Helicopter pilot training

As part of the professional helicopter pilot training, the knowledge and skills required to work as a professional helicopter pilot are taught in both theory (approx. 3/4) and practice (approx. 1/4).

The almost two-year training course, which is aimed at obtaining a professional helicopter pilot license, includes the following teaching content:

• Aviation law
• Airframe, systems, engines & electrics
• Instruments
• Mass & center of gravity
• Flight performance Flight planning & flight control
• Human performance
• Meteorology
• General navigation
• Radio navigation
• Operational procedures
• Aerodynamics
• Communication
• Knowledge, skills and attitudes

Please contact us if you have any questions about training.

Notes on the application:

Applications for the start of the 2025 course can be submitted since November 1, 2023.

The highly qualified in-house flight instructors used for training are employed at the 29 DRF Luftrettung stations throughout Germany and therefore have a great deal of flying expertise: night flights, winch rescues, take-offs and landings in densely built-up areas and missions in rough and alpine terrain are all part of the diverse range of operations.

The training requirements for an application are a minimum age of 21 years and successful completion of vocational training or a bachelor's degree.

The practical part of the training will take place at the DRF Luftrettung Operation Center at Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport. The theoretical content will be taught on the premises of the DRF Luftrettung Academy in Bühl. After successfully completing the on-site assessment center and before starting the training, you will also need a valid Medical Class 1 and a background check.

The course costs will amount to 127,000 euros. In addition to theory lessons, the sum includes flight and simulator lessons as well as landing fees, radio training (BZF II) and an additional course each in technology (Pt. 147) and medicine.

Applications for the start of the 2025 course can be submitted since November 1, 2023.

The DRF Luftrettung offers integrated training as a professional helicopter pilot CPL (H) with ATPL theory.

The DRF Luftrettung will carry out the training on the Robinson R44.

No, that is not planned.

The training requirements for an application are a minimum age of 21 years (cut-off date is 1 May of the respective training year) as well as a successfully completed, state-recognized vocational training or a Bachelor's degree. Unfortunately, previous studies or a first state examination do not apply.

For your application, you will need an extract from the register of the Federal Motor Transport Authority. After successfully completing the on-site assessment center and before starting your training, you will need a valid Medical Class 1 and a background check.

Exclusively state-recognized training courses with a training period of at least two years.

As part of the training to become a professional helicopter pilot, the knowledge and skills required to work as a professional helicopter pilot are taught both in theory (approx. 3/4) and in practice (approx. 1/4). 
The almost two-year training course, which is aimed at obtaining a professional helicopter pilot's license, covers the following subjects:

• Air law
• Airframe, systems, engines & electrics
• Instruments
• Mass & center of gravity
• Flight performance, flight planning & flight control
• Human performance
• Meteorology
• General navigation
• Radio navigation
• Operational procedures
• Aerodynamics
• Communication
• Knowledge, skills and attitude

In addition to the legally required theoretical and practical training content, additional courses are provided in the areas of medicine and technology. In 30 hours each, the medical and technical knowledge of the course participants is deepened and practical exercises are carried out.

After successfully completing the training, participants can start their career as a professional pilot.

DRF Luftrettung is currently working on the implementation of a concept that offers young co-pilots an entry into HEMS flight operations.

Just in time for the end of the "ab initio" training, young pilots will also be able to gain experience under the supervision of experienced HEMS pilots in the future.

The DRF Luftrettung attaches great importance to high-quality training. In order to consolidate and deepen the training content, we consider a two-year training course to be appropriate. This also enables participants to pursue a career at the same time.

The course costs will amount to 127,000 euros. In addition to theory lessons, the sum includes flight and simulator lessons as well as landing fees, radio training (BZF II) and an additional course each in technology (Part 147) and medicine. The costs must be paid by the applicant and are not covered by DRF Luftrettung.

Training to become a (helicopter) pilot is a special experience, involves a lot of responsibility and we want to make sure that we are a good match. The quality and safety of the training are particularly important to us. That is why we have developed an application process with an assessment center.

The application phase for the start of the course in 2024 ended on Wednesday, October 31, 2023.

Applications for the start of the 2025 course can be submitted since November 1, 2023.

After the initial review of all incoming applications, we invite around 20 applicants to a two-day assessment center at our premises. The final selection of applicants and thus the acceptance for training as a commercial pilot takes place shortly after this assessment center. The costs incurred during the assessment center and for overnight accommodation will of course be covered by the DRF Academy. You will only have to pay for your own travel costs.

In a joint appointment, we would like to get to know you personally and check basic skills such as coordination, logical thinking and technical understanding.