Helicopter Instruction, Private Pilot Certificate, Darren Smith, Flight Instructor, CFI Homepage

How do I get a helicopter pilots license?

To become a pilot, you'll establish a relationship with a helicopter instructor. You will do some flight training, and some ground training. Flight training consists of actual flying, such as practicing takeoffs, landings, autorotations, steep turns, and ground reference maneuvers. Ground training consists of learning things while on the ground, like aerodynamics, airplane performance, weather, and aviation physiology. After training some with an instructor, you will be able to 'solo' which is flying by yourself. You can't carry passengers when you solo, but you can go up and practice without an instructor in the airplane with you.

Get started with your training with a Helicopter Pilot Ground School. Students seeking a rating are required to prove US Citizenship and Flight Instructors must examine and keep a copy of a US Birth Certificate, US Passport, or Naturalization papers. Citizens of other countries are required to register with the Transportation Security Administration prior to beginning training. Information for foreign students. Schweizer 300CBi

What are the requirements for the Helicopter Private Pilot certificate?

Private Pilot - Helicopter FAA Rating Requirements

Minimum 17 Years Old to Take Flight Test (age 16 for Student Pilot & Solo)
Must Read, Write, Understand, and Speak English
Obtain a FAA Medical Certificate (Prior to first Solo Flight)
Complete 40 hours Minimum Flight Time Including 10 hrs of Solo Flight
Tests:

Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test
Pass an FAA Written Knowledge Test

40 Hours (Minimum) Total Pilot Time in Helicopters Must Include

30 hours of "dual" flight instruction and 10 hours of "solo" flight
3 hours of dual cross-country flight training
3 hours dual instruction at night
10 hours of Required "Solo" Flight Must Include:

One (1) 75NM cross-country Solo flight with one (1) 25NM leg
At least 3 hours of Cross-Country Solo flight
3 Solo Take-offs & Landings at an Airport with an Operating Control Tower

What is the average length of time it takes to get the Helicopter Private Pilot certificate?

40-60 hours

What if I already have an Airplane Pilot Certificate (Private, Commercial, ATP)?

You'll take the helicopter instruction as an add-on rating. You are not required to take the FAA Private Helicopter written exam and the minimum number of total required dual training hours is reduced.

Requirements for Pilots WITH airplane pilot certificates

Already hold a Private (or higher) Pilot Certificate
Hold a Current 3rd. Class (or higher) FAA Medical Certificate
Complete 30 hours Minimum Flight Time Including 10 hrs of Solo Flight
NO FAA WRITTEN Exam
Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test

What is the average length of time it takes to get the add-on Helicopter Private Pilot certificate?

30-50 hours

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