Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Pennsylvania
Cities in Pennsylvania with Aviation Schools:
- Allentown
- Allison Park
- Altoona
- Baldwin
- Bethel Park
- Bethlehem
- Carlisle
- Chambersburg
- Chester
- Drexel Hill
- Easton
- Ephrata
- Erie
- Franklin Park
- Fullerton
- Greensburg
- Hanover
- Harrisburg
- Hazleton
- Hermitage
- Hershey
- Horsham
- Johnstown
- King Of Prussia
- Lancaster
- Lansdale
- Lebanon
- Levittown
- Mckeesport
- Monroeville
- Mount Lebanon
- Murrysville
- New Castle
- Norristown
- Penn Hills
- Philadelphia
- Phoenixville
- Pittsburgh
- Plum
- Pottstown
- Radnor Township
- Reading
- Ross Township
- Scranton
- Shaler Township
- State College
- Upper St Clair
- West Chester
- West Mifflin
- Whitehall
- Wilkes-Barre
- Wilkinsburg
- Williamsport
- Willow Grove
- York
Seeking Professional Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Pennsylvania
To land the top helicopter pilot jobs in Pennsylvania depends so much upon the "type" of piloting job you are pursuing. Meaning, not all helicopter jobs in Pennsylvania are the same. Not all helicopter jobs in Pennsylvania are considered to be the "best-paying jobs." The top commercial helicopter pilot jobs around Pennsylvania will require set minimum requirements.
Brand new helicopter pilots from Pennsylvania are very limited in the type of piloting jobs in Pennsylvania they qualify for because new pilots typically don't have enough flight experience. Most entry-level helicopter pilot jobs in Pennsylvania require a minimum of 1,200 flight hours. Brand new commercial pilots (those right out of pilot training school) typically have only 220 total flight hours. Two-hundred and twenty hours is not a lot of hours.
Unfortunately, many times there is a 1,000 flight hour gap between completing commercial flight training and having the minimum requirements to land an industry "entry-level" pilot job in Pennsylvania. Somehow the new commercial helicopter graduate must earn 1,000 additional hours or they don't qualify for the best paying helicopter pilot jobs in Pennsylvania.
Due to a lack of flight experience, the only pilot job a new commercial pilot can land is the CFI job (Certified Flight Instructors), training new student pilots in Pennsylvania. The truth is, most professional helicopter pilots start their piloting career as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Their first entry-level helicopter pilot job is a CFI in Pennsylvania.
In the early stages of a new helicopter pilot career, new pilots from Pennsylvania are very limited in what helicopter pilot jobs they qualify for. The main problem with hiring brand new commercial pilots is that they do not have enough flight hours. Typically, a brand new commercial helicopter pilot in Pennsylvania has earned 220 flight hours.
Essentially, the process of securing a commercial pilot rating will net a newly rated pilot with 220 total flight hours, and 100 of those hours are "pilot in command" hours, also known as "PIC" hours. The point is, the new commercial helicopter pilot in Pennsylvania don't qualify for one of the good-paying pilot jobs in Pennsylvania, therefore the only piloting jobs available are CFI jobs.
Commercial helicopter pilots only have a couple of ways to earn enough PIC hours to land the best-paying commercial piloting job in Pennsylvania, and most pilots earn their required hours as Certified Flight Instructors.
Researching Helicopter Pilot Salary?Here are some of the top-paying helicopter pilot jobs in Pennsylvania
Law Enforcement Pilot: Police Helicopter Pilots in Pennsylvania are typically police officers and commercial helicopter pilots. The typical law enforcement pilot job requirements are simple and clear: Must be a US citizen, pass a background check, and has either attended and graduated from a police academy or is willing to participate in and graduate.
The flight requirements of helicopter pilots seeking a job as a law enforcement helicopter pilot in Pennsylvania include a Commercial Instrument Rotor-wing Certificate, Class II Flight Physical, a minimum of 1,200 total times, 800 PIC hours, and 700 turbine hours.
Emergency Medical Services Helicopter Pilot: Professional helicopter pilots seeking a full-time job piloting for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) companies in Pennsylvania need to be the best of the best. Keep in mind, EMS helicopter pilots are "the best of the best" and the "top dogs" in the aviation industry, therefore most employers give preference to pilots with previous EMS experience with VFR proficiency.
Strong communication skills are a must. Desire to being an integral member of a medical-based team is a must. Job seekers must be able to perform strenuous physical tasks such as lifting and carrying weight up to 90 lbs.
Other helicopter pilot requirements include a current FAA Commercial Certificate, Class II Medical Certificate, Helicopter Instrument Rating, and it is preferred that pilot candidates possess ATP helicopter rating and have recent IFR experience.
Utility Inspection Pilot: Utility Inspect Helicopter Pilots in Pennsylvania must be able to survey powerlines using LiDAR and photographic/video equipment to inspect and document the condition of power poles. Top utility companies are looking for helicopter pilots with extraordinary helicopter experience flying in and around a "wire environment" (utility lines).
Helicopter pilots seeking employment with utility companies must demonstrate and prove their skills to operate a helicopter safely and in a professional manner. To land the best paying utility jobs, they must prove their ability to follow and comply with all Federal (FAA), State, and local regulations. Employers realize that the best utility helicopter pilots have established their ability to work independently and with a team.
Typically, helicopter pilot job candidates need a minimum of 3000 hours as Pilot In Command, a minimum of 300 hours in a turbine, flying utility inspections around power lines with photography is preferred. Job candidates should have FAA commercial license, current medical, clean driving record, clean background check, clean drug test, and no accidents or incident reports.
Charter Tour Pilot: The top helicopter tour companies typically recruit full-time helicopter pilots from Pennsylvania to fly public tours. Job seekers need a commercial pilot rating along with CFI and/or CFII.
Helicopter tour pilots must demonstrate their skills in operating a helicopter safely and in a professional manner. To land the best paying utility jobs, helicopter pilot candidates must prove their ability to follow and comply with all Federal (FAA), State, and local regulations.
Tour helicopter pilots have training in a Robinson R44 and Robinson R66, and turbine hours is preferred or considered an advantage. Helicopter tour pilots need a minimum of 250-1,000 hours and should be qualified for aerial photography, aerial surveys, and sightseeing tour jobs.
Certified Flight Instructor: Helicopter pilots from Pennsylvania looking to land the best flight instructor jobs must have plenty of hours in a Robinson R22 and R44 and R66 Helicopters. Strangely enough, the highest-paid flight instructors also conduct sightseeing tours as long as the pilot meets specific hourly requirements.
Job candidates need to be able to operate as independent contractors working on an hourly basis, flying anywhere from 5 to 25 hours a week.
Flight training job candidates need the following to be current: FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Certificate, Instrument Rotorcraft Rating, Flight Instructor Certificate, (“Instrument” rated Flight Instructor Rating usually preferred), Class II Medical Certificate, and SFAR CFI Endorsement for R22 and R44
Minimum flight experience - a minimum of 250 hours total time in a helicopter, and preferably 150 of those hours in Robinson Rotorcraft.
Fixed-Wing Aircraft Facts
Truss-Type: A truss is a rigid framework made up of members, such as beams, struts, and bars to resist deformation by applied loads. The truss-framed fuselage is generally covered with fabric. The truss-type fuselage frame is usually constructed of steel. A truss-type fuselage. A Warren truss uses mostly diagonal bracing. An airframe using monocoque construction. The most common airframe construction is semi-monocoque tubing welded together in such a manner that all members of the truss can carry both tension and compression loads. In some aircraft, principally the light, single-engine models, truss fuselage frames may be constructed of aluminum alloy and may be riveted or bolted into one piece, with cross-bracing achieved by using solid rods or tubes.
Fun Flight Dispatcher Facts
A flight dispatcher, also known as an aircraft dispatcher, flight follower or flight operations officer or anyone trained and positioned to assist in planning flight paths, taking into account aircraft performance and loading, enroute winds, thunderstorm and turbulence forecasts, airspace restrictions, and airport conditions.
Landing the Top Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Pennsylvania
Are you seeking the top helicopter pilot jobs near Pennsylvania? Are you searching for a helicopter flight school? Or if we're starting from scratch, have you ever flown in a helicopter? Have you ever spoken to a professional helicopter pilot? Do you know anything about the average helicopter pilot salary in Pennsylvania? The reason why we ask is due to the inherent challenge of flying helicopters as a career or as a job. Helicopters are not aerodynamic and they are very difficult to fly, and helicopters pilots require extraordinary skills.
To fly, Helicopter pilots require extreme coordination between their eyes, ears, hands, and feet. Yes, in order to fly, helicopter pilots use their sight, hearing, and all four limbs simultaneously. The question is, do you have what it takes to learn to fly and then go on to land the top paying helicopter pilot jobs in Pennsylvania?
Flying helicopters is not a natural activity, meaning, no one is born with the "natural" talent or skills to fly a helicopter. To become a great helicopter pilot landing the top helicopter pilot jobs, pilots from Pennsylvania have to devote a great deal of time, energy, and passion into developing unique skills that do not come naturally.
Flying helicopters is counterintuitive and there is no other job in the world similar to flying helicopters. Meaning, your previous experience does not help you in any way, and as a matter of fact, it might hurt you as you seek to develop helicopter pilot skills.
The truth is helicopter pilots, seeking helicopter pilot jobs in Pennsylvania are very unique people with unique and peculiar skills. The good news is, helicopter pilots in Pennsylvania are in high demand!
Helicopter Pilot Salary in Pennsylvania:How much do helicopter pilots make and why you should pursue helicopter flight school
Professional helicopter pilots do not get rich flying helicopters in Pennsylvania. It's possible to become rich, but most helicopter pilot jobs pay anywhere from $65,000 and $100,000 annually. In other words, people usually do not pursue helicopter pilot jobs in Pennsylvania to become rich and wealthy. However, being a professional helicopter pilot in Pennsylvania provides one with a very "rich" life experience, as well as a healthy income.
Want a career of flying helicopters in Pennsylvania? Are you looking at flying search and rescue missions in Pennsylvania or aerial firefighting operations around Pennsylvania? Do you see yourself flying a helicopter near Pennsylvania as an EMS pilot, Fire Fighting pilot, Forestry pilot, etc? The demand for helicopter pilot jobs in Pennsylvania is very high and competitive, and it's important for any helicopter pilot from Pennsylvania to know your desired career course.
Types of Helicopter Pilot Jobs and Careers in Pennsylvania:
- Emergency Medical Services
- Fire Fighting
- Forestry
- Law Enforcement
- Offshore Oil and Gas
- Tourism & Sightseeing
- Utility Inspection (pipeline and power line)
Regardless of the type of helicopter pilot job you pursue, the top-paying jobs require commitment, perseverance, diligence, discipline, good training, a strong love for flying, great communication skills, and professionalism. If you are willing to commit yourself to the best training and you are devoted to your craft, eventually you will be landing the best paying helicopter pilot jobs in Pennsylvania. You will be in high-demand too!
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for Allentown
Modern Day Military Pilot Training for Allentown: As with other military positions, helicopter pilots may have to move frequently to any number of the United States military bases around the world.
Helicopter History for Allentown
Civilian Helicopter Pilot Training Tips: Each level of helicopter pilot licensing has different FAA minimum flight time requirements. To obtain your Private (Helicopter) Pilot License, the FAA requires that you have 20 hours of dual and 10 hours of solo flight time.
Aviation History for Altoona and Fun Facts for Altoona
Helicopter pilots do not need to have a college degree to fly helicopters as a hobby, but those choosing a career as a pilot do need at least some post-secondary schooling. Most employers require pilots to have at least an associate's degree, with many preferring pilots to have a bachelor's degree.
Aviation Training History and Facts for Altoona
Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor: Flight instructors typically have about 200 hours of in air flight time before they can become eligible as an instructor. For some helicopter models the FAA enforces a strict 200 hour minimum in order to be an instructor.
Interesting Aviation Facts for Bethel Park for Bethel Park
Camp Huachuca was built in 1877 to defend against the Chiricahua Apaches and to guard the Mexican border. It was renamed Fort Huachuca in 1882. Geronimos 1886 surrender ended the Apache resistance, but the fort remained because of its strategic location near the border.
Aviation Factoids and Figures and Fun for Bethel Park
How Long Does it Take to get your Helicopter License: It's very important that you thoroughly research helicopter training schools prior to making a decision. Finding the best school and one that will wholly support your needs can be tricky and is often a trade off between cost and convenience.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for Bethlehem
Helicopter pilots who want to make flying a career must move on to earn a commercial helicopter pilot license. A commercial license requires the student to be at least 18 years old, hold a private helicopter pilot license and FAA medical certificate and complete ground instruction.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for Bethlehem
Cost to Obtain a Helicopter License: Most helicopter flight training schools are charging rates of about $235-$275 per flight hour with an instructor and $200-$235 for solo time. Your ground school time will usually cost somewhere between $30 and $40 per hour.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for Chester
Commercial Helicopter License Tips: Pilots who have their fixed wing license may be able to apply that flying time to their rotorcraft add-on license as well which will save both time and money.
Aviation Factoids and Figures and Fun for Chester
How Long Does it Take to get your Helicopter License: ou don't have complete control over how quickly you can obtain your license. The flight schedule at your school can greatly influence the timeframe for completion especially if your school only has a couple of helicopters and dozens of students.
Aviation History for Drexel Hill and Fun Facts for Drexel Hill
Helicopters have been widely adopted by the military since their first appearance during the Korean War. During the Vietnam War, they became the preferred platforms for transporting troops and evacuating wounded; in the Persian Gulf conflict helicopter gunships provided air cover for advancing tanks.
Fun Helicopter and Airplane Facts for Drexel Hill
The first important thing you need to do before enrolling in any pilot training schools is to go and personally check them. To begin with, you can start with the yellow pages because even some good schools don't advertise.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for Erie
Modern Day Military Pilot Training for Erie: Working as a military pilot requires a certain temperament to deal with often-stressful situations. Pilots must possess self-discipline, confidence and intelligence, as well as be able to make quick decisions, multitask and perform under pressure.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for Erie
Commercial Helicopter License Tips: To obtain your Commercial Rotorcraft License, the FAA requires the pilot to have a minimum of 150 hours of flight time, and 100 of those hours must be PIC (Pilot in Command) time.
Aviation Training History and Facts for Harrisburg
Helicopter Flight Training Facts: You have to be in good health to take helicopter training and it is recommended that a student obtains his/her heath certificate in advance. Many students pay to take flight training and plan to get the health certificate at a later date.
Aviation Training History and Facts for Harrisburg
Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor: Working as a CFI has both advantages and disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that CFI's typically only make about $15 - $25 per hour. There are also several advantages; the most beneficial being that you get to build your flight hours quickly while getting paid to do it.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for Lancaster
Helicopter pilots work in a variety of different industries and fulfill a number of different roles, including emergency medical services, law enforcement, agriculture, executive transport and sightseeing. Career paths for a helicopter pilot can take him into other industries as well, such as firefighting, search and rescue, logging and instructing other pilots.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for Lancaster
Cost to Obtain a Helicopter License: Overall, you should expect a cost of about $10,000-$15,000 to obtain your Private Pilot License with an additional $16,000-$20,000 involved to obtain your Commercial Rotorcraft License. Of course these numbers can vary, depending upon your ability, the location of your school and the helicopter model you are training in.
Aviation History for Levittown and Fun Facts for Levittown
Following all training hours, the student must pass the FAA written knowledge, oral and practical tests. Students need to complete 20 hours dual flight training, including one dual cross-county and one solo cross-country flight and 10 hours of instrument training. The student must also do at least 10 hours of solo flight training and 100 hours as a pilot-in-command.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for Levittown
Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor: The majority of helicopter jobs require a minimum of 1,000 hours as pilot in command, which usually means that you'll need an additional 800 hours after obtaining your Private Pilot License and your Commercial Rotorcraft License.
Aviation History for Monroeville and Fun Facts for Monroeville
Pilots License: A recreational pilot taking a short daytime trip in a small plane shoulders less responsibility than a 747 pilot ferrying passengers at night across an ocean. Recognizing this, the Federal Aviation Administration dictates increasingly stringent pilot licensing requirements according to passenger responsibility, plane complexity and the purpose of the flight.
Fun Helicopter and Airplane Facts for Monroeville
Aspiring helicopter pilots also need to clear a written test, personal interview and flying test to get absorbed as entry-level officers in reputed organizations.
Aviation Factoids of Great Interest - Thrust and Drag
An aircraft in flight is the center of a continuous battle of forces. Actually, this conflict is not as violent as it sounds, but it is the key to all maneuvers performed in the air. There is nothing mysterious about these forces; they are definite and known. The directions in which they act can be calculated, and the aircraft itself is designed to take advantage of each of them. In all types of flying, flight calculations are based on the magnitude and direction of four forces: weight, lift, drag, and thrust.
Aviation Factoids and Figures and Fun for Mount Lebanon
Tips to Finding the Top Helicopter Schools: Fortunately you have many options to choose from when selecting a helicopter school. Just like in any other business it is always important to remember that helicopter schools earn revenue ONLY if you decide to become a student.
Aviation History for Norristown and Fun Facts for Norristown
With Helicopters in Norristown Safety is Everything: The good news about helicopter safety is that it is largely under your control as the pilot. If you want to cruise along for 25 miles skimming the ground 100' above obstacles and then land in your friend's backyard, which is surrounded by powerlines and trees, you are asking for trouble.
Aviation Factoids and Figures and Fun for Norristown
Tips to Finding the Top Helicopter Schools: Think of your training as one of the largest investments of time and money that you will make in your life and remain vigilant and patient during the selection process.
Aviation Training History and Facts for Penn Hills
US Army Helicopter Pilots: warrant officers are put in army flight school to become the helicopter pilots. So even after high school, you can start your career and head toward your dream of being a pilot.
Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor:
You can gain valuable experience being that you would normally get a pay rate of $150-$200 per hour. Essentially you are using a helicopter, gaining the flight time and not having to pay for it. For your long term goal this is an optimal situation.
Aviation Training History and Facts for Philadelphia
Modern Day Military Pilot Training for Philadelphia: Navy pilots must be 18 to 34 for enlisted officers and 19 to 35 for commissioned officers, Air Force pilots must be between 17 and 28 for enlisted officers and 17 and 35 for commissioned officers, and Marine pilots must be 17 to 29 for enlisted officers and 20 to 28 for commissioned officers. All pilots must be United States citizens and have clean criminal records.
Aviation Training History and Facts for Philadelphia
Helicopter Careers - Military: You also need to consider the fact that you may not be able to become a military helicopter pilot. They have a stringent flight school screening process that is often difficult to pass and they can at will move you into an alternate area of service.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for Pittsburgh
Modern Day Military Pilot Training for Pittsburgh: To join the military, as well as become a pilot, potential recruits must fulfill certain age requirements. Pilots in the Coast Guard must be ages 17 to 27 for active duty and 17 to 39 for reservists, while Army pilots must be between 18 and 29 for active and 18 and 35 for reservists.
Aviation Training History and Facts for Pittsburgh
Helicopter Careers - Military: The other factor to consider is the time commitment required to obtain your helicopter pilot license in the military. The military absolutely expects that you are a military officer first and a pilot second. This exchange requires a lot of give and take and should be considered prior to making a concrete decision. If you feel strongly about the military and are willing to sacrifice a block of your time
Aviation History for Radnor Township and Fun Facts for Radnor Township
Gravity is the pulling force that tends to draw all bodies within the earth’s gravitational field to the center of the earth. The CG may be considered the point at which all the weight of the aircraft is concentrated. If the aircraft were supported at its exact CG, it would balance in any position. CG is of major importance in an aircraft, for its position has a great bearing upon stability.
Fun Helicopter and Airplane Facts for Radnor Township
Tips to Finding the Top Helicopter Schools: Although you may be eager to get started and ready to jump in with both feet; you need to protect your self and your investment carefully. Don't rush! Wisely prepare and plan for your training so that you will have an opportunity for a brighter future.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for Reading
Modern Day Military Pilot Training for Reading: ll pilots must pass a Class 1 flight physical and have perfect 20/20 vision, either corrected or uncorrected. Pilots must also have normal color perception, depth perception and field of vision. Additionally, Coast Guard pilots must have good dental health with no cavities.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for Reading
Commercial Helicopter License Tips: Pilot in Command time is accumulated by flying solo and acting as the pilot of your helicopter AFTER you attain your Private License. Even if you are receiving flight instruction at the time; the hours toward PIC count as long as you are registered as the acting pilot of your aircraft.
Aviation Training History and Facts for Ross Township
Helicopter Flight Training for Ross Township Remember that the armed forces provides career options for people interested in flying any type of aircraft. So, if you have the aptitude for helicopter flying, or for flying any aircraft as a matter of fact, joining the armed forces could be a good option.
Aviation Factoids and Figures and Fun for Ross Township
Tips to Finding the Top Helicopter Schools: There will be quite a bit of sales talk involved in your interview process and it is your job to thoroughly research each school before making a selection. One of the smartest things you can do before making a definitive decision is to visit the school in person and talk with some of the currently enrolled students.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for Scranton
Modern Day Military Pilot Training for Scranton: Because of the physical nature of the job, military helicopter pilots must fulfill a number of requirements. Pilots should be in good physical health and be able to complete a series of fitness tests, including a certain number of pushups and situps in one minute and a 1.5-mile run in a certain time.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for Scranton
Commercial Helicopter License Tips: Pilots who have their fixed wing license may be able to apply that flying time to their rotorcraft add-on license as well which will save both time and money.
Aviation History for Shaler Township and Fun Facts for Shaler Township
The CG is determined by the general design of the aircraft. The designers estimate how far the CP travels. They then fix the CG in front of the CP for the corresponding flight speed in order to provide an adequate restoring moment for flight equilibrium. The Axes of an Aircraft Whenever an aircraft changes its attitude in flight
Fun Helicopter and Airplane Facts for Shaler Township
Helicopter Flight Training Facts: he average cost of helicopter training is round 20-50 thousand dollars. Many schools offer scholarships, payment plans, and financial aid. It generally takes up to six months to get a pilots license, less for those who go full time.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for State College
Newton’s third law is the law of action and reaction. This law states that for every action (force) there is an equal and opposite reaction (force). This law can be illustrated by the example of firing a gun. The action is the forward movement of the bullet while the reaction is the backward recoil of the gun.
Aviation Factoids and Figures and Fun for State College
How Long Does it Take to Become a Helicopter Pilot: The number of students at the helicopter school will greatly influence the number of hours you will be afforded the opportunity to instruct.
Aviation History and Fun Facts
Helicopter Facts for Wilkes-Barre Camp Pendleton,Californiais the most important base located on the western side of the United States. It is the base with the most ambitious, intense and successful amphibious training activities. Located close to the ocean in South California, the camp is in the middle of nowhere, close to the Cleveland National Forest.
Aviation Training History and Facts for Wilkes-Barre
How Long Does it Take To Become a Helicopter Pilot: That all depends on how frequently you fly the helicopter. If you are pursuing your licensing on a full-time basis it may only take you 6 - 8 months to earn your license. Compared to many training and educational programs this is a drop in the bucket!
Aviation History for Williamsport and Fun Facts for Williamsport
Buying Helicopters: If you don't want to buy a mechanic to go with your helicopter and constantly stuff grease into various joints, your only option in the land of the certified is Robinson. I own an R22 and an R44. The R44 was 50 percent more expensive, but it is 200 percent more useful. The R22 feels cramped even when you're by yourself and, against a headwind, you watch cars on the Interstate passing you.
Little Known But Important FAA Facts
FAA Centers of Excellence - Mission and Vision: The Department of Transportation addresses University Transportation Centers of Excellence in a report dates June 10, 1991 and the FAA has adopted the definition, purpose, and mission as stated.
Fun Aviation Facts and Figures for York
Davis-Monthan AFBArizonais one of the most active military bases in the United States. It is operated by the Air Force and located within the city limits of Tucson. The objective of this base is simple it constantly trains professional pilots and prepares them for the eventuality of a potential war. The same pilots are also used in various humanitarian operations, depending on the situation.
Aviation Factoids and Figures and Fun for York
How Long Does it Take to Become a Helicopter Pilot: Keep in mind that you will be required to build up to 1,000 flying hours as well. Once you start instructing it will likely take you 12 - 18 months to build up to 1,000 hours.