Whether you have your heart set on firefighting or emergency medical services, or you dream of flying tourists over breathtaking scenery, Hillsboro will help you get there. Our flight school has the helicopter flight lessons and courses you need to start your career. All of our helicopter flight training courses are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved and we offer Federation Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 61 and Part 141 training. We also offer European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved courses. We even offer specialty helicopter flight courses to include with yourFAA helicopter training—like external load operations and mountain flying—so that you can set yourself up for the career you’ve always dreamed of. Our helicopter pilot school offers a full training program for people whose goal is to work as a career helicopter pilot. The Professional Pilot Program includes helicopter flight lessons for these certificates and ratings: Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor. View Details Our first-of-its-kind EASA/FAA program is for international students who wish to pursue a helicopter pilot career in Europe. It includes the same certificates as our FAA helicopter training program, plus all required EASA coursework. View Details With a commercial helicopter pilot license, an exciting and varied career awaits you.
Professional Pilot Program
EASA/FAA Professional Pilot Program
FAA Helicopter Training
We offer pilot training under both FAR Part 61 and FAR Part 141.
What does that mean?
This means we have two different ways to approach your training. Both FAR Part 61 and Part 141 training demand the same minimum standards for you to get your pilot certificate, but FAR Part 141 is more methodical and refined in its approach to helicopter flight lessons.
Flight instructors approved by the FAA can train you under FAR Part 61 anywhere—whether they’re attached to a flight school or not—and they can follow their own method.
FAR Part 141 training is given through approved flight schools, like Hillsboro Aero Academy, who have had our course curriculums reviewed and approved by the FAA. This means we’ve perfected our courses over time, found the best path for your training and we stick to it.
Your long-term goals and learning style will determine which FAR part is right for you, and we’ll help you decide.
Helicopter Flight Training FAQs
How much may my education and training cost?
Our Professional Pilot Program includes private, instrument, commercial, and flight instructor courses. We also encourage student to obtain their CFII as well. Current program costs can be found here.
The program estimates are based on average program pricing. The only item not included in this estimate is the cost of the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) for your FAA examinations, known as check rides.
What can I expect from helicopter pilot training?
At Hillsboro Heli Academy, you will join a large community of students and instructors ready to provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills required for pursuing your dream to fly. You will participate in one-on-one flight and ground instruction with a certified flight instructor who will prepare you to meet the FAA requirements for each certificate or rating.
How long does it take to become a qualified helicopter pilot?
Our helicopter program is designed to take less than 15 months to complete if you are a full-time student committing to being on the flight schedule five times per week. Your training speed can change depending on how often you fly, amount of study time you commit, and the time of year you start your training.
How many lessons does it take to fly a helicopter?
The first step in your training program is the Private Pilot Certificate which is where you learn the fundamentals of operating a helicopter. You will have to complete solo and cross country flight requirements, in order to take the FAA examination also known as a check ride with an FAA-designated examiner. The FAA requires a minimum of 35 hours of ground training and 35 hours of flight training for this certification. However, most people require more flight hours to become proficient enough to pass the exam, often averaging 50-60 hours.
How long does it take to learn to fly a helicopter?
If you are learning to fly, you are required to take 3-5 hours a week of classes until your helicopter pilot training instructor deems you capable of flying. Completing helicopter pilot training can take about 6 to 18 months.
Is it difficult to learn to fly a helicopter?
It can seem difficult initially to learn to fly a helicopter. However, our helicopter flying lessons are designed to encourage effective skill development, practical learning, and consistent enthusiasm for upskilling.
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