Helicopter Engines Education and Training

How to get helicopter engines education and training

By Cathy Salustri
If you want to work on helicopter engines, either as part of your own business or working for someone else, then you'll need to get specific helicopter engines education and training. The type of training you need is outlined by federal law, and the schools that offer it meet strict criteria. Even if you want to get helicopter engine education and training to help your business buy and sell new or used helicopter engines, you'll still need to meet the same helicopter engines education and training requirements.

To work on engines for helicopters you'll need to do several things. First, you'll have to spend time actually working on helicopter engines. Next you'll need to get a certified instructor give you permission to take the test. Finally, you'll have to pass a written, oral and practical exam. You can get certified to work on helicopter engines in one of three ways:

1. Go to an FAA-approved school for helicopter engines education and training

2. Apprentice under an FAA-certified mechanic to gain practical knowledge about repair and maintenance of helicopter engines

3. A combination of the above two methods

 

Investigate FAA-certified schools for helicopter engines education and training

If you want to work on helicopter engines, then you'll need to get an airframe and powerplant, or an A & P, certification. If you want to repair used helicopter engines for yourself or others, then getting formal helicopter engines education and training at an FAA-certified school provides the most sensible route.
Try: Learn from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) what it will take to get certified as a helicopter mechanic. Then you can search for schools in your area. Best Aviation has a list of aircraft maintenance schools throughout the United States.

Find a certified helicopter engines mechanic and work as an apprentice

If you don't necessarily want to work as a helicopter mechanic but instead want to know enough about helicopter engines to buy helicopter engine parts or make an educated choice when considering a helicopter engine for sale, then you may opt to apprentice under a certified A & P. Check with local airports and aviation maintenance academies for the names of certified A & P mechanics who might be willing to take on a trainee.
Try: Find fixed-base operators with repair centers close to you at Thirty Thousand Feet. To find mechanics near you, search the Landings.com database.

Take engines for helicopters repair courses and also study under a certified A & P

Because your needs regarding helicopters, engines and their purchase and repair may fall into a gray area, some combination of the above two methods may work best for you. To learn all facets of helicopter repair--including where to find surplus helicopter engines, helicopter motors for sale or how to find the best helicopter engines online--you'll need a mix of learning from books and practical experience.
Try: Helicopter-Training.net not only lists helicopter repair schools, but it also describes each academy so you can look for ones based at airports or ones that offer the opportunity to work in the field. If you want more education about where to buy helicopter engines, helicopter engines manufacturer information and helicopter engine supplier data, then check with companies like Turbomeca for white papers, manuals and other information.