Helicopter pilot training

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

The training is carried out on the Robinson R44.

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. In addition, proof of six years of school English or Level B2 must be provided.

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 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 planned 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 apply for jobs as co-pilots at the DRF Luftrettung. There is no guarantee that they will be taken on.

The DRF Academy 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 130,000 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 Academy or 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.

Applications for the start of the 2026 course can be submitted till July 31, 2025.

After the initial review of all incoming applications, we invite selected applicants to an online assessment, which must be completed within approximately 1 week. Up to 30 applicants will then be invited 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 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.