Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)

You will need a Commercial helicopter Certficate and an Instrument rating in order to get your CFII. A CFII rating is not a license in and of itself. Once you have your CFII, you are allowed to instruct Instrument ground school and provide Instrument flight instruction to student pilots.

Most helicopter pilots begin their careers as Certified Flight Instructor/Certified Flight Instructor Instrument. This is what is commonly referred to in the industry as "paying your dues". Large commercial helicopter companies typically require a minimum of 800-100 hours for their new pilots because of insurance costs. Newly Certified Commercial Pilots have around 150 hours. New Graduates from our Professional Pilot Program are probably going to be close to 200 hours. This leaves a significant flight time gap.

Most Pilots opt to Instruct for about 12 months to build their time. The thought process is that the best way to learn is to teach. Once the flight time requirement is met, job opportunities open up.

There are no true CFII minimums. Students average 15 hours of flight time and 20 hours of ground instruction with us.

The following numbers are based on the average amount of time it takes our students to complete their CFI rating. This is just to give you an idea of costs - your costs may vary based on your progress/proficiency levels.

We do not require full payment up front for the certificate/rating you choose. You may "pay as you go" if that is your preference. We do, however, offer discounted rates for flight time packages of 25 hours and 50 hours. Pre-payment is required if you wish to purchase a discounted rates package. If you do not use all the hours purchased, a refund will be issued based on flight hours multiplied by full rate.

• $300 per hour Dual Instruction. Payment of $7,500 required up front to purchase this discounted rate for 25 hours.
• $300 per hour Dual Instruction plus All American Helicopters will pay the cost of one written exam.   Payment of $15,000 required in advance to purchase this discounted rate for 50 hours.
• $320 per hour Dual Instruction is the "pay as you go" standard rate.
• $50 per hour Ground Instruction.
• $270 per hour Solo.

Still have questions? Contact us now for more info.

Note: All prices are subject to change without notice. The prices listed above are only estimates - each person's situation will be different. Call or email for a more accurate estimate.