | 39 L |
| Yale University | 47 L |
| University of California, LA | 58 L |
| Duke University | 36 L |
| University of California, San Diego | 55 L |
| University of California, San Francisco | 58 L |
How to Become a Helicopter Pilot in Canada
- PCMB Subject combination requirement with JEE qualifying marks.
- IELTS scores above 6.5 and TOEFL scores between 86 to 100 are eligible to pursue Aviation courses in Canada.
- The annual tuition fees abroad can be between 8 to 10 Lacs annually in Indian rupees.
Top Colleges
| Name of the College | Average Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| McGill University | 44 L |
| University of Toronto | 35 L |
| Queen's University | 26 L |
| McMaster University | 46 L |
| University of Sherbrooke | 55 L |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | 36 L |
| University of British Columbia | 52 L |
| University of Montreal | 44 L |
| University of Alberta | 43 L |
| University of Waterloo | 50 L |
How to Become a Helicopter Pilot in Australia
- IELTS scores above 6.5 and TOEFL scores between 82 to 100 are eligible.
- The annual tuition fees abroad can be between 8 Lacs annually in Indian rupees.
- A scholarship system is available for Indian students with a 70% aggregate in 10+2.
Top Colleges
| Name of the College | Average Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Australian National University | 56 L |
| Monash University | 55 L |
| Macquarie University | 46 L |
| University of Melbourne | 57 L |
| University of Sydney | 45 L |
| University of New South Wales | 58 L |
| University of Adelaide | 46 L |
| University of Western Australia | 46 L |
| University of Newcastle | 52 L |
| Deakin University | 42 L |
Benefits of Becoming a Helicopter Pilot
There are various perks of being a helicopter pilot, the prominent ones being the travel advantages, and various other facilities they offer to the aspirant and their family, along with the unique satisfaction of flying a helicopter all over the world.
- Salary: An Entry level Pilot earns nearly 7 LPA while mid and senior earns more than 10 Lac per annum. The lucrative salary can be a reason of choice for some to become a Helicopter Pilot though it cannot be the sole reason
- Job Security: It is indeed one of the most prestigious positions in the Aviation Industry. The demand for skilled Helicopter Pilots is rising due to the abruptly increasing population.
- Positive Impact of the career: They are solely responsible for operations, which means they can change the emergency scenario from rural to urban landscape by improving the services.
- Unique Experience: Being a Helicopter Pilot, a candidate gets to deal with people of different organizations and strata which is itself a learning experience. Candidates get to develop their patience, observation, and management skills.
- Spectacular View: With the Private Helicopter Pilot License, at any time one can experience the breathtaking view according to their convenience. One can witness the change of weather and the landscape as per their own wish.
- Deciding your own Time: Candidates need to have a PPL in order to fly a helicopter. They can set their own time of flying. If one wants to fly during the sunset or in the dawn they can do whatever with the License.
- Travel convenience: There are many advantages for pilots who own a personal aircraft. First, no more waiting in long lines at the airport to get through security. They do not have any compulsion of baggage fees and restrictions on the things one can carry onboard. They can decide the destination and plan the schedule just a night before and fly accordingly.
- Flying is exciting: Having a pilot’s license means one has a fascination with flying. Of course, the mere act of flying around in a big machine is thrilling, but being at the controls of a helicopter can give a boost of much-needed confidence. Since having the power, make sure the ride is exciting each and every time
Skills Required to Become a Helicopter Pilot
Helicopter Pilots are expected to work under emergency as well as normal conditions. Thus given below is a set of skills that a candidate must have to pursue a career as a Helicopter Pilot.
| Strong Intellectual Ability | Multitasking |
| Observation Skills | Management Skills |
| Critical Thinking | Analysing Ability |
| Communication Skill | Latest Knowledge of Aeronautical Science and Strategies |
| Problem-Solving Skills | Financial Management Skills |
| Problem Detection | Calm personality |
Top Recruiters for Helicopter Pilot
The Helicopter Pilots are mainly appointed through their internship referral and Airport Authority. They are also recruited as on their experience in the airline industry. The top recruiters are:
| Indian Army | Indian Navy |
| Firefighting Operations | Disaster Management |
| Health Department of Government | DRDO |
| ISRO | Search and Rescue Operations |
| Aerial Survey | Media Industry |
Salary of a Helicopter Pilot in India
The Helicopter Pilot has a salary according to their hierarchy(experience level) and employment areas like Survey, Disaster Management, Emergency Operations, Indian Army, and the Navy.
Average Annual Salary
| Name of Organisation | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Government | 8 LPA |
| Private | 11 LPA |
Experience Wise
| Experience | Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | 6,50,000 |
| Mid Level | 8,50,000 |
| Experienced or Senior Level | 11,00,000 |
How to Become a Helicopter Pilot: FAQs
Ques. What is the minimum requirement of a Helicopter Pilot?
Ans. BTech or BSc Degree with a few years of experience as a Licensed Co-Pilot is the minimum requirement.
Ques. What is the entrance exam for becoming a Helicopter Pilot?
Ans. The entrance exams are Joint Entrance Examination at the educational level and a training exam to obtain a CPL License.
Ques. What is the educational qualification required for Helicopter Pilot?
Ans. Bachelor (BTech) with 60% and above and Masters [MTech] (Preferably) with 55 % is the minimum aggregate required.
Ques. What are the employment sectors for a Helicopter Pilot?
Ans. The employment areas are Indian Defence Service, Transportation Service, Cargo Service, Aerial Survey, and Disaster Management are a few among them.
Ques. What are some of the best colleges to study BTech for becoming a Helicopter Pilot?
Ans. National College of Aviation and Grand Scholar Aviation Institute are some of the best aviation colleges in India.
Ques. What is the average annual fee of Aviation Colleges?
Ans. The average annual fee of Aviation College in India is 5,00,000 INR
Ques. Name the categories of Helicopter pilots in India.
Ans. The types are Helicopter Pilot in Army and Navy, Co-Pilot, Chief Pilot, Airline Pilot, Captain, Commuter Pilot, First Officer, and Experimental Test Pilot.
Ques. What is the average annual salary of a Helicopter Pilot?
Ans. The average annual salary at entry level is 7,00,000 INR.
Ques. Is work experience mandatory to become a Helicopter Pilot?
Ans. It is mandatory to have some experience beforehand like an Internship with training as a Pilot and a license approved by DGCA.
Ques. What are the things an aspirant must be aware of before sitting for the exam?
Ans. Being a Helicopter Pilot it is expected to provide service 24*7 on an emergency basis. There is no particular time frame as it is very demanding for the rising population.
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