faq
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND AVIATION ACRONYMS:
PPL (H): Private Pilots Licence (Helicopter)
CPL (H): Commercial Pilots Licence (Helicopter)
ATPL: Airline Transport Pilots Licence
Ab Initio Training: Initial Training from Zero
VFR: Visual Flight Rules – flying by reference to cues outside the helicopter.
IFR: Instrument Flight Rules – flying by reference to the aircraft instruments made necessary by adverse weather which prohibits obtaining visual cues outside of the helicopter.
IMC: Instrument Meteorological Conditions – adverse weather conditions which make it necessary to adopt IFR flight.
Q: Can I go straight into flying helicopters or do I have to fly airplanes first?
A: Absolutely! This is a common misconception that a person has to start flying airplanes. In fact, if you are working towards a career as a professional helicopter pilot, it would be more beneficial to fly only helicopters until you get your first job.
Q: Is it within the reach of ordinary people to learn to fly helicopters safely?
A: Yes, the average human being has all the capabilities inherent in them to learn to fly helicopters well. The level of commitment of the student pilot will determine how proficient/safe he or she is in the air. An understanding of mathematic principles is required to pursue higher levels of attainment such as commercial, ATPL and instrument ratings.
Q: Do I need an academic qualification to become a Commercial Helicopter Pilot?
A: No, there is no requirement for any qualifications. You will however need to grasp a certain amount of mathematics for the Commercial theory subjects although this is quite attainable for most people. The single largest attribute you will require; is a passion for helicopters. This will help you persevere and succeed.
Q: What is the job market like in South Africa and abroad for Commercial Helicopter pilots?
A: There is an above average chance of finding work in South Africa and worldwide as a Commercial Helicopter Pilot. There are pilot jobs available in a variety of sectors ranging from tourism/charter flying to photographic/filming flights to instruction and game capture.
The possibilities exist abroad to fly from deserts to arctic with the helicopter being utilized as a tool for exciting applications such as off-shore oil-rig support, law enforcement and gas and oil pipeline inspections.
Q: What sort of salary can one expect as a helicopter pilot?
A: The starting salaries in South Africa are in the region of ZAR10,000 – R20,000 per month. This figure will increase significantly once the total number of hours you hold surpasses the 1,000 hour mark. Off-shore oil-rig pilots command salaries of ZAR50,000 per month and above.