Aeroplane Lessons vs Helicopter Lessons

Have you always wanted to fly an aircraft? If you have the drive and the passion to commit to training, that dream is well within reach.

Have you always wanted to fly an aircraft? If you have the drive and the passion to commit to training, that dream is well within reach. Before diving into training, you will need to make a decision about which aircraft it is that you see yourself flying in the future.

There are many different types of aircraft, and each comes with its own special way of control and upkeep. Light aircraft, such as the standard fixed-wing variety that we house at Sherburn Aero Club, require different training as compared to helicopters, such as that offered at Hields Aviation present at the Sherburn airfield.

Read on to find out more about aeroplane and helicopter lessons, how they compare in terms of their costs, locations, and more:

AEROPLANE LESSONS VS HELICOPTER LESSONS

It is important to know which type of aircraft you wish to fly since this decision will determine what trajectory your flying career will take.

If you are a fan of lower-altitude flying and the idea of accessing difficult-to-reach locations excites you, then a helicopter may be the best choice for you. However, if you are someone who sees yourself undertaking longer flights, flying at higher altitudes, and possibly establishing a career as an airline pilot, then a standard fixed-wing light aircraft may be the best option for you.

This is not to say that pilots must be limited to only one type of aircraft. So long as you have the required certification and licensing, you can fly any type of aircraft. All you need is the time and dedication to master the various techniques required to pilot different types of aircraft.

Aeroplanes and helicopters are fundamentally different in the way that they are operated, and it is good to understand the differences to help you decide which aircraft is the better choice for you. Both types of aircraft come with their own sets of pros and cons, and it is impossible to say which is better out of the two since the answer to that will depend on each pilot’s specific needs and preferences.

If you are on the fence about which aircraft you wish to fly, or you are a certified helicopter or aeroplane pilot looking to diversify your resume by adding a new skill, then read on.

This article will help you understand the key differences between helicopters and aeroplanes in terms of training costs, difficulty level, and the intended uses of each.

ROTOR VS FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT

Aeroplanes belong to the fixed-wing variety of aircraft. This means that they consist of an immovable wing component that is used to keep the aircraft stable. Fixed-wing aircraft are the ones you are probably most familiar with, given that most standard light aircraft and even commercial airliners belong to this category.

On the other hand, helicopters belong to the category of rotor aircraft. The rotor refers to the blades of the helicopter that spin rapidly, allowing the helicopter to fly in the air. Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, rotor aircraft such as helicopters need not be constantly in forward motion in order to remain afloat.

Rotor aircraft can hover at a certain point, and they can also be flown at lower altitudes because of their small size and the fact that they can turn easily. This makes navigating a rotor aircraft such as a helicopter in tighter areas much easier.

IS FLYING A HELICOPTER EASIER THAN FLYING AN AEROPLANE?

Generally speaking, a helicopter has more complex controls as compared to the standard light aircraft. This comes down to the fact that there are a host of factors that must be taken into account in order to keep the helicopter stable.

As compared to helicopters, light aircraft require a sharp focus and technique when taking off and landing, as well as when the aeroplane is climbing or descending. When the aeroplane is at a cruising altitude and is being flown forward, it is fairly easy to fly. So long as the engines keep running, the aeroplane will continue its steady forward motion.

On the other hand, helicopters require the pilot's full, undivided attention when taking off and landing, as well as when it is in the air. The pilot must be in complete control of the joystick at all times, and they must make an active effort to keep the helicopter stable.

A helicopter is not as stable as an aeroplane due to the way in which it flies. The rotor nature of the aircraft presents quite a few challenges to its stability, and this means the pilot must be focused on flying the helicopter throughout the flight and can, at no point, sit back and relax.

Also, since helicopters fly at a lower altitude than aeroplanes, the pilot must be aware of any possible obstacles or obstructions in their path, since collisions are more likely to happen at this height as opposed to the higher altitudes at which aeroplanes fly.

WHICH TYPE OF AIRCRAFT IS BETTER SUITED TO BEGINNERS

If the question is about ease alone, then the aeroplane is definitely easier to fly as compared to the helicopter. However, the decision about which aircraft the beginner should choose also has to do with what trajectory they would like their aviation journey to take.

If you would like a career as a helicopter pilot, it makes sense to dive straight into helicopter training. There is no question about the fact that flying a helicopter is harder, but you will benefit from the training and will learn faster, which means you can become a professional helicopter pilot sooner.

You can choose to train on a light aircraft before you graduate to helicopters, and this can act as an added plus on your resume. However, keep in mind that it will take longer for you to get to your goal of becoming a helicopter pilot.

If you decide to take up helicopter lessons before you opt for light aircraft training, you’ll find the transition much smoother, since light aircraft are easier to fly. If you have mastered flying a helicopter, flying an aeroplane will be a breeze for you.

Also, keep in mind that you are not in any way limited to a single type of aircraft. You can easily build your resume and add more certifications which can allow you to fly different types of aircraft.

If you have multiple types of pilot licenses, it will give you the ability to apply for multiple types of jobs and give you an edge over other applicants. If you are not interested in a career in aviation, then you can experience the thrill of flying different types of aircraft. Each type of aircraft provides a unique flying experience that comes with its own benefits as well as drawbacks. However, it must be understood that aeroplane training may not necessarily aid your helicopter training in any major way.

This is because the technique of flying the two is very different, with some comparing the difference between the two aircraft with the difference between motorcycles and cars. Both can be driven on the road, but they require a unique set of skills in order to operate them correctly.

HOW MUCH DO HELICOPTER LESSONS AND AEROPLANE LESSONS COST?

On average, helicopter lessons cost more than aeroplane lessons. Helicopters are also more expensive to maintain, but don’t let the price tag scare you off.

If you have the time and money to invest in learning to fly a helicopter, chances are you will make the money back when you start your career as a pilot. There is a demand for helicopter pilots and they are paid fairly well, so you will not have to worry too much about severe debt.

However, given the higher price tag, helicopter flying is not recommended for hobbyists who do not plan on making back the money they invest in lessons and maintenance. Hobbyists are encouraged instead to take the light aircraft route when it comes to their aviation journey.

Not only are aeroplane lessons relatively less expensive, but aeroplanes also come in a large variety of models and makes which allow people to find an aircraft that is perfectly suited to their recreational needs. Aeroplanes are also preferred when it comes to long-distance travel, so if you want to learn to fly so that you can travel in an aircraft, light aircraft lessons may be ideal for you as opposed to helicopter lessons.

WHICH TYPE OF AIRCRAFT IS SAFER TO FLY?

Due to the more stable nature of light aircraft, they are generally safer to fly as compared to helicopters. Because helicopters are not as stable and require more skill to operate, as well as the fact that they fly at lower altitudes, it makes them more prone to getting into accidents.

On average, helicopter crash more often than standard light aircraft. However, this should not deter you from learning to fly a helicopter, since with the right kind of training and after you have sufficiently sharpened your skills, you will know how to stay safe when flying.

Trained pilots can safely fly a helicopter, but if helicopters are seen in relation to aeroplanes, the latter is relatively safer and easier to fly as well as a more affordable option.

CAN YOU FLY A HELICOPTER AT NIGHT?

 Just like aeroplanes, helicopters can be flown at night only as long as you have the correct certification. A night and instrument rating is necessary in order to be able to fly at night since these certifications ensure that the pilot understands how the aircraft is to be handled in conditions of impaired visibility.

 However, getting a night rating for a helicopter licence is a longer process as compared to getting a night rating for an aeroplane licence. This deters many helicopter pilots from getting their night rating, but if you wish to get into a career that requires you to fly at night, such as search and rescue operations and police, then you will be required to get a night rating.

WHY SHOULD YOU LEARN TO FLY A HELICOPTER?

There are many reasons why someone would opt for helicopter lessons as opposed to aeroplane lessons. Firstly, helicopters allow pilots to access locations that would not otherwise be available to aeroplane pilots. These are smaller aircraft that can turn easily, which means they can fly closer to landmarks you may want to see.

Helicopters can also hover in the air without having to keep moving forward, which makes them ideal for rescue missions that may require you to stand stationary over a building, crowd, or body of water.

Being closer to the ground also makes for some stunning views where you can still make out most things on the ground. There are many possible career options for helicopter pilots, and the highly-skilled nature of the job means there is always a demand for new pilots.

Helicopter pilots can work in the police force, military, as tour operators, or as part of the fire department.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH AEROPLANE TRAINING?

Aeroplane pilots have the advantage of being able to fly to different locations in their own aircraft, skipping the long lines and hassle of commercial air travel.

As long as you have the required certification and licence, you can fly to most countries in the world. Aeroplanes are best-suited to long-distance travel and their safety makes them the ideal aircraft for longer journeys.

There are many career options for aeroplane pilots, from commercial airliners to skywriters. Aeroplanes are also great for those who wish to fly as a hobby.

WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB?

Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.

The flying club is home to a diverse community of pilots and highly-trained CFIs dedicated to making sure you have a great learning experience. Located within Sherburn’s airfield, Hields Aviation provides pilots with the opportunity to fly helicopters in a safe, fun, and welcoming environment.

Hields offers training in the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) for helicopters as well as light aircraft. It also offers helicopter flight experiences for those of you who wish to experience the thrill of flying an aeroplane without making the commitment to training.

With 30+ years in helicopter flying, it provides a range of helicopter services including charter/brokerage, experience flights, aerial filming/photography, and pilot training. With a friendly team of instructors and years of experience in the industry, the helicopter school alone has logged over 35,000 flying hours!

From a simple cost-effective Robinson R44 to the luxury 5-seater Bell 505 Jet Ranger, Hields Aviation’s helicopter fleet has something for everyone. Whether you’re thinking of learning how to fly a helicopter, hiring from our helicopter fleet, or fancy a flight experience across Yorkshire, our facility at Sherburn is here to welcome you!

You get the chance to meet new friends and experience the nature of a real family business. Our airfield facilities include the ability to carry out all the syllabus on the field and we even have our own dedicated helicopter circuits.

Call us on 01977 682 674​​​, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on differences between aeroplane and helicopter flying, as well as for pilot training and licensing options.

Photo by Isaac Benhesed on Unsplash