NAC Helicopter Pilot Training not only offers an onboarding program that makes it more achievable than ever before to become a licenced pilot but also opportunities for PPL pilots to maintain and improve their experience.
Through NAC Helicopter Pilot Training, new and more experienced pilots alike can increase their ratings by upgrading from Piston Engines to Turbine Engines.
The course covers everything from:
Airframe, power plant, main and tail rotor systems and transmission to systems and equipment, flight controls, starting and emergency procedures, as well as five hours of air exercises - if this is towards an initial Turbine Rating.
Initial Turbine Rating requires a day and a half of type-specific ground school and turbine engine ground school, plus 5 hours of flying. Following this, participants are required to pass a technical examination before receiving their rating.
Costs vary depending on the type of helicopter, with hourly rates (excluding VAT) ranging between R7950 and R8450.
Being awarded a Night Rating is also a significant achievement for any pilot and NAC Helicopter Pilot Training offers a comprehensive Night Rating course that includes Ground School, instrument flying and night flying.
The Ground School syllabus covers air law, meteorology, and human performance as well as the lighting systems of both aircraft and airfields, and night flying physiology. Ten hours of basic instrument flying needs to be completed (five of which can be on the simulator) plus five hours of night flying that covers night circuits, night cross country, night emergencies and a practical night test. The SACAA Night Rating Exam also needs to be completed with a pass mark of 75%.
NAC has always endeavoured to offer its students a well-balanced approach and Helicopter Rand Training’s recent change in location enriches this approach by consolidating its efforts with NAC Helicopter Maintenance. Students will now be more exposed to the technical aspects of helicopters, which adds a unique hands-on approach to the technical requirements of obtaining a helicopter licence.
Find out more about NAC Helicopter training
