Helicopter Pilots manages the helicopter flight controls to have a safe flight.  Helicopter Pilots are mainly needed in defense organizations for navigation. They can also find remarkable career in the fields of fire fighting, offshore support, law enforcement, agriculture, news media, photography and aerial survey.

Qualifying Exam

Helicopter pilot should need helicopter pilot license from any Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approved Institute. Two types of helicopter pilot licenses are available, which are given below.

• Private Helicopter Pilot’s License (PHPL)
• Commercial Helicopter Pilot’s License (CHPL)

Who are eligible to apply?

Candidates who have passed tenth or its equivalent from any recognized Board can apply for Private Helicopter Pilot’s License (PHPL). Candidates who have passed plus two with Physics and Mathematics or its equivalent from any recognized Board/University can apply for Commercial Helicopter Pilot’s License (CHPL). These candidates also need Medical Fitness Certificate from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) empanelled doctor or Medical Establishment adequate to issue pilot license. Candidates can either obtain license by joining defense service or flying club or Institute approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation. For joining defense service, candidates need to pass National Defense Academy (NDA) exam or Combined Defense Services (CDS) exam. Candidates who are qualified plus two exams can apply for National Defense Academy exam. Only graduates can apply for Combined Defense Services exam.

Key elements in the process

• Pass 10th or its equivalent
• Qualify NDA exam (optional)
• Pass 12th or its equivalent
• Qualify CDS exam (optional)
• Join Defense Service (if qualified NDA or CDS exam)
• Join flying club or Institute approved by DGCA
• Obtain PHPL (if passed 10th)
• Obtain CHPL (if passed 12th)
• Apply for job

Skills required for Helicopter Pilot

Helicopter pilots should be highly skilled persons as they are committed to complete their task in any risky condition. They need immense patience and self confidence. They should have knowledge in the areas of air navigation and operation of intricate aircraft controls. They should be able to interpret meteorological reports.  They also possess excellent communication skills to interact with the passengers, co-pilots and air traffic control. They should also have the ability to sense spatial requirement to land the flight at any time.