Pilot Training?????

Question

How old do you have to be to get a helicopter pilot's licence? Also, if you own a helicopter, what are the takeoff laws for 1/2 a mile from residential areas? Thanks.

Answer 1

You can start flight training at any age. You can fly solo at 16, and get your private pilot certificate at 17.

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

There are three basic things that will limit where you can takeoff and land your own helicopter: the Federal Aviation Regulations, local laws, and the owner of the property where you want to land.

The FAA only requires that you do not create an undue hazard to persons or property on the ground. It's not about the distance from residences. The question is whether or not you can takeoff, depart, approach, and land in the area without any unreasonable risk to people on the ground, even if something goes wrong. It just depends on what is around you and the various paths that are available to approach/depart your location.

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

Local laws can indirectly prevent you from landing within city limits by noise regulations, for example, or they may even directly forbid helicopters. You will have to check with your city.

You also need to have the permission of the owner to land anywhere. Of course if you are the owner of the property it is no problem.

For more information specifically about training:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Good luck and have fun!