Flight Training

Private Pilot

The Private Pilot License (PPL) allows you to act as pilot in command of a helicopter for personal and recreational purposes. Although the Private Pilot certificate does not allow you to fly for compensation or hire, it is the first step towards a career as a helicopter pilot, as subsequent ratings and licenses require it.

REQUIREMENTS

  • 17 years of age.
  • Be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
  • Hold a 3rd Class Medical.
  • 40 hours minimum helicopter flight time (including 20 hours flight training and 10 hours solo).
  • Pass a multiple choice knowledge exam – our software covers all subjects in the test.
  • Pass a practical test with our on-site FAA Designated Pilot Examiner – oral exam and flight test.

While the Private Pilot license requires a minimum of 40 hours, the average pilot requires 55-60 hours to be ready for the Private Pilot checkride.

Commercial Pilot

A Commercial Pilot license (CPL) is a qualification that permits the holder to act as a pilot of an aircraft and be paid for his/her work. The training focuses on a better understanding of aircraft systems and a higher standard of airmanship.

REQUIREMENTS

  • 18 years of age.
  • Be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
  • Hold a Private Pilot license.
  • Hold a 3rd Class Medical (although a 2nd Class is needed to exercise the privileges of the license).
  • 150 hours minimum total flight time, including at least 100 hours in powered aircraft, 50 of which must be in helicopters.
  • Pass a multiple choice knowledge exam – our TestPrep software covers all subjects in the test.
  • Pass a practical test with our on-site FAA Designated Pilot Examiner – oral exam and flight test.

Flight Instructor

The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating allows you to provide flight instruction for students working on their Private, Commercial and CFI ratings. Typically, working as a CFI is the first job a helicopter pilot will get after finishing training, as helicopter tour operators and oil industry companies typically require around 1,500 hours of flight time.

REQUIREMENTS

  • 18 years of age.
  • Be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
  • Hold either a helicopter Commercial Pilot license or Airline Transport Pilot license.
  • No minimum flight time requirement, but a good estimate is 10 hours.
  • Pass 2 multiple choice knowledge exams (Fundamentals of Instruction and CFI) – our TestPrep software covers all subjects in the test.
  • Pass a practical test with our on-site FAA Designated Pilot Examiner – oral exam and flight test.