Guides · Updated Oct 16, 2026

How to Become a Helicopter Pilot: FAA Requirements and Career Path (2026)

Short answer: In the U.S., the FAA requires at least 40 hours for a private helicopter certificate (14 CFR 61.109(c)) and 150 hours for a commercial helicopter certificate (14 CFR 61.129(c)). Most pilots then instruct to build time, because many turbine jobs such as HEMS ask for about 1,000–1,500 hours.

Step 1: Private pilot (helicopter), 40 hours minimum

At least 40 hours, including 20 hours of instructor training and 10 hours of solo (14 CFR 61.109(c)).

Step 2: Commercial pilot (helicopter), 150 hours minimum

14 CFR 61.129(c) requires at least 150 hours, including:

100 hours in powered aircraft, 50 of them in helicopters
100 hours PIC, including 35 in helicopters and 10 of helicopter cross-country
20 hours of training, including 5 hours of instrument control, a 2-hour day cross-country and a 2-hour night cross-country of more than 50 NM, and 3 hours of checkride prep
10 hours solo or PIC with an instructor, including 5 hours of night VFR with 10 takeoffs and landings

Step 3: Build time

The usual path is CFI, then CFII, then instructing, tours or utility work, then turbine and EMS jobs. Among helicopter postings that state a minimum, the median requirement is about 1,500 hours total time (WingedPilot).

Step 4: Your first turbine job

See helicopter pilot salary for what those jobs post.

FAQ

How many hours do you need to become a commercial helicopter pilot?

At least 150 hours of flight time under 14 CFR 61.129(c), including 100 hours PIC and 50 hours in helicopters.

How many hours do HEMS jobs require?

Among helicopter postings that state a minimum on WingedPilot, the median requirement was about 1,500 hours total time.

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Data checked Oct 2026. Pay and postings change, so verify with the employer. Estimates are labeled.