Tag Archives: flight instruction

How Often Must Helicopter Maintenance Be Done?

10 January 2023   Monmouth Jet Center

If you’re into aviation and you’re considering purchasing a helicopter, it’s important to understand that owning a helicopter is a big responsibility. One important component is helicopter maintenance, as there is a very specific and involved process. In this article, our team will discuss the ins and outs of helicopter maintenance to give you an idea of what you’ll be responsible for. If you have any questions or would like more information about aircraft maintenance, our team is on standby. 

Pre-flight inspections 

Safety is always a priority when dealing with helicopters, and you must conduct a pre-flight inspection before every flight you take. Pre-flight inspections include:

  • A careful inspection of the cabin
  • Inspecting the propellor
  • Inspecting the fuel levels and the engine
  • Ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed
  • Checking the ignition switch is not on
  • Inspecting the tires
  • Removing any ice, frost, or snow during the winter months

Pre-flight inspections should be conducted by a certified aircraft mechanic who has extensive experience with helicopters. If you rent a hangar at your local FBO airport, they may have an on-site maintenance crew who can conduct pre and post-flight inspections for you. 

A, B, C & D Checks

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has designated the required maintenance checks for helicopters into categories A, B, C, and D. Here’s how each check works:

A checks: A checks take place after every 125 flight hours, and they’re performed overnight at the gate. 

B checks: B checks are carried out every six months in the aircraft hangar. 

C checks: C checks are a more extensive type of check, and they’re done every two years. They can take around two weeks to complete. 

D checks: D checks are done every six years. This type of check is extremely thorough and can take up to two months to finish. 

Preventative Maintenance 

A helicopter is a very valuable asset, so it makes sense to invest in regular preventative maintenance. Your maintenance schedule will depend on how frequently you fly your helicopter. For example, if you’re flying frequently in the summer months but you keep your helicopter stored in a hangar for most of the winter, you’ll need more preventative maintenance checks in the summer than you would in the winter. 

Typical preventative maintenance includes regular oil changes, replacing the tires, replacing the safety belts, cleaning the spark plugs, replenishing hydraulic fluid, replacing batteries, replacing safety wires, replacing air filters, and checking the oil levels in the engine. 

If you’d like more information about comprehensive helicopter maintenance, or if you have any other flight questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today or visit our website at: https://monmouthjetcenter.com/

What are the different types of airline pilot certifications?

6 July 2021   Learn to Fly Pilots

Are you considering getting your pilot certification? Many people dream of learning to fly. Whether you’re interested in having a career as a commercial pilot, or perhaps you want to take up flying as a part-time hobby, there are six different types of pilot certifications you can obtain in the U.S. In this article, the team at Monmouth Executive Airport will go over what to expect with each U.S. pilot certification.

Commercial pilot

Becoming a certified commercial pilot allows you to have a career as a pilot for commercial airlines. Scheduled commercial flights are subject to separate federal regulations, so when you’re a commercial pilot you must abide by these aviation regulations. When training to become a commercial pilot, there’s more focus on precision and technical knowledge about flight operations.

Private pilot

This is the most common type of pilot certification. Training for this certification is more intensive than other types of pilot certifications because private pilots have fewer restrictions, including being able to fly at night. 

Being a private pilot isn’t a viable career path though, because private pilots are not allowed to be compensated for their services. Many people who obtain a private pilot license do so in order to fly their own personal aircraft, and they must learn multiple maneuvers while logging a minimum of 40 hours of flight time.

Sport pilot

If you want to fly a small aircraft in your local area at low altitudes only, sport pilot certification may be for you. It’s the easiest pilot certification to obtain, but it does come with restrictions: you can only have one passenger, you cannot fly at night, and you cannot fly above 10,000 feet.

Recreational pilot

A step up from a sport pilot, recreational pilot certification allows you to fly heavier aircrafts without needing the advanced training of a commercial pilot. With this certification, you can fly a maximum of 50 nautical miles from your point of departure and you can only fly during the daytime.

Flight instructor

Becoming a certified flight instructor is another career option, and many people obtain this certification while studying for additional pilot certifications. It’s a great way to gain experience while learning about various flight topics in greater depth.

Airline Transport Pilot

This is the most advanced certification and is required for anyone who wants to be a commercial pilot. The most basic requirements include: being at least 23 years old, and having a minimum of 1,500 flying hours logged.

Learn to fly in NJ at Monmouth Airport

Whether you’re just exploring your interest in being a pilot or you’re interested in obtaining additional certifications, our NJ flight school is ready to help you achieve the next steps in your journey. We’ve taught thousands of people to fly and our flight instructors are among the best in the industry. 

For more information about earning your pilot certification in NJ, if you’d like to know more about flying lessons, please contact our flight school team at Monmouth Executive Airport today. Discover why so many people in NJ come to us to get their pilot certification.