Academy

Why become a helicopter pilot?

Helicopter pilot training is an exciting and challenging process for an occupation which gives you unique experiences with either flying offshore, air ambulance, VIP transport, or search & rescue.

No other aircraft can safely accomplish what a helicopter can do. This gives you as a helicopter pilot the opportunity for multiple careers. All different activities – all equally challenging.

If you are looking for an interesting and rewarding career – helicopter pilot is the right career for you.

Helicopter pilot training in Norway

All theory and major part of the flight program is performed at our school. We also fly to other locations to ensure different training environments. A flight academy in Norway gives you varied and challenging training conditions.

Our bush program is a unique and demanding experience which will qualify you as a helicopter pilot for any international helicopter company.

Working as a helicopter pilot

Working as a helicopter pilot is an exciting and challenging occupation which gives you unique experiences either you fly offshore, air ambulance, VIP transport or search & rescue.

Not other aircraft can safely accomplish what a helicopter can do. This gives you as a pilot the opportunity for a multiple career. All different activities – all equally challenging. 

Today’s helicopter market is enjoying strong growth and demand for helicopter pilots will only increase in the future, both here in Norway and around the world. Helicopters are currently used in many different areas.

The growth forecast for the helicopter sector, shows a a huge shortage of pilots in the coming years globally.

Boeing, one of the largest manufacturers in the industry has estimated that by 2038 there will be a shortage of 61,000 helicopter pilots worldwide, including expected retirements, with an annual growth rate of 6.24% in the period between 2022 – 2029.

Fortune Business Insights

The sky is not the limit

Air ambulance, Search & Rescue, transporting donor organs, offshore flying, the energy sector (line pulling, line inspections, developments, etc.), installation work, environmental management, heli-skiing, sightseeing, taxi, photography, filming – the market is endless and global!

READ MORE: How to get the first job as a helicopter pilot 

The domestic market in Scandinavia has grown steadily in the last few years, and future developments within the energy sector indicate there will be major projects with a big need for helicopters.

The offshore industry in Norway and the UK is still a great provider of helicopter transport services, also including Search & Rescue.

Your first job

There are big differences from country to country when it comes to the number of hours you need to fly, for example, offshore. It is often the customer who sets the pilot hours requirements, not the helicopter operator.

Want to know more? Dont be afraid to get in touch with one of our dedicated staff, we are here to answer your questions at any time!

If you are looking for high salaries and opportunity for shift work – helicopter pilot is the right career for you! 


"We are happy that you have chosen European Helicopter Center as your academy for helicopter training. We promise to do our best to make your time with us both instructive and fun! Whether your are a CPL(H) student for one year, or you stay with us the next two years (APT(H)IR), you will meet the same dedicated and experienced instructors.

Since the startup in 1993 we have trained pilots to both the Norwegian and international market. Now, we are looking forward to help your achieve your goal, and your dream of becoming a helicopter pilot".

Peter Blom, Head of Training

Choosing an education and a future career path is not an easy decision. There's a lot of new information to absorb, and many people have questions about both the education itself and the career opportunities that follow.

Some may be moving away from home for the first time, often from a completely different part of the country. No matter what you may be wondering about, we are here to assist you. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us!

Anette Kruhaug Haldorsen, CEO


Europe's leading helicopter flight academy

EHC is the leading European helicopter flight academy. We are located in modern premises at Sandefjord Airport Torp. From the beginning in 1993, we have trained more than 800 pilots to both the Norwegian and international market.

As a helicopter pilot student you will be a part of our international environment at a busy airport, and you are welcome to live in our campus.

Whats new? 

– Pilot shortage threatens preparedness

– Pilot shortage threatens preparedness

Helicopters come to the rescue when extreme weather stops cars and trains. But who will pilot the helicopters in the future? Now several flight academies are warning of poor recruitment […]

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Counselling assesment for EHC applicants

Counselling assesment for EHC applicants

As a professional pilot you will have to undergo a psychological assessment according to the EASA-regulations for commercial operations before you can be offered employment. This assessment comprises cognitive/aptitude testing […]

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NEWS! CPL(H) training with ATPL VFR theory, type rating on EC135, and MCC VFR

NEWS! CPL(H) training with ATPL VFR theory, type rating on EC135, and MCC VFR

GREAT NEWS! From August 2023, we are offering the CPL(H) training with ATPL VFR theory, type rating on EC135, and MCC VFR (Multi Crew Cooperation-VFR).

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