The FAA regulations regarding license requirements are thorough, specific, and confusing to the "outsider."  Don't worry.  Our instructors have trained students from all backgrounds.  Contact us and let one of our instructors talk with you one-on-one and tailor a program specifically for you.

Basic Requirements for an FAA Pilot's License:

• Be 17 years old at the completion of the course
• Be a U.S. citizen or be approved by the Transportation Security Administration
• Be able to read, speak, write and understand English
• Pass an FAA third class medical examination
• Pass the FAA private pilot written test
• Pass the FAA private pilot practical test

Private Pilot License

A Private Pilot License allows an individuals to fly the aircraft solo, carry passengers, and generally enjoy recreational flying. For the most part, a Private Pilot cannot be compensated for flying.

A private pilot applicant with no previous training will require at least 40 hours of flight training.  This is usually broken down into three main sections:

• Stage One: Basic Aircraft Control.  You will learn to control the helicopter through an array of maneuvers.  You will learn to takeoff, hover, cruise, and land.  In addition you will become familiar with emergency procedures to include autorotation.  The completion of stage one is marked with your first solo flight in a helicopter!

 

• Stage Two: Cross-Country Flights.  You will expand your skills with a more in-depth understanding of weather, navigation, and flight planning.  You will conduct flight to airports further away than the typical training flight.  The completion of stage two is marked by a solo cross-country flight to three different airports!

 

• Stage Three: Test Prep. You will refine all of your previously learned skills to ensure they meet FAA minimum published guidelines.  Before your final test, your instructor must endorse you for the check ride.  This means that your instructor feels confident that you will pass the test, and more importantly, that you feel prepared.  The completion of stage three is marked by your application for a Private Pilot license.

Commercial Pilot License

A Commercial Pilot applicant will be expected to fly the aircraft more smoothly and accurately than a Private Pilot.  In addition, you will learn more advanced maneuvers, such as confined areas and pinnacle/ridge line approaches. All of the time after completion of your Private Pilot License can be logged as "Pilot In Command" time.  (PIC)

 

The requirements for a Commercial Pilot License are as follows:

150 hours of total flight time, of which-

• 50 hours of helicopter time
• 100 hours of Pilot In Command (PIC) hours, of which
  • 35 hours of Pilot In Command (PIC) in helicopters, and
  • 10 hours of Pilot In Command Cross Country time
• 10 hours of instrument training (airplane or helicopter)
• 10 hours of solo time
• 5 hours of night experience

Though you will be legally qualified to fly passengers for hire, a newly minted Commercial Pilot is rarely eligible for insurance coverage.  You need more time and experience.  That's where the instructor's certificate comes in.

 

Certified Flight Instructor

A CFI is authorized to give aircraft and ground instruction. Because you can now get paid to fly, teaching is the most popular means of accruing flight time initially.  Many CFIs can move on to commercial operations at the 1000 hour mark.

The CFI course involves significant time on the ground preparing for lessons. Generally, you will be required to create your own lesson plans.  These will become your guide to conducting briefings and teaching people how to fly.  In the air, you will now be asked to talk and fly at the same time.  While this sounds simple enough, it takes time and practice to learn how to present key concepts in a clear and concise manner - all while flying the aircraft better than a Commercial Pilot.

While there are no set minimum number of hours required to complete a CFI certificate.  It typically involves 20 hours of dual flight, and even more time spent preparing lesson plans.