The Helicopter Training Podcast is your ultimate resource for learning to fly helicopters. Hosted by an experienced helicopter pilot and instructor, it offers expert tips, in-depth discussions, and practical insights. Whether you're a student pilot, instructor, or just curious about helicopter aviation, we cover everything from maneuvers, systems, and aerodynamics to FAA regulations, emergency procedures, and more. Enhance your skills and knowledge with a blend of real-world experience and expert guidance in each episode!
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🚁 Welcome to the Helicopter Training Podcast – your ultimate resource for learning to fly helicopters, with expert tips, in-depth discussions, and practical insights. Whether you're a student pilot, an instructor, or just curious about helicopter aviation, we cover everything from maneuvers, systems, and aerodynamics to FAA regulations, emergency procedures, and more. Get ready to enhance your skills and knowledge with each episode!
The first episode drops in early 2025—hit subscribe and be the first to hear it!
FEEDBACK & CONTACT – Send us show ideas, suggestions, corrections, and questions on our website.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST - Support the Helicopter Training Podcast and help shape future episodes! Become a supporting member to access exclusive perks and behind-the-scenes content.
Helicopter Gifts: Explore our Helicopter Pilot Gift Guide & find the perfect gift for helicopter pilots or enthusiasts
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VIDEO VERSION - If you prefer to watch, check out the video version of the Helicopter Training Podcast on YouTube and subscribe! Your support helps us create valuable content for the helicopter community, learn more here. Thank you!
MUSIC – Music Machine Mondays Theme Song by Wintergatan. This track can be downloaded for free at www.wintergatan.net Free License to use this track in your video can be downloaded at www.wintergatan.net
DISCLAIMER – The information and opinions provided on this podcast are intended for educational purposes to promote aviation knowledge and safety. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or current applicability of the content, including guidance on maneuvers, emergency procedures, or regulations. Pilots and students should consult current regulations, aircraft manufacturer guidelines, their Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).
COPYRIGHT – All audio and visual elements are the sole property of their respective owners. The video is made for educational purposes and no infringement is intended under Section 107 of the Act 1976, where allowance is made for 'fair use' for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.
How to Become a Helicopter Pilot (Ep. 001) | Helicopter Training Podcast
Episode 1
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 • Duration 01:25:40
Dreaming of flying helicopters? This episode is your guide to starting your journey as a helicopter pilot. Whether you're curious or ready to begin, we’ll cover everything from earning your pilot certificates to choosing a flight school and the right helicopter airframe. We’ll also explain how VA funding, scholarships, and loans can help cover costs, share free ways to get started, and recommend essential supplies and books to set you up for success.
Timestamps:
00:00 Start
00:33 Outline
01:16 How hard is it to become a helicopter pilot?
05:28 Age requirements
06:52 Education requirements
10:21 Medical requirements
17:15 Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?
18:50 Helicopter pilot path
21:53 Private Pilot
26:37 Instrument
32:28 Commercial
36:46 CFI
44:05 CFII
47:03 ATP
49:23 Airplane before Helicopter?
52:15 Part 61 or 141
57:41 Which helicopter?
1:04:33 Cost
1:09:18 Funding
1:12:09 Choosing a flight school
1:17:29 The next steps
1:19:02 Study on your own
1:23:10 Pilot supplies
1:23:51 Your questions
1:24:11 Links
1:24:20 Next episode
1:24:38 Outro
Show Links:
FAA English Language Standards - tinyurl.com/FAA-ENG-Standards
AOPA BasicMed - tinyurl.com/AOPA-Basic-Med
FAA Medical Classes -
Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) -
Part 67 Medical Standards -
FAA Pilot Statistics -
Helicopter ACS Videos -
TSA Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) -
FAA list of Aviation Scholarships -
AOPA list of Aviation Scholarships -
EAA list of Aviation Scholarships -
Whirly Girls Aviation Scholarships -
SFAR 73 Training Video -
SFAR 73 Quiz (FAA WINGS) -
Student Discovers Fire at Night -
Light Gun Video -
Guimbal Cabri G2 Helicopter Video -
Enstrom Helicopter Video -
Helicopter Flying Handbook -
Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge -
Aviation News Talk Podcast Color Blindness Details -
Robinson Instructor Course -
Kenny’s Checkride Fail Video -
Dauntless Prepware Discount Link -
Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.) 10% Discount use “HTV10” at Checkout -
Free Private Pilot 101 by Kenny Keller -
Book a Discovery Flight -
HTV Recommended Books -
HTV Essential Pilot Supplies -
How to Hover a Helicopter (Ep. 002) | Helicopter Training Podcast
Episode 2
Thursday, July 3, 2025 • Duration 01:01:56
Want to know how to hover a helicopter? This episode is your ultimate hovering guide, covering what each control does and how, the complex aerodynamics involved in hovering, the FAA ACS hover standards, practice drills, and practical tips and tricks for both students and instructors.
Dangerous Student Errors Part 1 with Max Trescott (Ep. 003) | Helicopter Training Podcast
Episode 3
Friday, September 19, 2025 • Duration 01:17:11
This is the first in a 3-part series where I join Max Trescott on The Rotary Wing Show Podcast to discuss some of the most dangerous student errors in helicopter training and how instructors can prevent mistakes from becoming accidents.
We cover general instructor considerations:
Guarding and blocking techniques for each control
“Ghosting” maneuvers
When to take the controls
How to respond when a student freezes up
Maneuver-specific guidance includes:
Pick up and set down
Slopes
Hover training
Normal and steep approaches
Running landings
Shutdowns
For this video version, I’ve added graphics and short clips to make the discussion clearer for visual learners. I also reference recent training accidents to highlight why these techniques are so important.
Dangerous Student Errors Part 2 with Max Trescott | Ep. 004 of the Helicopter Training Podcast
Episode 4
Friday, October 31, 2025 • Duration 01:15:19
This is the second in a 3-part series where I join Max Trescott on The Rotary Wing Show Podcast to discuss some of the dangerous student errors in helicopter training and how instructors can prevent mistakes from becoming accidents.
For this video version, I’ve added graphics and short clips to make the discussion clearer for visual learners. I also reference recent training accidents to highlight why these techniques are so important.
01:33 Episode 1 - How to Become a Helicopter Pilot
02:01 Flights school catch-up
02:43 Rotorcraft Collective
03:01 COCC Aviation Club
03:44 Robinson Safety Notice Update Video
04:18 Feedback from David
Dangerous Student Errors Part 3 with Max Trescott | Ep. 005 of the Helicopter Training Podcast
Episode 5
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 • Duration 01:15:25
This is the final part in a 3-part series where I join Max Trescott on The Rotary Wing Show Podcast to discuss some of the dangerous student errors in helicopter training and how instructors can prevent mistakes from becoming accidents. Check out part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STOPdnUg4zQ and part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2d-dciQFTo if you missed those.
This episode covers more maneuver-specific guidance and accident reviews:
Autorotations
Simulated Engine Failures
Off-Airport Operations
For this video version, I’ve added graphics and short clips to make the discussion clearer for visual learners. I also reference recent training accidents to highlight why these techniques are so important.
02:10 Episode 1 - How to Become a Helicopter Pilot
02:42 Flights school catch-up
04:16 Robinson service letter updates
High Density Altitude Helicopter Operations | Ep. 006 of the Helicopter Training Podcast
Episode 6
Friday, June 12, 2026 • Duration 01:51:20
The focus of this episode is my FAA Safety Team webinar on High Density Altitude Helicopter Operations, originally presented live for the Helicopter Pilot Study Group (https://discord.gg/ZQqZmp3gfB).
For this video version, I've included additional graphics and video clips to help illustrate some of the concepts.
Topics include preflight planning and performance, dust devils, autorotations, off-airport operations, exhaust fire risks, brownout awareness, cooldown procedures and more!
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