Helicopter Flying is Addictive

Posted by Helen Krasner Jul 16, 2008

I never planned to become a commercial helicopter pilot and instructor. I had been flying fixed-wing aircraft or fun for about a year, and I just went for a trial helicopter lesson for something different to do. However, being already a fairly experienced pilot, I managed to hover with for a few seconds with all three controls on my trial lesson - it takes most people a little longer than this - and that was it! I just had to carry on, and I kept coming back for more, and more, and more...

Why does Helicopter Flying Grab People?

This happens to many people. As an instructor, I've become quite accustomed to the ear-to-ear grin which most trial lesson students acquire. Virtually everyone just loves flying helicopters. But why?

I think it's because a small helicopter feels like a part of you. When you are hovering, it feels more as though you've strapped the helicopter on, rather than climbed into a flying machine. It is just so flexible and responsive, and even though you won't be able to control it at first, you really, really want to. At least, that's how many people feel.

So Who Can Actually Fly Helicopters?

Almost anyone can learn to fly a helicopter. It's difficult in the beginning but if you have the co-ordination to drive a car, you can learn to fly a helicopter. Once of the many helicopter myths is that rotary pilots have to be super-men and women; they don't and we aren't!

So What Next?

It might be a good idea to read a bit more about it; perhaps start with Choosing a Flying Instructor and Which Helicopter to Learn On? And then....go for it; you only live once!