You need qualifications like Private Pilot's Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Advanced Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) – all for flying helicopters. These licences are by Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA).

To join the helicopter pilot training programs, you need good qualifications like GCSEs (A-C) including English, maths and physics. Pilot training is best suited for people who have an aptitude to flying. There are aptitude tests that help you identify if you have it in you. The training courses also cost dearly and in almost all cases, you will be funding your training. In some rare cases, some companies offer sponsorship.

You can also receive further training for further proficiency after CPL(H), ATPL(H), and predetermined number of flying hours.