Learn to fly helicopters
Embark on your helicopter training journey with All Sports Aviation. Private & commercial helicopter training in Idaho & Washington. Fly the iconic Schweizer S300C - a highly respected training helicopter known for its stability, visibility, and safety - with our expert instructors.
On average, it takes around 50–60 hours in the air to complete your Private Pilot License - Helicopter.
$450 per hour + $75 Instructor
Instructors: Gary Brook
Eligibility / Requirements:
You must meet the following requirements to begin your training:
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English fluently.
- Hold at least a third-class medical certificate issued by an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
Training
Private Pilot License - Helicopter (PPL-H)
This section details the training process for your Private Pilot License - Helicopter under FAA Part 61. A PPL-H allows you to fly helicopters for personal use and is the foundation for advanced ratings and professional helicopter flying.
This section details the training process for your Private Pilot License - Helicopter under FAA Part 61. A PPL-H allows you to fly helicopters for personal use and is the foundation for advanced ratings and professional helicopter flying.
- Enroll in flight training with a certified flight instructor (CFI) at All Sports Aviation.
- Complete ground school covering aerodynamics, helicopter systems, navigation, weather, regulations, and flight planning.
- Receive a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including specific dual instruction, solo flight, cross-country, night, and instrument training requirements.
Commercial Pilot License – Helicopter (CPL-H)
Commercial training focuses on advanced maneuvers, precision flying, emergency procedures, and professional-level helicopter operations. A CPL-H opens the door to careers in tour operations, aerial work, emergency services, and beyond
Commercial training focuses on advanced maneuvers, precision flying, emergency procedures, and professional-level helicopter operations. A CPL-H opens the door to careers in tour operations, aerial work, emergency services, and beyond
- Build on your PPL-H foundation with advanced dual and solo training.
- Complete a minimum of 150 total flight hours meeting specific FAA requirements across powered aircraft and helicopter time.
- Demonstrate professional-level competency across all required maneuvers and cross-country operations.
Private Helicopter Pilot - Tests, Exams & Experience
Private Pilot – Helicopter (PPL-H) — FAA Requirements (Part 61)
Minimum 40 flight hours, including:
Minimum 40 flight hours, including:
- 20 hours dual instruction
- 10 hours solo flight
- 3 hours cross-country training
- 3 hours night training (including one cross-country of over 50 NM)
- 3 hours instrument training
- 3 hours checkride preparation
- One solo cross-country flight of 100 NM total, with landings at three points and one leg of at least 25 NM straight-line distance
Pass Written Exam
Study for and pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test, covering aeronautical knowledge from your ground school training.
Flight Proficiency
Demonstrate proficiency in hovering, navigation, emergency procedures, confined area operations, and all required maneuvers during flight training.
Pass Checkride
Prepare for and pass the FAA Private Pilot Practical Test (checkride), consisting of an oral exam and a flight test with an FAA-designated pilot examiner (DPE).
Commercial Helicopter Pilot - Tests, Exams & Experience
Commercial Pilot - Helicopter (CPL-H) - FAA Requirements (Part 61)
Minimum 150 total flight hours, including:
Minimum 150 total flight hours, including:
- 100 hours in powered aircraft
- 50 hours in helicopters
- 35 hours PIC (Pilot in Command) in helicopters
- 10 hours solo in helicopters
- 20 hours dual commercial training
- 2 hours daytime cross-country (50+ NM)
- 2 hours nighttime cross-country (50+ NM)
- One solo cross-country flight with landings at three points and one segment of at least 50 NM straight-line from departure
- 10 takeoffs and landings at a towered airport
- 3 hours checkride preparation
Pass Written Exam
Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test.
Flight Proficiency
Demonstrate advanced maneuvers, precision flying, and professional-level helicopter operations throughout training.
Pass Checkride
Complete an FAA oral and practical flight test (checkride) with a designated pilot examiner.
Train to become a pilot with us.
Start your training today. Get in touch with our team.
Certification
After successfully completing your checkride, submit an application for your certificate (Form 8710-1) to the FAA. Once approved, your Private or Commercial Helicopter certificate allows you to exercise the privileges of that rating.
Please note that these steps provide a general outline, and specific requirements may vary based on your training schedule, the aircraft you train on, and any additional ratings you pursue (e.g., instrument rating, commercial add-on, etc.). Always consult with your CFI and FAA-approved examiners for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding helicopter certification.
Start today. Your rotors await.
Here at All Sports Aviation, we pride ourselves on the quality of our training. Start learning with the team right away.
