FAQ

Below, please find the questions that are asked most frequently. As always, feel free to contact us for more info.

What is involved in getting a helicopter rating?

Flight Instruction: We teach you how to fly the helicopter safely and competently. Typically, you fly dual with a flight instructor.
Ground Instruction: We teach the rules, regulations, emergency procedures, etc in a class room environment where you can focus on the information at hand. We do this before going out to fly. We also do a briefing after the flight to answer any questions you may have.
Written Exam: You take the written exam once we have covered all the material required for the rating you are working on. We have computerized tests for all ratings at our facilities that simulate the exam with questions from the FAA database for you to prepare for your written exam.
Check ride: Once you have passed the written exam, we setup a check ride for you. This consists of both an oral test and a practical test where you demonstrate maneuvers learned in the helicopter with an FAA designated examiner. Your check ride is the final step to getting your rating.

How long is my helicopter rating valid?

Private, Commercial, Instrument, and ATP certificates are good for life. You are required to keep current by meeting certain requirements (differ by rating) as well as being in possession of a valid medical certificate. The CFI is good for 2 years. It can be renewed several ways, including maintaining an 80% pass rate of students or taking a CFI renewal class in person or on-line.

Are there any age restrictions?

There is a minimum age restriction of 17 years of age for private helicopter pilots, 18 years of age for commercial pilots and flight instructors, and 23 years of age for an ATP. There is no maximum age restriction. You do, however, need to pass a medical examination and carry a valid medical certificate to be a helicopter pilot.

How do I get a medical certificate?

You get one by going to an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The examination consists of a vision test, hearing test, colorblind test, and basic physical. There are also health questions to answer. If you have any questions or concerns about specific medical conditions, feel free to ask us, or ask an AME before you apply for your medical certificate. We have local AMEs we can refer you to. We recommend you get your medical certificate before you commence flying.

What kind of medical certificate do I need?

The FAA issues three classes of medical certificates:

A first class is required for pilots who exercise Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) privileges. A first class medical is valid for ATP privileges for six months. After six months, it downgrades to a Second Class, then downgrades again to a Third Class. The time period is dependent on your age.

A second class is required for pilots who fly commercially (a career pilot who is getting paid for flying helicopters). The second class medical is valid for commercial privileges for 12 months. After 12 months, it downgrades to a Third Class for 12 or 24 more months, depending on your age. This is the type of medical most of our students get.

Third class is appropriate for student pilots and private pilots who fly for pleasure or personal business (but not for hire). Student pilots are required to have a third class/student pilot certificate which is a combination certificate and serves both as a pilot and medical certificate. A third class medical is valid for 24 months (36 months for applicants who have not reached age 40). A third class medical is valid for student, recreational, and private pilot privileges.

How long will my training take?

It depends on how often you fly, and what certificates you want to obtain. We recommend that you contact us to discuss this further. We can help you determine the most cost effective, expedient way to attain your goal.

Do you have financial aid available?

Yes, there are several options available to you. See our Financing page for details or contact us for more info.

Do you require full payment up front?

We do not require pre-payment up front for your training. You may pay for each lesson as you go if you so desire. We do offer discounted rates if you pay up front, however.

Will I be able to get a job as soon as I have completed my training?

Most employers require 800-1000 hours of flight time before they will employ you. Typically, students start their careers as a CFI/CFII (Certified Flight Instructor/Certified Flight Instructor Instrument). It takes about 12 months on average as a CFI to build 800 hours. Once you have the hours required, employers will train you in turbine helicopters to meet their job requirments.

What kind of jobs are available for helicopter pilots?

Examples of Helicopter Pilot careers include tours, charter, photo shoots, EMS, fire fighting, corporate, agricultural, oil and petroleum industry. See our Career page for more details.

What are helicopter pilots paid?

Flight instructors typically make between $20 and $25 an hour to start (expect about $25K to $35K your first year) while building flight time. From there, salaries start at about $50,000 for entry level turbine jobs, then continue upwards to over $100,000. More info on salaries may be found at www.helicoptersalaries.com.

Do you hire your graduates as Flight Instructors?

We occasionally hire exceptional graduates. At a minimum, however, we will help you find a job as a flight instructor at another school.

Why don't you use R-22/R-44's?

We believe in your safety first at all American Helicopters, LLC. Robinson helicopters are used by many schools due to low operating costs. These aircraft have an SFAR-73 (Special Federal Aivation Regulation 73) due to the following:

(i) Energy management;

(ii) Mast bumping;

(iii) Low rotor RPM (blade stall);

(iv) Low G hazards; and

(v) Rotor RPM decay.

This Special FAR was created to help control the accident rate in Robinson helicopters. More info can be found at the US National Transportation Safety Board and FAA websites.