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Question

What are the four basic flight maneuvers?

Javier Diaz
Entrepreneur & Stunt Helicopter Pilot
Javier Diaz is an Entrepreneur & Stunt Pilot, and owner of Wings Air Helicopters LLC. With over 20 years of flying experience in both helicopters and small planes, his company specializes in helicopter charters, tours, flight training, and aerial film production. He earned his BS from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and is a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). As a Stunt Pilot, Javier has many major film credits, including several blockbuster films.

Javier Diaz

Entrepreneur & Stunt Helicopter Pilot

Expert Answer

The four basic flight maneuvers in all of aviation (which are regularly used and demonstrated in flight) are straight and level, turning, climbing, and descending.

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Question

Do I have to go college, or can I just go to flight training school to become a pilot?

Community Answer

You can just go to flight school.

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Question

Can I get a private helicopter license if I have had open heart surgery?

Community Answer

Only the FAA medical examiner would likely be able to give you that answer, as each case would be entirely individual.

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Question

How long does it take to become a helicopter pilot?

Community Answer

If you have excellent math skills and common sense, you can get your private license in as little as six weeks, depending on how quickly you get your required hours of solo flying.

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Question

What is the salary of a helicopter pilot?

Community Answer

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a Helicopter Pilot is $111,680 annually. However, mid-range Helicopter Pilot salaries range from $81,580 to $150,480. The lowest-earning Helicopter Pilots make less than $32,020, while the highest-paid ones earn more than $129,580.

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Question

Do I need to graduate high school in order to become a helicopter pilot?

Community Answer

Yes. At the very least, you need a GED.

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Question

What is the fee for helicopter training?

Community Answer

At the airport in Austin, TX, the fee is $100 per month and the training takes about 12 months.

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Question

What age limit is there to get a license?

Community Answer

You can get a student certificate at sixteen years of age and obtain a Private Pilots Certificate once you are seventeen. For your Commercial Pilots Certificate you need to be eighteen years old.

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Question

Is PTSD a disqualifying medical condition for a helicopter pilot?

Community Answer

If you're managing it without psychiatric medications and in recovery, then you will be alright. You will have to disclose it on your AME medical though. FAA will probably deny your medical until you provide a Discharge/Refrad Medical and a psychiatric report from your psychiatrist. If you want to speed up the process, get that stuff first and bring it to the medical appointment.

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Question

If someone has gotten a DUI a long time ago or was caught with marijuana as a kid does that disqualify them?

Community Answer

No. This will most likely not affect your becoming a pilot.

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Question

At what age can I become a helicopter?

Community Answer

You need to be at least 16 years old to obtain a private helicopter license. You need a private helicopter license before you can get a commercial helicopter license. Once you have your private helicopter license, you'll need to be at least 17 to obtain your commercial helicopter license.

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If I am 60 years of age can I still obtain a pilot certification?

Community Answer

As long as you can get and maintain a yearly Class 2 physical, you should be good to go.

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Will going to flight school with no degree hinder me from landing a good paying pilot job? How much of a difference will having the degree make in pay?

Community Answer

Many government jobs require a degree. Army pilots are encouraged but not required. For the private sector, high, safe flight hours are key, and as such, a degree doesn’t matter much.

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