We offer helicopter training for every pilot rating you'll need to pursue a successful career in aviation. Although you can cherry pick whichever course or courses you wish, we recommend that you consider enrolling in our Professional Pilot Program. The Professional program is a comprehensive curriculum specifically designed to help you earn five ratings and get your future off to a flying start.
Private Certificate – This is the basic rating required of all pilots. A Private certificate will allow you to carry passengers and enjoy the privileges and freedom of flight. All other ratings in the program build from this primary rating.
Commercial Certificate – As you would expect, your Commercial rating is one that you will need to be paid as a professional pilot. While this is not the only rating you will need to become employable, it is generally the second step in your flight training.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – We encourage students enrolled in our Professional Pilot Program to work towards their CFI rating at the same time they are preparing for their Commercial rating. The CFI rating will enable you to teach other Private, Commercial and CFI students in the helicopter and in a classroom. Your first flying job flying will likely be as an instructor, which is why we include this training in the Professional Pilot Program.
Instrument Rating (IFR) – The Instrument Rating will enable you to fly the aircraft referencing only the instrument panel, a desirable skill to possess in clouds or any situation where visibility is impaired. In today's job market, most employers require this rating.
Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFI-I) – Your Instrument Instructor rating will enable you to teach Instrument and CFI-I students both in the helicopter and in a classroom. Although employers are not necessarily looking for CFI-I applicants, the rating adds depth to your skills and improves both your resume and attractiveness to potential employers. Also, many schools, require this rating in order to be employed as an instructor.
These five ratings are included in our Professional Pilot Program. We also offer all of the above courses for fixed wing pilots.
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) – The ATP rating is the Eagle Scout Badge of the aviation world. The candidate must meet certain requirements including 1,200 hours Total Time and possess both Instrument and Commercial ratings.
External Load Training* – External Load or sling line training teaches the pilot to lift and move an external load by employing a sling line attached to the helicopter. Typically this skill will help you when looking for work with utility operations, such as logging, emergency evacuation, and moving objects into or out of remote locations.
High Altitude Training* – This training, as the name suggests, teaches you how to fly safely at higher altitudes. Because aircraft and engine performance at altitude is compromised, training is essential for student pilots acquire the necessary finesse and skill. For those interested in eventually working in the mountains, this course is quite helpful.
Mountain and Valley Training* – As with high altitude operations, flying in valleys and mountainous areas requires a specific set of skills. Unpredictable winds, downdrafts and other phenomenon can make mountain and valley flying particularly challenging.
Class B Training* – The nation's busiest airports are surrounded by what is classified as Class B Airspace. Student pilots are often intimidated by the prospect of flying shoulder-to-shoulder with large aircraft in a quickly changing environment. Mastering the ins and outs of Class B prepares the pilot to operate comfortably in any airport environment. Students enrolled in our Commercial training typically receive Class B exposure, but the training can be requested by any rated pilot.
Offshore Training* – Offshore training will help you develop the confidence and experience to be comfortable flying out of sight of land. Such experience is helpful for many jobs, especially in the oil industry, which can require pilots fly long distances over water.
* These lessons are normally included in the Professional Pilot Program during the time-building phase of your Commercial Certificate training. |
