How to become a professional Helicopter Pilot?

Helicopter pilot training in Austria is usually modular, combining private and commercial pilot licenses, or offered as state-run training through the Austrian Armed Forces. The cost of private commercial pilot training typically ranges from €80,000 to €140,000. 1. Civil Training (Private and Commercial Pilot) Civil licensing is achieved in stages: PPL(H) – Private Pilot: Depending on the helicopter model  this costs approximately €28,000 to €45,000. It includes 100 hours of theory and at least 45 flight hours and takes approximately 4 to 12 months. CPL(H) – Commercial Pilot: This is the required qualification to fly commercially. The total cost for the path from PPL(H) to CPL(H) is approximately €100,000 to €140,000. Well-known flight schools in Austria: Heli Austria Flight Academy Wucher Helicopter RotorSky 2. Training with the Austrian Armed Forces or Police. The Austrian Armed Forces directly trains operational pilots in a four-year program. The state covers the costs; however, graduates are then obligated to serve as soldiers for a specific period. Admission requires passing a rigorous military selection process. Pilot Licence with the Police, requires passing a selection and two years Police school before starting the flight training. 3. Requirements and Starting Salary General requirements: Minimum age 18 (for CPL), medical fitness for flight, impeccable character, and good English skills.

Training Experience: Tapering Off-field landings High-altitude landings Low-level flying Formation flying External load flying Winch launching  Night flying Night vision goggles and recurrent training over all.

GATE-08 Simulation Center Graz Airbus A319

Excellent training at the GATE 08 simulator center in Graz by my instructor and owner, Marc Asplanato. This flight training focused not on type rating, but on cockpit workflow between captain and co-pilot. Crew Resource Management training covered all procedures that need to be completed before, during, and after a short-haul flight from Graz to Venice and back.

Motorcycle riders and Pilots needs high speed decision situational awareness

For motorcycle riders, high-speed situational awareness and rapid decision-making are life-saving skills. Because bikes lack a protective steel cage, riders must constantly anticipate hazards, maintain escape routes, and process their environment 12 to 20 seconds ahead to avoid dangerous blind spots and traffic conflicts. The 4 Pillars of High-Speed Awareness-Mastering high-risk environments relies on four critical factors:

• Awareness: Scanning 12 to 15 seconds ahead for intersections, hidden driveways, and road debris.
• Time: Reducing speed in complex or heavily-trafficked areas to give your brain enough processing time.
• Space: Keeping a buffer (3 to 4 seconds) between yourself and other vehicles, and altering your lane position to maximize visibility to drivers.
• Readiness: Riding with two fingers covering the front brake and your foot near the rear brake so you can react immediately. 

• Assume You Are Invisible: Never rely on eye contact with a driver. Always watch their front wheels for the slightest turn, signaling an impending lane change or left turn. 
• Manage the "Fishy" Spots: Treat intersections, junctions, and dense urban areas as high-threat zones. Cover your brakes and actively seek an escape path before a vehicle pulls out. 
• Judge by Sight Distance: When approaching corners or blind crests, your speed should be dictated strictly by the distance you can see down the road, rather than the posted speed limit. 

For a visual breakdown and mental training tips on how to prepare your mind for these split-second riding situations:

Make your own Adventures VOGE DS800X Rally Enduro

Create your own adventures and visions, explore the world by motorcycle. "Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere."I changed my bike, to be ready for next Adventures. (Piercarlo "Capone" Ciacchi).

First Bank Group Europe Invitation Oct/26 Vienna

Presentation Guest Speaker confirmed!

Today my Invitation for an Presentation for Leaders of the First Bank Group Europe in October is confirmed. Leading by example are the key elements, very similar between Leaders and Pilots in Command. So i am excited and looking forward to meet them in Vienna First Campus.

Headline:

Leading by example
Commonalities between executives and pilots in command.Insights from 40 years of Aviation and Space adventures as Inspiration for your future Projects. Key elements of how I survived 40 years in the cockpit and was able to successfully complete my missions during 44700 flights.

Online Interview 04.2026

Austria - New Zealand

Aman Shethna / Garud Podcast with Klaus Rainer about two years of Training with Swiss Space Tourism.

What does it take to make commercial space travel a reality? In this episode of the Garud Podcast, I sit down with Klaus Rainer, Deputy Commander of Swiss Space Tourism, for a fascinating discussion about the future of civilian spaceflight, the growing space tourism industry, and humanity's next steps beyond Earth. We explore the challenges of making space accessible to ordinary people, the technologies driving the new space age, the risks and rewards of commercial spaceflight, and what the future may hold for those who dream of traveling among the stars. Whether you're passionate about aviation, aerospace, technology, or the future of human exploration, this conversation offers a unique look into one of the most exciting industries of the 21st century. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders, innovators, military professionals, astronauts, pilots, and experts from around the world.

AGE 60, whats next?

60 years old, what's next? This is an important, big, and significant question that everyone should ask themselves. You can get money back, but not time. That's why I switched to phased retirement from May 1st, 2026, until my official retirement on May 1st, 2028, after 42 years flying Helicopters. This means a reduction to 40% of my working hours, with significantly more free time. Free time that I use for family, friends, sports, aviation and space adventures concerning SST-6 Project, but also for my own motorcycle adventures. Never underestimate a 60-year-old who rides dirt bikes. Forget about money, go on your next road trip.

Supersonic F104 Starfighter USA

Briefing for an flight speed Mach 1

I am in contact with Cpt Piercalo Ciacchi, the responsible flight instructor in Florida USA, F104 Starfighter, to discuss the details, requirements and training preparations necessary to carry out a supersonic flight with F104. I meet all the requirements: Medical Class 1 and a valid pilot's license. The course includes a briefing, medical check, three days of training, ground instruction, and provision of equipment including a helmet, oxygen mask fitting, anti-GForce trousers, and survival gear. Below he send me the Video, press the Button to get it via Youtube. 

AERMACCHI S.211 Fighterjet Training confirmed

Fighter jet training flight up to 7 times G load confirmed and booked. The training will take place between 2026 and spring 2027 at the latest. Special thanks to my brother Christian who arranged this for me.

Space Symposium

Virgin Galactic

The Space Symposium, hosted by Space Foundation is officially underway! From April 13–16, the Virgin Galactic team is on the ground in Colorado Springs, sharing the future of commercial spaceflight and suborbital research. 

Artemis II Crew

Project SST-6

10th International Space Technology Conference-2026

Mr. Muhammad Musharaf 

Program Manager SDG-18 Space for All, on Earth & Beyond

Under the SDG Academy Islamabad, Pakistan, Organized the 10th International Space Technology Conference on Sunday March 15, 2026. Top level space scientists, researchers, and key figures from space agencies wolrdwide participated, including Space Tourism President Mr, Boris OTTER and Mr. Klaus RAINER from the Austran Space Forum representative. The Confernce discussed space security and debris, making it a significant event.

Space Webner - 2026

SDG Academy Islamabad, Pakistan

At the invitation of the Academy of Islamabad, Boris Otter and Klaus Rainer, representing Swiss Space Tourism, participated in an exchange of experiences in the fields of space research, innovation, and space tourism at the Pakistan Space Webinar on International Women's Day. The excellent and interesting presentations by the guest speakers provided insights into their work and inspired not only us but also many young students from SDG Academy in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Podcast available

Interview with Dr. Frank Liemandt and Klaus Rainer EMS Rescue Pilot 40 years of service via Spotify or use the link Part Podcast

Today I'm flying with Klaus Rainer, one of Austria's most experienced air ambulance pilots with over 45,000 flights under his belt, and a former military pilot for many years. He has an incredible amount to tell, is modest, thoughtful, and at the same time, incredibly entertaining.

And as always, a big thank you to my media partner, COCKPIT, the leading aerospace magazine in the German-speaking world. 

«Fly me to the top» – Boarding for Episode 3: A Pilot, Two Horizons
He has saved thousands of lives, completed countless missions, and made the sky his home. In Episode 3 of «Fly me to the top», studio guest Klaus Rainer from the ÖAMTC air rescue talks about how emergencies become teachers, what it means to literally reach lives at the last second – and why his gaze is also directed toward the stars. Together with initiator and host Frank Liemandt, he explores how passion, precision, and courage in aviation link career, humanity, and inspiration. COCKPIT supports «Fly me to the top» as an official media partner and shares the weekly conversations on its channels.
03/05/2026
What drives people who spend their professional lives in the air? When does responsibility turn into passion – and experience into vision?
With «Fly me to the top», Frank Liemandt has created an acoustic interview format that presents personalities puts aviation at the center. It's not the headline that counts, but the story behind it. Not the position, but the journey. Week after week, a new guest takes a seat in the virtual cockpit – open, reflective, and with a view of what has shaped him or her. On the way to space In episode 3, Klaus Rainer talks about a career driven by discipline, precision, and a passion for flying. As a pilot for the ÖAMTC air rescue, he completed thousands of missions and accumulated an enormous wealth of experience in the cockpit over decades. Before that, he served in the Air Force. The sky has always been more than a workplace for him. But Rainer's horizon does not end at the atmosphere. His declared goal: to reach space. As the first Carinthian. Parabolic flights and training have already familiarized him with weightlessness – the dream of space is not just a thought experiment for him, but a serious vision. 

Presentation of Aviation and Space

Aviation Day at HTL Kapfenberg will take place on January 30, 2026. The event offers students insights into the aviation industry through expert presentations on civil/military flight operations, astronaut training, and information on career paths, including the opportunity to purchase vouchers for trial flights.

Cognitive skills and high speed decition making

Kinesthetic Memory: The muscle memory developed during manual helicopter control translates to better control over, for example, landing on a narrow rail or executing a precise flip.

Sensitive Controlling and Precision (Sensorimotor Skills)Helicopter pilots manage complex, sensitive controls simultaneously (cyclic, collective, and pedals) to maintain stability. 

Rapid Reaction Time and ProcessingPilots must respond instantly to unexpected events, such as turbulence or engine failures. 

Memory-Related Functions and Situational AwarenessPilots use their working memory to monitor multiple systems and maintain "situational awareness"—understanding what is happening around them and predicting what will happen next.

At Fly and Race Simulation Center Zürich Switzerland 22.-24- Feburary 2026

Fly and Race Simulations Zürich

Boeing 777 Flight Simulator Our large Boeing 777-200ER flight simulator is simply the Rolls-Royce of flight simulators. It's an absolutely faithful replica of a real Boeing cockpit; every switch works, and virtually every flight scenario, including emergency situations, can be flown, demonstrated, and, if necessary, practiced. The Boeing 777 is a wide-body, long-range airliner for 300 to 440 passengers, making it one of the largest twin-engine commercial aircraft in the world. Unlike many modern aircraft that are now equipped with sidesticks, the B777, despite the new fly-by-wire system, still has traditional control columns. These help pilots have a better feel for and control of the aircraft through force feedback and synchronized movement between the two columns and the aircraft. This is not present with most sidesticks. We are proud to say that our flight simulator impresses with its full functionality and quality. It is used worldwide as the official Flight Simulation Training Device for airline pilot training. Our environment rendering system is manufactured by a world-leading company. Thanks to the curved screen, the 220° cockpit view, combined with the high-quality flight simulator, provides an absolutely realistic flying experience. With us, you will receive professional support from experienced airline pilots, captains, and flight instructors. Take your seat, take off, fly, and enjoy a breathtaking flight experience. Take Off!

Simulator Training

From 22.-24.02.2026 at Fly and Race Simulator Center Zürich.

From February 22nd to 24th, 2026, an intensive simulator training course will take place in Zurich Switzerland in collaboration with Boris Otter and Klaus Rainer. The course will involve flying and practicing to build and effectively process knowledge using the F-35 and F-18 fighter jets, Boeing 777 as well as docking maneuvers with the Space X Dragon at the ISS. This is not a type rating course, but rather an opportunity to enhance our cognitive skills in aviation.

Pilots' cognitive abilities encompass a range of mental processes essential for safe flight operations. These include, in particular, rapid information processing, attention, spatial reasoning, memory, judgment, and decision-making under pressure. These abilities enable pilots to analyze complex situations, assess risks, and perform tasks correctly even under stress.

Invitation to the Mobile Industry

Samsung Global and Apple. No mobile phones are allowed on NASA missions, hence the request to Samsung and Apple to send their devices with Swiss Space Travelers on board Virgin Galactic for a suborbital mission. Let's check the connection live via StarLink.

Artemis 3 back on Moon 2028

Artemis III is planned for 2028 as a 30-day mission, marking the first crewed return to the lunar surface (specifically the South Pole) since 1972. The crew of four will launch on the NASA SLS rocket, with two astronauts descending to the surface using a SpaceX Starship HLS for a roughly week-long stay. Key Artemis III Mission Facts (2028 Projection):

• Mission Goal: Land the first woman, first person of color, and first international partner astronaut on the Moon to explore the South Pole region.

• Duration: ~30 days total, with approximately 6.5 to 7 days on the lunar surface.

• Landing Site: The Moon's South Pole, searching for water ice in permanently shadowed regions.

• Hardware:
  • Launch Vehicle: Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.
  • Crew Capsule: Orion spacecraft.
  • Lander: SpaceX Starship HLS.

• Surface Operations: Two crew members will conduct up to four spacewalks, using new Axiom Space suits to collect samples and data.

• Operational Challenges: The mission requires complex on-orbit refueling of the Starship lander by multiple tanker vehicles.

While 2028 is the official target, experts suggest this timeline is ambitious. The mission aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for Mars, unlike the short-duration Apollo missions.

INSPO

Who is it for?

Anyone with knowledge, experience, or insights to share is welcome on INSPO. The platform empowers you to build a thought leadership portfolio around your unique expertise.
While the list isn't exhaustive, our typical users include professionals at all stages of their careers who want to showcase their expertise through thought leadership, as well as academics, researchers, students, podcasters, bloggers, vloggers, writers, and more.
Ultimately, this is for anyone seeking a social network built on high-quality insights, not clickbait.

Professionals, researchers, academics, students

Planning and Strategy

To prepare thoroughly for all training sessions, online meetings, and presentations, my multimedia equipment is now complete. This allows me to conduct research, prepare presentations, participate in online meetings at any time, or, as recently happened, be connected live from the office directly to the Riverside Studio to record a podcast. Here, I plan my strategies and future space and aviation adventures.

Personalized silicone wristbands Swiss Space Tourism, Austrian Air Force and Xwing Klaus

Member of Austrian Space Forum

Networking and connecting with people from space research and industry

Aermacci S.211 Fighter Jet Experience up to 6 G Force

Tremendous Alpine Jet Flight near Munich

Austrian Air Force

Joint visit to CEOs Stefan and Petra of Austrian Air Force Aeronautical Fashion and brand ambassador Captain Klaus Rainer as part of the Aviation Day of the Aviation HTL Kapfenberg on January 30, 2026.

Commanders Watch

Jaques Lemans 

Hybromatic 1-2131E

Commanders Leather Jacket

Austrian Air Force Fashion perfect fit for every Mission.

Day of Aviation

The Aviation Day of the Kapfenberg Aviation Technical College will take place on January 30, 2026 great hall at 12:00 loc time. I am looking forward to inspiring the students with my presentation. It will offer insights into military operations and EMS rescue operations. I also want to give the students further interesting insights into civilian astronaut training, such as parabolic flight training in France.

Have fun with my presentation of my world full of Aviation and Space, be inspired and keep in touch with the Crew of Swiss Space Tourism and following their Adventures. For any feedback or questions contact me via the contact form.

Invitation Podcast Interview with Dr. Frank Liemandt Germany

Podcast Format: Fly me to the Top, about EMS Rescue Operation and Experience

Recording at: 12.02.2026, 11.00 am loc time, The broadcast will be published here with the associated link.

PROFILE

Dr. Frank Liemandt

More than 20 years of experience in the fields of PR, Sales, Marketing and Politics, from leading positions within international companies and projects. Since 2014 I have specialized in advising SMEs, associations and public clients with the major focus on aerospace, as well as pharma and forestry. I am the managing director and spokesman for the German Helicopter Association, and a member of the umbrella organisation EHA (European Helicopter Association). On behalf of EHA I am working as the Show Director for the new leading event in the rotorcraft sector: EUROPEAN ROTORS – The VTOL show and safety conference. I am partner of the information software tool Panalis. My interests in the environment include membership of more than 25 years in the German Alps Association and the supervision of the IG Waldbodenschutz group for the sustainable protection of forests.

Virgin Galactic's new Delta

Virgin Galactic has revealed the design for its Delta class spaceship.

The suborbital space tourism firm posted a video on Wednesday (Aug. 7) showcasing an animation of the Delta design, which is sleek and modular, with components that aim to provide new efficiencies for human spaceflight.

Virgin Galactic says its new Delta ships are being built to operate with an average turnaround time of just three days, which, the firm says, would mark an enormous breakthrough and would structurally change the cost of human spaceflight. Its previous spaceship, VSS Unity, was capable of flying once a month. 

The new spacecraft, powered by a hybrid rocket system, will also upgrade from four passengers to six over the old spaceship.

Delta is set to fly for the first time no earlier than 2026. But the company says it is progressing well on design work. Space.com

Forty years in service

In 1986 I joined the flight school for military pilot training, was active in military operations until 2000, and until then worked for EMS Rescue Service ÖAMTC Air Rescue.

The Swiss Space Tourism team wishes you a happy and healthy New Year 2026. Dream big and don't let anyone discourage you or deter you from your goals. Wishes do come true. 

F35 Simulator Session Zürich Swiss confirmed

23. February 2026

F35 Simulator Training in Swiss / Zürich 23.02.2026.The training goal would be rapid input of information and its meaningful use and application. No type-specific training.

Fly Switzerland's first F-35A-inspired fighter jet flight simulator. Based on the original instruments, navigation, and weapon systems, experience the thrill of this ultramodern fifth-generation fighter jet. Superior to its competitors in virtually every aspect, it impressively demonstrates its strengths in air combat and tactical missions thanks to its extreme maneuverability through vector control and near-total invisibility to enemy radar due to stealth technology.

F18 Simulator Training in Swiss / Zürich 2026.The training goal would be rapid input of information and its meaningful use and application. No type-specific training.

Our F/A-18 fighter jet flight simulator is a unique innovation in Europe, developed and built exclusively by Fly & Race. The simulator cockpit precisely matches the dimensions of the real F/A-18 and impresses with its attention to detail. The F/A-18 is a twin-engine, multirole fighter jet from McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), which has been in service since the early 1980s. It was primarily designed for use on aircraft carriers, but is also operated from land-based airfields, for example, by the Swiss Air Force. Switzerland's distinctive, rugged topography demands a similar level of flexibility and performance as that required for carrier operations.