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Commercial Pilot

Refine Professional-Level Flight Skills

Develop the precision, consistency, and advanced maneuvering skills expected of commercial helicopter pilots.

Train for Real-World Operations

Gain experience in cross-country flying, advanced procedures, and operational decision-making used in the aviation industry.

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Build Flight Experience Efficiently

Accumulate valuable flight time while continuing to strengthen confidence and aircraft control.

Prepare for Aviation Career Opportunities

Earning a Commercial Pilot Certificate is a major step toward careers in flight instruction, tours, utility flying, and other professional operations.

FAA Minimums

While the FAA minimum for a Helicopter Instrument Rating is 40 total hours of instruction, most students require additional training to achieve proficiency and confidently prepare for the FAA practical test.

Prerequisites

You must have logged a minimum of 150 hours total flight time and must include at least:

  • 100 hours in powered aircraft

  • 50 hours in helicopters

  • 100 hours as PIC

    • 35 hours in helicopters​

Total Flight Time

You must log a minimum of 30 hours of flight time which includes at least:

  • 20 hours of dual commercial instruction with a flight instructor

  • 10 hours of solo flight or 10 hours of flight time performing the duties of pilot in command (PDPIC)

Dual Instruction

20 hours of dual instruction with a Certified Flight Instructor must include:

  • Instruction on advanced maneuvers and commercial operations​

  • 5 hours on control and maneuvering of a helicopter solely by reference to instruments

  • 2-hour day cross-country flight over 50 nautical miles

  • 2-hour night cross-country flight over 50 nautical miles

  • 3 hours of prep within 2 calendar months of the checkride

Solo Requirements

10 hours of solo flight or PDPIC flight must include:

  • One cross-country flight that meets the following criteria:

    • One segment of at least 50 nautical miles 

    • Landings a three airports

  • 5 hours of night flight time under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) which includes:

    • 10 takeoffs & landings​

Other Requirements

In addition to the flight experience, you must also:

  • Be at least 18 years old

  • Hold at least a helicopter Private Pilot certificate

  • Hold a valid medical certificate

  • Pass the FAA knowledge test

  • Pass the practical test (checkride)

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