Become a Commercial Helicopter Pilot

What does it take to become a commercial pilot?

There has never been a better time to become a helicopter pilot. Growing demand across sectors such as aerial work, specialised operations, emergency medical services, search and rescue, and professional transport continues to create excellent career opportunities.

Following a challenging period for the aviation industry, the helicopter sector remains strong and continues to offer rewarding career prospects for well-trained and highly qualified pilots.

The pilot experience, told by our students

Tilo Schlumberger – PPL (H) Germania

Choosing Professional Aviation Academy to earn my helicopter pilot licence was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The environment is welcoming and friendly, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. The helicopters are impeccably maintained, and the flight instructors are not only highly knowledgeable but also approachable and always willing to help.

For someone like me, who decided to pursue a lifelong dream later than expected, this has been the perfect place to begin my journey.

Mark Sinner – CPL (H)

My experience with Professional Aviation Academy has been extremely positive. From the very first day, I found a welcoming, professional, and collaborative environment, with a team that is always approachable, supportive, and friendly.

The Academy offers excellent flexibility in both ground school and flight training, making the learning experience well organised and highly effective. The flight instructors are knowledgeable, experienced, and always willing to help, explaining even the most complex topics in a clear and easy-to-understand way.

Another great advantage is the opportunity to study on campus using high-quality training materials. Overall, I highly recommend Professional Aviation Academy to anyone looking for professional, well-structured aviation training.

Giannetto Bini

My experience with Professional Aviation Academy has been extremely positive. From day one, I found a well-organised academy with a professional environment and a strong commitment to safety—an essential aspect of any aviation training programme.

Another highlight was the excellent maintenance of the aircraft, which were always presented to the highest standards, together with the professionalism demonstrated throughout every stage of the flight training. The instructors and staff were always approachable, supportive, and created a welcoming learning environment.

I also appreciated the flexibility in scheduling lessons and the Academy’s willingness to accommodate students’ needs. I would highly recommend Professional Aviation Academy to anyone looking to complete their PPL(H) in a professional, reliable, and well-organised training environment.

The Steps to Becoming a Pilot

Attend our Open Day to discover the Academy, explore our fleet, and learn more about our training programmes during a dedicated information session.

> Join Us for Open Day

Meet with our team to discuss your goals, review the entry requirements, and learn about the enrolment process, so we can help you choose the training programme that best suits your ambitions.

Complete the online admission test required for entry into the ATPL programme. The assessment is designed to evaluate your technical knowledge and aptitude in accordance with EASA training standards.

An admission test is not required for the PPL(A) or PPL(H) training programmes.

Obtain the required aviation medical certification for your chosen licence:

Class 1 Medical Certificate for professional training programmes (ATPL / CPL)
Class 2 Medical Certificate for the PPL (Private Pilot Licence)

Begin your chosen training programme (PPL or ATPL) with structured ground school and practical flight training.

Complete the theoretical training programme and pass the official examinations required for your licence, building the essential technical knowledge needed for a professional flying career.

Continue with practical helicopter flight training, developing operational skills, procedural proficiency, and decision-making abilities until you complete the required flight hours and training assessments.

Upon successfully passing the final Skill Test with an authorised examiner, you will earn your EASA licence and gain the qualifications and practical skills needed to build a professional career in the helicopter industry.