Students with poor color vision may be prevented from becoming pilots. Pilots need to distinguish colors in order to understand light-signals when operating a helicopter. If you think you may have poor color vision, ask your optometrist to administer a test before you begin pursuing a career as a pilot. If you are worried about being disqualified for any of these conditions, talk to an FAA approved medical examiner about your concerns. Find an FAA approved medical examiner on the FAA website.
Helicopter pilots need to know algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. There will be math questions on the test, and you will need especially good math skills to fly commercially. You can take math classes at your flight school or aeronautical college. You can also study with books and study guides: look for guides written specifically for pilots.
If you choose to take out a loan, you might want to look into a Career Training Loan. If you are already a pilot with a fixed wing license, you can apply for a rotorcraft add-on license, and you will not be required to fly as many hours to qualify for it. There are few scholarships available for students of rotorcraft. There is a non-profit called Whirly-Girls that provides women who have already gotten their private pilot certification with scholarships to help them achieve a commercial private pilot certification.
To be admitted, you will need to have passed your medical examination. You will also need proof of funds and a high school degree or equivalent. Prospective rotorcraft students whose first language is not English must pass the TOEFL exam. Consider attending a college or a university that offers an aviation program. That way, you can get your associate’s or bachelor’s degree at the same time that you obtain your helicopter licenses.
Dual flight time happens when you are flying the helicopter accompanied by your instructor. Solo flight time is when you are the sole occupant of the helicopter, though you may receive radio communications from your instructor on the ground. You will not begin flying solo until your flight instructor thinks you are ready. Your first solo flight is a milestone of your training. Pilots call it “soloing. "
Your exams will mostly be comprised of questions about rotorcraft and flying. You will be asked to identify functions of different parts of aircraft, quizzed on which moves to make during different crises, and asked to figure out simple points of procedure. Study by taking the practice exams available at the FAA site.
During your exam your examiner will ask you to plan a flight. They will ask you follow up questions about conditions and procedure. After or during this part of the exam, you will pilot a short flight with your examiner beside you. If you make an error, your examiner can choose to fail you, forcing you to take the entire test again, or pass you on the condition that you retake the section you failed. Once you have successfully demonstrated flying ability, flight knowledge, and good judgement, you will pass.
As soon as you graduate, ask your school if they are hiring, and to put you on a list of possible hires.
