Flying a helicopter is surprisingly different from flying a conventional plane. Whereas most people intending to get their pilot's license think of flying a plane, helicopters are routinely used by the FAA and other government agencies, as well as for news coverage, search and rescue operations, and sightseeing tours. Many aspiring helicopter pilots begin their career in the military, and although this route does help, it isn't mandatory.

Because helicopter flying is so different, if you are thinking of helicopter flight training, your first step should be to take a flight in a helicopter. Secondly, contact a helicopter flight school in your area to find out about flight hours required and the cost of training. There are also various medical requirements and anyone wanting to become a helicopter pilot will have to be able to speak and understand fluent English, the universal language of air traffic control.

Many helicopter pilots begin their career by becoming helicopter flight instructors themselves; this position usually requires 1,000 hours of helicopter pilot training. Other pilot positions require a different number of training hours. For example, flying a helicopter for a government agency requires 1,500 hours; and up to 2,000 hours of training is needed to fly for one of the emergency services.

Unfortunately, helicopter flight training is expensive, partly because of rising insurance costs and the cost of buying and operating helicopters. Typically, you can expect to pay between $150 and $200 an hour for training in the air; anything from $30 to $40 per hour for on the ground instruction. It will probably end up costing you at least $10,000 to get your private pilot's license and you will also need to qualify for a commercial rotorcraft license.

However, if you can afford it and have the dedication and skills necessary, flying a helicopter can be an enjoyable, challenging and lucrative career.