Content
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ’s area of the website please select any of the links below to find answers to commonly asked questions involving training here at the Bell Helicopter Training Academy.
General Helicopter Training
- Is it easy to learn to fly a helicopter? Can I learn to do it?
- Is a helicopter easier to fly than an airplane?
- What kind of missions do helicopter pilots perform?
- Is helicopter flying safe?
- Can a helicopter land safely if the engine quits?
1) Is it easy to learn to fly a helicopter? Can I learn to do it?
Pilots have described learning to fly a helicopter as easy as learning to ride a bike or drive a car. Initially, the novice pilot must learn to hover, which is much like balancing on a very large beach ball. But, once you learn to master the controls of the helicopter, it becomes instinctive. Then, like riding a bicycle, you can control the helicopter almost without thinking.
2) Is a helicopter easier to fly than an airplane?
Initially, it is more difficult to learn to control a helicopter, although there is some disagreement among pilots about this. Again, once you learn to master the controls of the helicopter, it becomes instinctive.
3) What kind of missions do helicopter pilots perform?
Helicopters are able to perform tasks no other aircraft or vehicle can even think of doing. Jobs for helicopter pilots include: Pilot training, law enforcement, fire fighting, news gathering, military operations, traffic reporting, heavy-lift work, crop spraying, offshore oil rig transport, search-and-rescue, air-ambulance hospital work, sightseeing, aerial photography, and business transportation, to name only a few.
4) Is helicopter flying safe?
Absolutely. If you encounter bad weather or have a mechanical problem, you can land a helicopter safely almost anywhere. Most helicopter accidents happen due to poor pilot judgment: flying too low and hitting wires (or other obstacles) or continuing to fly in bad weather or limited visibility (like fog). These accidents are completely avoidable by flying prudently and exercising good judgment. The best insurance available to prevent pilot error accidents is a good training program.
5) Can a helicopter land safely if the engine quits?
Yes. Helicopters are able to auto-rotate, (meaning that they are able to glide), in the unlikely event of an engine failure. Your training will thoroughly prepare you for such a situation.
Pilot Training
- What does it take to become a professional helicopter pilot?
- What are the medical requirements?
- Can I obtain a helicopter pilot certificate if I wear glasses?
- Is there a minimum age limit to obtain a helicopter pilot certificate?
- Does Bell train in the winter?
- Can pilot trainees do their training on more than one helicopter type?
- Can training be conducted in my own helicopter?
- How long will it take to complete training for a Private Helicopter Pilot Certificate?
- How many hours of training does it take to get a Private Helicopter Pilot Certificate?
- Do helicopter pilot trainees have to get an Airplane Pilot's Rating before commencing helicopter training?
- After I get my private helicopter certificate, what advanced training does Bell offer?
1) What does it take to become a professional helicopter pilot?
Skill and the right attitude are paramount. Being a pilot is more than just flying. It is ground work, machine maintenance and dedication to the employer and clients. Due to the nature of this career, one should be willing to relocate to where the work is - often to remote areas, handle shift scheduling (two weeks on, two weeks off type of thing), and always maintain a safety-first attitude.
Click here for more information on becoming a Helicopter Pilot
2) What are the medical requirements?
Pilot trainees will need a 3rd class medical certificate issued by an FAA approved physician. For the closest F.A.A. approved Flight Surgeon in your area, go to the F.A.A. website.
3) Can I obtain a helicopter pilot certificate if I wear glasses?
Yes, providing that you are able to pass the medical with your glasses or contact lenses on. The only requirement then is that you will need to wear your glasses or contacts when flying.
4) Is there a minimum age limit to obtain a helicopter pilot certificate?
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.
5) Does Bell train in the winter?
We train year-round. There are usually very few days in the year that we are unable to fly. Only high winds, storms, or fog will ground us temporarily.
6) Can pilot trainees do their training on more than one helicopter type?
Yes. However, the first twenty hours must be done on one helicopter type, but after that the trainee can change to a different type if you wish.
7) Can training be conducted in my own helicopter?
Yes. Please contact us to learn the specific requirements that must be met.
8) How long will it take to complete training for a Private Helicopter Pilot Certificate?
Completion of your training depends on how often you plan to fly, how much you can afford financially, and how quickly you learn the material and maneuvers. It varies for different individuals, but normally the quickest you will complete a private pilot rating is 6-8 weeks. You are encouraged to work at your own pace and training should never be rushed. Normally, trainees should complete no more than one flight period per day (about 1.5 hours). Therefore, if you were to fly a training flight every day in a 5-day week, you would complete 7-8 hours per week.
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9) How many hours of training does it take to get a Private Helicopter Pilot Certificate?
Students must have the following aeronautical experience: A minimum of 40 hours flight time, 10 hours of which must be solo, of the 10 hours 5 hours must be cross-country. Dual instruction must include 3 hours of night instruction including a cross-country flight and 3 hours cross-country.
10) Do helicopter pilot trainees have to get an Airplane Pilot's Rating before commencing helicopter training?
No. However, you may receive a reduction in the hours required if you already hold a fixed wing certificate.
11) After I get my private helicopter certificate, what advanced training does Bell offer?
Bell offers transition training in all Bell models, commercial pilot ratings, instrument ratings, instructor ratings, and airline transport pilot ratings. For a complete list of ground and flight courses, click here.
Technician Training
- I have a desire to become an aircraft mechanic. Does Bell offer this training?
- What maintenance training does Bell offer?
- Does Bell require an A&P certificate or other pre-requisites prior to attending any of their helicopter maintenance courses?
- Will Bell conduct maintenance training at my site? If so, what equipment will I have to furnish? Is the cost different than for training at Fort Worth?
1) I have a desire to become an aircraft mechanic. Does Bell off this training?
Initial airframe and powerplant (A&P) maintenance training is usually accomplished at specific schools that are designed to provide this service. Bell concentrates on advanced training on Bell-specific models, so we do not offer A&P training.
2) What maintenance training does Bell offer?
Bell offers a complete range of Field Maintenance, Component Repair and Overhaul, Electrical, Avionics, and Flight Control courses for all Bell models, except some of the older ones.
3) Does Bell require an A&P certificate or other pre-requisites prior to attending any of their helicopter maintenance courses?
Yes, the prerequisite information is provided for each course that The Bell Helicopter training Academy offers.
4) Will Bell conduct maintenance training at my site? If so, what equipment will I have to furnish? Is the cost different than for training at Fort Worth?
Bell will conduct certain maintenance training courses at your site with some limitations. Many companies find this is the most economical way to train their mechanics. For Offsite training information, click here.
General Training
1) I am a Veteran eligible for the GI Bill. Is VA-approved training available?
The Bell Helicopter Training Academy, Fort Worth, Texas, is approved to train veterans and other eligible persons under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code for the pilot training programs listed below:
- BH206B Initial Transition Course
- BH206L Initial Transition Course
- BH407 Initial Transition Course
The benefit programs change frequently so please contact the Office of Veterans Affairs (VA Education) directly to determine your benefits and elegibility at: 888-442-4551 (1.888.GI Bill 1). The BTA Facility Code is 2-5-0807-43. For more information please contact:
Alana Keeton
akeeton@bellhelicopter.textron.com (817) 280-8461
2) How well must I speak English?
The FAA requires that all pilots be able to read, speak, and understand the English language. Flying in the U.S. requires radio communications; you must be able to understand and respond to instructions in English. This does not mean that your English must be perfect; you should have at least moderate conversational English skills. Maintenance training can be accomplished in English or your native language. Bell Helicopter instructors can teach in English or Spanish; or, in any other language by interpreter. To contact the Bell Helicopter Training Academy, click here.
3) What certifications does The Bell Helicopter Training Academy have?
Maintenance Training:
We hold various U.S., Canadian, Australian, Russian, and other country certification and approvals. All training meets or exceeds the requirements of FAR Part 65.81 Manufacturer's Training and FAR part 65.93 Requirements for Renewal of Inspector Authorization.
Pilot Training:
The Bell Helicopter Training Academy is a holder of and FAA Air Agency Certificate for approved flight schools with the following courses:
- Models 206 and 407 Initial Transition Courses
- Rotorcraft Helicopter Pilot Refresher Course
4) When can I schedule training?
Each year, the Bell Helicopter Training Academy prepares a schedule of courses for all "in-house" training at Fort Worth. Your can view Pilot or Technician course schedules on this website by clicking here, or by contacting one of our administrators. We urge you to schedule as far in advance as possible, as many of our courses fill quickly to capacity.
5) What types of housing or hotels are available?
We maintain contact with many hotels and motels in the area; accommodations and prices vary. We think there is a good fit available for anyone's budget and taste. A list of accommodations is located in the Travel Information section under Hotels.
6) What type of local ground transportation is available?
Many of the hotels will furnish scheduled ground transportation in the morning and evening for our trainees. If you desire more control, there are plenty of rental cars available at DFW Airport.
7) Can I Bring A Camera?
Federal security regulations do not permit personal cameras, tape recorders, firearms, alcohol, laptops, or personal electronic and/or wireless devices that receive, transmit or store any audio, visual or written material (cell phones, PDA's, etc.) at any Bell Helicopter facility.
8) How do I enroll in an On Request course?
To request a course select from the Training Menu 'Our Services and Courses' then 'Course Registration'. Fill out the form and select the course you would like to request and the dates you would like to attend. You will receive an automated email of your request and one will be sent to the Bell Training Academy. If you do not receive a confirmation or reply from Bell Helicopter please call 800-368-2355 or 817-280-3047.
Financial
- How do I pay for my training?
- What is Bell's refund policy in the event I must leave before completing training?
- How much does technician training cost?
- How much does pilot training cost?
1) How do I pay for my training?
Bell accepts payment by several methods. Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover or Debit card), Money orders or Traveler's Check. Company or personal check Wire transfer of funds. Our policy is not to accept Cash as a payment. Additional information can be found here.
2) What is Bell's refund policy in the event I must leave before completing training?
Bell's academic and attendance policy are stated in our Standards. In short, because of the very demanding schedule for any one course, a strict policy of minimum absences has been established. Refunds are generally not allowed for failing to complete a course, once a trainee starts a course. However, we charge for flight training only for those hours actually completed.
3) How much does technician training cost?
A complete list of maintenance courses and associated prices can be found in the Training Courses section of the website in the Mechanical & Electrical section.
4) How much does pilot training cost?
A complete list of pilot courses and associated prices can be found in the Training Courses section of the website in the Ground & Flight section.