§91.157 - Special VFR weather minimums.Helicopters are able to request special VFR (SVFR) during day and night even when the visibility is less than 1 mile.
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The simple answer is yes. Most helicopters are equipped to safely and legally operate in IMC. Typically only the lower end of the helicopter community fly helicopters without the required equipment. How long does it take a helicopter to fly 100 miles?
In many cases, helicopters are certificated for IFR operations with either one or two pilots. Certain equipment is required to be installed and functional for two pilot operations, and typically, additional equipment is required for single pilot operation.
This brings us to IFR (instrument flight rule) pilots. IFR flying is astronomically more challenging than VFR flying, but those pilots who achieve this distinction are invariably more equipped to fly IFR and VFR. Aviating under IFR, a pilot is authorized to fly into clouds in what is called zero visibility.
Generally speaking, it is understood that helicopters are harder to operate as compared to standard light aircraft. While a pilot may be able to undertake long flights in a standard aeroplane and not be all too tired at the end of it, just a few hours of flying a helicopter may be exhausting for some.
What type of pilot you want to become will determine what age would be too old to change careers and start your flight training journey. If you're looking to fly larger jets for a major airline then I would suggest the cut-off date is around 35 years if you are only just starting your training.
Not to mention exposure to radiation, pressure changes, high levels of stress, and sitting for hours at a time. These factors can speed up the aging process for many pilots and research suggests they often die younger than the average population, particularly after retirement.
Differences in the Cost of TrainingTraining to become a helicopter pilot will typically be more expensive than becoming an airplane pilot. This is because helicopters are more expensive to maintain and fly.
Why Do Pilots Prefer IFR Over VFR? IFR provides pilots with greater flexibility when it comes to controlled airspace, weather conditions, and career opportunities.
In the US, there are specific VFR cruising altitudes, based on the aircraft's course, to assist pilots in separating their aircraft while operating under visual flight above 3,000 ft above the surface (AGL) but below 18,000 ft Mean Sea Level (MSL).