Helicopter pilot is a dream job. Many people aim to sit in a helicopter cockpit, whether for work or as an ambitious hobby.
The helicopter plays a very important role in the mountainous country of Switzerland and also internationally. Countless tasks, such as supplying remote mountain regions, assistance and rescue in the event of serious accidents and natural disasters, construction work or rapid transport of people, can only be accomplished using a helicopter.
Switzerland, like the international helicopter market, needs motivated, reliable and well-trained pilots. What it takes to become a helicopter pilot, what it costs and what career options are available are answered here. You can find in-depth and detailed information about the individual training courses and licenses in the menu on the left.
Medical requirements
Anyone who is fit in aviation medicine, has an interest in technology and aviation and a certain “toughness” to undertake demanding training meets the requirements to become a helicopter pilot.
In addition to the flight license, a medical certificate is also required to operate an aircraft. Two classes are distinguished. A Class 1 medical is required for commercial pilots, while private pilots only need a Class 2 medical.
The medical must be issued no later than before the first solo flight during training. For obvious reasons, our flight school recommends obtaining the medical certificate at the start of training.
- Class 1
The initial examination for a class 1 medical must be completed at the aeromedical center (AeMC). Before the examination, an initial ophthalmological examination by a FOCA ophthalmology expert is mandatory. - Class 2
You can obtain a class 2 medical certificate from a FOCA aeromedical examiner. You can contact a doctor directly according to the list of aeromedical examiners (AME).
A notice:
In principle, the Medical can be obtained in all EASA countries. Please note that the state that issues the medical will also later issue the license. Therefore, do the medical in Switzerland if you later want to obtain a Swiss EASA license.
FOCA aviation medical service
Costs
Depending on the choice of training options, different costs apply. Private pilot training can be completed from around CHF 40,000.
To become a professional pilot, further training modules and building up experience are necessary. In the consultation you will find out which one might be right for you.
Career opportunities
As a rule, you initially work as a dual function, for example as a flight assistant, or carry out simpler flights as a part-time pilot under the supervision of the chief pilot. As a flight instructor, you can pass on your knowledge and experience to the next generation of pilots. As experience increases, opportunities open up for further training or gradual entry into commercial flying, be it in transport or passenger flights in the mountains or in the midlands.
There are also opportunities for advancement to become a flight instructor with specialist areas, chief pilot, base manager or other management positions. Transitioning into rescue can also become an issue as experience increases.
The following process has proven successful when training to become a helicopter pilot:
| Modular training | Integrated training |
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