Your Career in helicopter flying
Having obtained your PPL(H), you must now acquire further experience in order to advance your career and become qualified to earn money as a Helicopter Pilot.

Hour Building
Your next step in gaining further experience is hour building. This is the term used in the industry to describe the approved and structured program which enables you to achieve the pre-entry requirements for the Commercial course. These are, 155 Hours total time in helicopters of which 50 hours must be pilot in command and 10 hours cross country flying (Aeroplane licence holders are entitled to a reduction in these hours). As part of your pre-entry requirements you must have passed the commercial ground exams. During your hour building you will increase your skills as a helicopter pilot. You will undertake many flights around the country, experiencing flight in controlled and military airspace. Flights through the London Heli-routes and at least one flight to France will be experienced. You will also practice and perfect normal manoeuvres.

Commercial Modular Course
Once you have met all the pre-entry requirements you can enrol on our approved course. This consists of 30 hours of flight training. During the course you will be taught navigation and general handling to commercial standards as well as 10 hours Instrument training. Once completed you will be able to take the Commercial Skill Test here at Shobdon.

Your new career as a Helicopter Pilot may now begin and we can possibly assist you in finding your first job as a Commercial Pilot. You may however wish to consider a career as a Flying Instructor.

Flying Instructor Course
After acquiring 250 hours total time, of which at least 100 are pilot in command, you may commence a Flying Instructor Course. The course covers all aspects of helicopter flying and teaching techniques. You will learn how to prepare and present briefings, how to conduct each flight exercise and to perfect flying from the left hand seat. The course consists of 25 hours of dual instruction with an approved FIC Instructor. Between fifty and sixty hours of ground instruction will also be included. At the end of the course you will be examined by a CAA Panel Examiner. A pass will mean you can now enjoy what many have found to be a satisfying and rewarding career teaching others to fly helicopters.

Raising the money for your new career
It is fair to say that each and everyone of us are of differing financial means. The variety of our backgrounds, personal status and situation, means that there is no standard way that people put together the necessary financial package.

All of the flying staff at Tiger Helicopters have, at one time or another, faced this very problem. How will I find the money to become a Helicopter Pilot?

There are many ways to help finance your new career and we will be happy to help you find your way through the maze of options open to you. If you are attending our Introductory day or just visiting us, we can explain in more detail which of the following options are best suited to you personally. It is necessary to discuss this matter on a personal basis as, hopefully, we will be able to help you qualify for some of these packages.

Career Development Loan
A facility to borrow up to eight thousand pounds interest-free and with a repayment holiday of two years. For more information click here.

Grants
There are several grants available to help you. Depending on where you live, we will advise you as to what they are and how to obtain them.

VAT
Claim the VAT back? We can show you how to set yourself up as a business with VAT Registration.

Bank Loans
We can advise on preparation of business plans and cashflow forecasts. This will increase your chances of obtaining a loan and reduce the risk element involved.