Question 1

How long does it take to be a helicopter pilot?

Accepted Answer

Everyone learns at a different rate so the time needed to finish the program will vary. A full-time student can realistically finish a professional pilot program in 18 months if they fly at least 2 times a week and study diligently at home. If you want to be done faster, plan on flying 3-4 times per week with lots of studying while not in class.

Question 2

I'm ready to fly! When can I start my helicopter flight training?

Accepted Answer

You can start any time. We offer open enrollment so students can begin whenever they are ready to begin their program. Contact us to schedule your first lesson. We’ll need you to have your passport (or birth certificate) and secondary photo I.D. for your first lesson. Make sure you meet the FAA’s eligibility requirements found here.

Question 3

Is self-study required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Being a pilot involves more than flying. You’ll learn about the weather, aerodynamics, FAA regulations, airspace, and more. In addition to studying on your own, you’ll receive one-on-one instruction with a qualified instructor. We highly recomend purchasing the King School Course. This can be purchased from us at a discounted rate, or directly from king school.

Question 4

How much does it cost to get my private pilot certificate?

Accepted Answer

Since students learns at different rates, it is hard to predict how much anyone’s final bill will be. A good cost estimate for a private pilot certificate would be between $14-$20,000; our student’s average is around $16,000. Great ways to keep your costs down would be to fly frequently and study, study, study at home. Our flight training catalog gives a good idea of the cost of all of our programs.

Question 5

I'm not a U.S. citizen. Can I still get my helicopter pilot certificate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, foreign students can enroll, there is just a little extra paper work required. You will need to register with homeland security through their website, www.flightschoolcandidates.gov. Create a student account and fill out the appropriate paperwork with them. All students need to meet the FAA’s eligibility requirements found here.

Question 6

Will having my fixed wing certificate help lower my total cost?

Accepted Answer

Flying helicopters and flying airplanes utilizes two completely different skill sets. How you learn to react to situations in an aircraft is the opposite of how you should handle the same situation in a helicopter. Often having airplane time will require some extra flights to break pre-existing habits.

Question 7

Do you recommend that I get a fixed wing license first?

Accepted Answer

Helicopters (rotorcraft) and airplanes (fixed-wing) are considered two different categories by the FAA, so you don’t need fixed-wing experience to begin training. If you plan to get both licenses, we recommend that you start with the helicopter. The firm reactions of an airplane pilot may compromise your safety when flying a helicopter because people tend to revert back to their initial training in an emergency. These emergency “airplane” reactions could negatively impact your helicopter safety.

If you already have a fixed-wing license, you can still learn to fly a helicopter. It may require some additional effort from you and your instructor to modify your habits.

Question 8

What are my chances of getting a job after completing training?

Accepted Answer

Excellent. There is a shortage of helicopter pilots world-wide, which means great opportunity for graduates. Helicopters are becoming more and more widely used, and the demand for pilots continues to exceed pilot availability. It is a great time to pursue a career in aviation.

Question 9

Flight physical?

Accepted Answer

As a pilot, you must get a flight physical in order to fly. This is an examination that evaluates if you meet the minimum safety standards as being mentally and physically fit as laid out by the FAA. When you are examined and cleared by an FAA approved physician, you will be granted a medical certificate stating that you have met the said qualifications.

You do not need to have a flight physical to start flying with us unless you are a VA student; however, you must have one to be able to fly solo. As a Private student and depending on how quickly you are progressing, this means that you will probably have at least a few weeks from your start date to get it done.

WHAT CLASS DO YOU NEED?

There are three classes of medical certificates, with varying restrictions:

3rd Class Medical: This is all you need for any recreational flying. Our Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating programs require a 3rd class medical which has the lowest restrictions. A 3rd class medical is valid for 5 years if you are under 40 at the time of the exam and 2 years if you are older than 40.

2nd Class Medical: If you plan to pursue a Commercial Pilot Certificate, you will need a 2nd class medical. Bear in mind, when laying out your long term goals, that a 2nd class medical is valid for 1 year before reverting to a 3rd class medical.

1st Class Medical: Only required for commercial pilots pursuing an ATP Rating (Airline Transport Pilot), the highest level of airman certification offered by the FAA.

Frequently Asked Questions