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Rating Requirements

Certified Instructors For All Ratings

Private / Commercial / Instrument / CFI / CFII

a pilot and co-pilot flying a helicopter

If you are new to flying helicopters and are trying to decide if you want to pursue your pilot’s license, come in for a Discovery Flight. It consists of a half hour of ground school and a half hour of flight time in a Robinson R-22 for only $199!

BOOK DISCOVERY FLIGHT

These are the FAA minimum requirements for pilots’ ratings. The number of hours achieved before certification is individual to each student.

Private:

  • Minimum 17 Years Old to Take Flight Test (age 16 for Student Pilot & Solo) -Can Begin Training at Any Age
  • Must Read, Write, Understand, and Speak English
  • Obtain a FAA Medical Certificate (Prior to first Solo Flight)
  • Pass an FAA Written “Knowledge Test” (Prior to Taking FAA Practical Flight Test)
  • Complete 40 hours Minimum Flight Time Including 10 hrs of Solo Flight (See details below)
  • Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test

Commercial:

  • Must Be At Least 18 Years Old to Take the Commercial Helicopter Practical Flight Test
  • Already hold a Helicopter Private (or higher) Pilot Certificate
  • Hold a Current 3rd Class (or higher) FAA Medical Certificate
  • Minimum of 150 hours of Flight Time, 100 hours of which must be in Powered Aircraft 50 hours in Helicopters
  • Minimum of 100 hours of Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Time, 35 Minimum in a Helicopter A Helicopter Instrument Rating is not Required
  • 10 Hours of Instrument Training in an Aircraft is Required
  • FAA Written Exam Required for Those Who Hold a Commercial Airplane Certificate
  • Pass the Commercial Helicopter FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test

Instrument:

  • FAA minimum
  • 40 hours of instrument instruction.

CFI:

  • FAA minimum,
  • Must hold a current commercial rotorcraft license.

CFII:

  • FAA minimum
  • Must hold a current CFI and instrument rating.