"Can Military Experience Transfer Towards to FAA Civilian License?"

Jan 19, 2025

In the world of aviation, there is a notable trend of military-trained pilots transitioning into civilian aviation careers. With this transition, many aspiring pilots are curious about how their military experience can be leveraged to obtain civilian certifications, particularly in the helicopter sector. In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating topic of transferring military flight experience towards obtaining civilian helicopter ratings, drawing insights from the latest episode from Kenny Keller, creator of Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.).

 


Military Experience and Civilian Certification: How It Works

One of the primary questions discussed in the podcast was from Bill, who asked whether flight hours accumulated as a military pilot could be counted towards a civilian helicopter pilot license. According to Kenny Keller, in the United States, the answer is a resounding yes. Military pilots can indeed use their flight hours to acquire an FAA-issued civilian pilot license. The process, however, involves specific steps and documentation.

Kenny pointed out that although he did not personally go through this process—having pursued a civilian route—many former military pilots have successfully transitioned to civilian aviation using their military credentials. Typically, this involves providing military flight records and documentation to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to validate the hours flown and the types of aircraft piloted.

 

 

The Resource Hub

For those seeking detailed guidance and support on this journey, Kenny directed listeners to AskHogs.com, a comprehensive resource hub loaded with information on helicopter training. Whether you have questions related to flight or ground training, this resource is available 24/7. This platform houses a wealth of content, including blogs, podcasts, and videos accumulated over 14 years.

One of the most enticing features of the [askhogs.com](https://www.askhogs.com) site is the availability of a "clone" that can answer training-related questions in real-time, providing immediate responses from a massive database of over 6 million words.

Free Resources for Aspiring Helicopter Pilots

Kenny also highlighted a free resource that can be invaluable for beginners: The "Private Pilot 101- A Helicopter Training Blueprint." This free PDF aims to answer the most common questions aspiring helicopter pilots have. The blueprint covers a variety of essential topics, including:

- Is learning how to fly a helicopter difficult?
- How long will it take to become a private pilot?
- How much will it cost to become a private pilot?
- What is the best approach to selecting a flight school?
- What are the key differences between helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft?
- How many tests will I have to take?
- How many flight hours are required for solo and licensure?

By downloading this free guide "Private Pilot 101- A Helicopter Training Blueprint", new pilots can get a comprehensive overview of what to expect on their journey to becoming a certified helicopter pilot.

 

Flexible Training Options and Check-rides

For those looking to polish their skills or finalize their training, H.O.G.S. offers flexible training options, including one-day or multi-day sessions. The platform specializes in checkride preparations and can accommodate specific requirements such as SFAR (Special Federal Aviation Regulation) checkouts.

To facilitate these training sessions, H.O.G.S. encourages pilots to book time in advance, ensuring that the R-22 and R-44 Robinson Helicopters are available and ready for use. To schedule training, pilots can reach out to H.O.G.S. member support at +1 (574) 767-1797 or email [email protected].

Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Safety

In aviation, safety is paramount. The podcast concludes with an important reminder from the Generic Advertiser: When facing the pressure to fly, always prioritize safety. Staying grounded when conditions are not ideal is a critical decision that ensures pilots can "live to fly another day."

In conclusion, military-trained pilots have a clear pathway to transition into civilian helicopter aviation. By leveraging the resources and guidance available through platforms like Ask H.O.G.S., pilots can navigate this transition smoothly, enrich their training, and prioritize the safety of every flight.