Transition Your Existing Pilot Experience
Build on your current aviation background while learning the unique techniques and handing characteristics of helicopters.
Accelerated & Personalized Training
Receive focused instruction designed specifically for certificated pilots adding a helicopter rating.
Experience a New Dimension of Flight
Discover the versatility and precision of helicopter operations, including hovering and low-speed maneuvering.
Expand Your Aviation Opportunities
Adding a helicopter rating broadens your skill set and opens the door to new flying experiences and career possibilities.
Private Pilot Add-On
While the FAA minimum to add a Helicopter Rating to an existing Private Pilot Certificate is 30 total flight hours, most students require additional training to achieve proficiency and confidently prepare for the FAA practical test.
Total Flight Time
You must log a minimum of 30 hours of flight time in a helicopter which includes at least:
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20 hours of dual instruction with a flight instructor
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10 hours of solo flight
Dual Instruction
20 hours of dual instruction with a Certified Flight Instructor must include:
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3 hours of cross country training
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3 hours of night training
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Including one night cross-country flight over 50 nautical miles
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10 takeoffs and landings at an airport​
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3 hours of prep within 2 calendar months of the checkride
Solo Requirements
10 hours of solo flight much include:
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One cross-country flight that meet the following criteria:
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100 nautical miles total distance​
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Landings at 3 airports with an operating control tower
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One segment must be at least 25 nautical miles
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Other Requirements
In addition to the flight experience, you must also:
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Currently hold a Private Pilot Certificate of another category aircraft
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Hold an FAA Medical Certificate
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Pass the practical test (checkride)
Commercial Pilot Add-On
While the FAA minimum to add a Helicopter Rating to an existing Commercial Pilot Certificate is 40 total flight hours, most students require additional training to achieve proficiency and confidently prepare for the FAA practical test.
Total Flight Time
You must log a minimum of 50 hours of total flight time in a helicopter with a minimum of 35 hours PIC and which includes at least:
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20 hours of dual instruction with a flight instructor
-
10 hours of solo flight
Dual Instruction
20 hours of dual instruction with a Certified Flight Instructor must include:
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5 hours of training on the control and maneuvering of a helicopter solely by reference to instruments
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3 hours of cross country training
-
3 hours of night training
-
Including one night cross-country flight over 50 nautical miles
-
10 takeoffs and landings at an airport​
-
-
3 hours of prep within 2 calendar months of the checkride
Solo Requirements
10 hours of solo flight much include:
-
One cross-country flight that meet the following criteria:
-
100 nautical miles total distance​
-
Landings at 3 airports with an operating control tower
-
One segment must be at least 25 nautical miles
-
Other Requirements
In addition to the flight experience, you must also:
-
Currently hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate of another category aircraft
-
Hold an FAA Medical Certificate
-
Pass the practical test (checkride)
Instrument Rating Add-On
While the FAA minimum to add a Helicopter Instrument Rating to an existing Pilot Certificate is 15 total flight hours, most students require additional training to achieve proficiency and confidently prepare for the FAA practical test.
Total Flight Time
You must have previously logged a minimum of 50 hours cross-country flight time as PIC with at least:
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10 hours cross-country in a helicopter
You must log a minimum of 15 hours of total flight time which includes
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15 hours of dual instruction with a flight instructor
Dual Instruction
15 hours of instrument flight instruction with a certified instrument flight instructor must include:
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One Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) cross-country flight that meet the following criteria:
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At least 250 nautical miles total distance​ along IFR routes
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Three different types of instrument approaches at three different airports
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​3 hours of prep within 2 calendar months of the checkride
Solo Requirements
10 hours of solo flight much include:
-
One cross-country flight that meet the following criteria:
-
100 nautical miles total distance​
-
Landings at 3 airports with an operating control tower
-
One segment must be at least 25 nautical miles
-
Other Requirements
In addition to the flight experience, you must also:
-
Currently hold a Helicopter Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate
-
Hold an FAA Medical Certificate
-
Pass the practical test (checkride)