Do prospective helicopter pilots have to learn to fly on fixed-wing aircraft first??

Question

Do prospective helicopter pilots have to learn to fly on fixed-wing aircraft first??

Answer 1

No. However, USN, USMC, AND USCG helo pilots are all qualified in fixed wing before going on to helicopters. It's just they way they do it. The Army does not. They start right out in helicopters.

Answer 2

I agree with the other posts. I was told by a helicopter flight school that I would have to get my fixed wing ratings first and then transition into the helicopter. Being that this was an out of state college, the tuition was high. I decided to get the fixed wing stuff out of the way at an in state college. So there I was three years into a degree towards fixed wing and had no idea I was making a mistake.

When I finally realized I was wasting my time and bundles of money, I dropped out and immediatley started helicopter training. The two aircraft are totally different. I would strongly suggest going straight into helicopters. you'll save time and lots of money.

however, some things did transfer. After having learned airplanes, I could easily use the radios, navigate through different airspace, and was comfortable being in the air. I had also learned that I could trust the flight instructor and knew a lot about aerodynamics. Most of what will transfer is book knowledge and some small flight characteristics.

For the money, I would go straight into helicopters. because if you don't you are basically spending thousands of dollars on book knowledge. Book knowledge that will also be taught to you at a helicopter school.

Answer 3

NO

Answer 4

civilian no.the license is aircraft type specific.

Answer 5

No, the skills are not the same. Some basics of navigation are the same, but all of the flight controls work different.

However, some military organizations do have a fixed wing primary training that every pilot takes. But that's more a tradition than a real necessity. Then once basic flight training is done the air force pilot moves on to his or her speciality.

Answer 6

You can start from scratch on rotary wing and work through all the ratings without ever sitting in a fixed-wing trainer.