Flight Training - August 2021 - 18

PREFLIGHT ASK AOPA
BY CRAIG BROWN
Q: I have a private pilot airplane rating and
want to add a helicopter rating. I already
know how to fly, so isn't it just a matter of
getting a few hours of dual and taking the
flight test?
MOVING ON UP
WHY IS A HELICOPTER RATING
NOT LIKE AN AIRPLANE RATING?
A: No, it is not. Many years ago, when I
was learning to fly, I told a buddy about my
new endeavor. His response? " It's just like
driving a car, isn't it? " Well, if it were, one
would think they would give you a pilot
certificate when you got a driver's license,
but they don't. It is not the same. Likewise,
transitioning to a helicopter is not the
same as flying an airplane.
On my first helicopter flight, I noticed
that a helicopter takes off with no forward
speed, can fly with no speed, needs left
pedal to hover, and forward stick to take
off. Those differences alone convinced me
the training would be a lot more involved
than just a few hours. Additionally, you
don't need an airport; you fly in the right
seat; the wings rotate; and the forced landing
practice is, well...exhilarating!
Minimum hours required for the
transition are detailed in FAR 61.109(c).
Additionally, 61.63(b) states that you must
complete the training and have the applicable
aeronautical experience. That means
the helicopter-specific hours in FAR
61.109(c) must be obtained before a flight
test. You'll need 10 hours in a helicopter
before you can solo. Robinson R22s and
R44s require 20 hours of dual before you
can solo, even if you are ready at 10.
Prepare to be challenged, have fun, and
learn many new aeronautical skills, but
don't be surprised if you need 40 hours or
more to prepare for the flight test.
pilotassist@aopa.org
CRAIG BROWN is a senior aviation technical
specialist in the AOPA Pilot Information Center.
PREFLIGHT AFTER THE CHECKRIDE
BY ERIC BLINDERMAN
BLUE-SKY THINKING
I'VE GOT BIG PLANS FOR THIS CERTIFICATE
WITH THIS WEEK'S MAIL CAME A BIG MILESTONE: MY LONGawaited,
official, plastic FAA private pilot certificate. While I was
excited to get that temporary piece of paper from my designated
pilot examiner a few weeks back, it didn't hold the same weight
(figuratively or literally) of the card I now held in my hand.
With that achievement also came a question: Now what?
I remember back to my school days when it was much harder
to write a paper on any topic than to be given a specific theme.
We'd stare at that page and draw blanks. Going through my flight
lessons and through the checkride, it was easy to follow instructions.
I am back to starting at that blank sheet, ready to write the
first chapters of my flying career. But, where? When? With whom?
It's always been a goal to fly and see family in New England and
New York, where I caught my aviation bug. Beyond that, my plans
center on seeing friends around the country, sporting events that
are too far for the car, bucket-list airports, the few states I still need
to check off the list, food, and, of course, meeting up with my fellow
aviators. I can't wait to sink my teeth into that first $100 burger.
There are so many possibilities to seize and challenges to face.
While I once stared at a map and dreamed, I now plan.
18
FLIGHT TRAINING AUGUST 2021
One thing I love about the aviation community is that we're
not shy with suggestions. Posts, stories, videos. Great ones. I've
been devouring those and creating some destination plans, near
and far. Soon and for down the road. Pilots are passionate about
where they love to fly, and for good reason.
I'm taking it a bit measured and will be expanding my rings of
distance as I go along. But I also know that flying is a perishable
skill. We need to exercise our flying muscles, and I am excited
where this will take me. Keep the suggestions coming!
Now I know why they call creative brainstorms " blue-sky
thinking. "
ERIC BLINDERMAN is senior director of communications for AOPA.
eric.blinderman@aopa.org
MIKE FIZER
Flight Training - August 2021

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