Have you ever dreamed of flying people over breathtaking landscapes - from sparkling coastlines to towering mountains? Becoming a helicopter tour pilot might be the perfect career for you!
The best part? You don’t need a military background to make it happen. With the right training and dedication, you can earn your wings through civilian flight schools and start flying tours in some of the most beautiful places in the world.
If you’re thinking about how to become a helicopter pilot who does tours for a living, it’s essential to understand the basic requirements. This guide breaks down everything you need to know - here we go!
Before you start helicopter pilot training, it’s important to know what’s required. To begin flight training, you’ll need to:
These basic requirements make sure you’re ready for both the physical and mental challenges of flying a helicopter.
Choosing the right flight school can make all the difference in your pilot career. Look for an FAA-approved school (Part 61 or Part 141) that specialises in helicopter training. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best one:
If you’re interested in working in scenic destinations like Hawaii, Alaska, or the Grand Canyon, ask if the school offers mountain or high-altitude training - it’ll be a big plus later on!
Your flying journey officially begins with the Private Pilot License (PPL). This certification allows you to fly helicopters for personal or recreational purposes. You’ll need:
This stage helps you master the basics of helicopter control, navigation, safety and gives you the foundation for your professional training.
Next, it’s time to earn your Commercial Pilot License, which allows you to get paid to fly (including flying passengers on scenic tours). To qualify, you’ll need:
This is where you’ll start flying more confidently and professionally, preparing for the real-world responsibilities of carrying passengers.
To make yourself more competitive in the helicopter tour industry, consider adding a few extra ratings:
Some tour regions also value mountain flying, high-density altitude, or external load training, which can make you even more attractive to employers.
Most helicopter tour companies prefer pilots with 500 to 1,000 flight hours. Don’t worry - you’ll get there! Many pilots build hours by working as flight instructors, charter pilots, or aerial photographers before transitioning to tours. Every hour you log in the air sharpens your skills and moves you closer to your dream job flying tourists over incredible scenery.
Once you’ve built enough hours, it’s time to apply for helicopter tour pilot jobs! Popular destinations include:
Network with other pilots, attend aviation job fairs, and join organisations like Helicopter Association International (HAI). A strong résumé, great attitude, and safety-first mindset will help you stand out to employers.
Even after you land your first job, your education as a pilot never really ends. You’ll need to:
Continuous learning ensures you stay confident, capable, and ready for anything - no matter the weather or the passengers aboard!
Becoming a helicopter tour pilot isn’t just a career - it’s a lifestyle filled with adventure, responsibility, and the joy of sharing incredible views with others!
Flying for a Living: Turning Views Into a Career
If you’re thinking about how to become a helicopter pilot who does tours for a living, it’s essential to understand the basic requirements. This guide breaks down everything you need to know - here we go!
Step 1: Understand the Basic Requirements
Before you start helicopter pilot training, it’s important to know what’s required. To begin flight training, you’ll need to:
- Be at least 17 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Hold a valid FAA medical certificate, proving you’re fit to fly (good eyesight and overall health are essential)
These basic requirements make sure you’re ready for both the physical and mental challenges of flying a helicopter.
Step 2: Choose the Right Helicopter Flight School
Choosing the right flight school can make all the difference in your pilot career. Look for an FAA-approved school (Part 61 or Part 141) that specialises in helicopter training. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best one:
- Visit the school in person if possible
- Ask about training helicopters and maintenance standards
- Talk to instructors and students about their experience
- Compare program costs, financing options, and scheduling flexibility
If you’re interested in working in scenic destinations like Hawaii, Alaska, or the Grand Canyon, ask if the school offers mountain or high-altitude training - it’ll be a big plus later on!
Step 3: Earn Your Private Pilot License (PPL)
Your flying journey officially begins with the Private Pilot License (PPL). This certification allows you to fly helicopters for personal or recreational purposes. You’ll need:
- At least 40 hours of flight time (most students take a bit more)
- Ground school training covering airspace, weather, and navigation
- A written test and a check ride (practical exam) with an FAA examiner
This stage helps you master the basics of helicopter control, navigation, safety and gives you the foundation for your professional training.
Step 4: Get Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Next, it’s time to earn your Commercial Pilot License, which allows you to get paid to fly (including flying passengers on scenic tours). To qualify, you’ll need:
- At least 150 total flight hours
- Advanced flight training in navigation, emergency manoeuvres, and complex aircraft systems
- To pass another written exam and check ride
This is where you’ll start flying more confidently and professionally, preparing for the real-world responsibilities of carrying passengers.
Step 5: Add Ratings and Build Experience
To make yourself more competitive in the helicopter tour industry, consider adding a few extra ratings:
- Instrument Rating (IFR): Teaches you to fly safely in low-visibility conditions.
- Flight Instructor Rating (CFI): Lets you teach others while building valuable flight hours.
Some tour regions also value mountain flying, high-density altitude, or external load training, which can make you even more attractive to employers.
Step 6: Build Your Flight Hours
Most helicopter tour companies prefer pilots with 500 to 1,000 flight hours. Don’t worry - you’ll get there! Many pilots build hours by working as flight instructors, charter pilots, or aerial photographers before transitioning to tours. Every hour you log in the air sharpens your skills and moves you closer to your dream job flying tourists over incredible scenery.
Step 7: Find Helicopter Tour Pilot Jobs
Once you’ve built enough hours, it’s time to apply for helicopter tour pilot jobs! Popular destinations include:
- Hawaii (volcanic and coastal tours)
- Alaska (glacier and wildlife tours)
- The Grand Canyon
- Las Vegas, Florida Keys, and Pacific Northwest
Network with other pilots, attend aviation job fairs, and join organisations like Helicopter Association International (HAI). A strong résumé, great attitude, and safety-first mindset will help you stand out to employers.
Step 8: Keep Learning and Stay Current
Even after you land your first job, your education as a pilot never really ends. You’ll need to:
- Complete recurrent training and FAA medical exams
- Stay up to date with new regulations and safety practices
- Keep flying regularly to maintain proficiency
Continuous learning ensures you stay confident, capable, and ready for anything - no matter the weather or the passengers aboard!
Final Thoughts
Becoming a helicopter tour pilot isn’t just a career - it’s a lifestyle filled with adventure, responsibility, and the joy of sharing incredible views with others!
With the right training, dedication, and passion for flight, you can turn your love of aviation into a rewarding career that lets you spend every day doing what you love: flying people over some of the most beautiful places on Earth! (Photo source: Unsplash)
