A Helicopter Private Pilot Certificate course teaches the knowledge and skills needed to fly a helicopter for personal and recreational purposes. The course includes flight training, ground school, and a practical flight test.
There are no prior requirements before you begin dual instruction in a helicopter. You can start at any age, but you must be at least 16 years old to fly solo and 17 to earn your Private Pilot’s License.
Private Pilot Rating Requirements
FAR 61.109 (c)
40 Hours (Minimum) Total Pilot Time in Helicopters Must Include:
- 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor
- 3 hours of Cross-Country flight training
- 3 hours of night training to include a 50-mile Cross-Country flight with 10 take-offs and landings
- 10 hours of Solo flight that includes
- 3 hours of Solo Cross-Country flight time
- 1 solo Cross-Country over 100 miles with landings at 3 points
- 3 take-off and landings at an airport with a control tower
- 3 hours of training within 2 calendar months of the practical test
- Pass an FAA Written “Knowledge Test” (Prior to Taking FAA Practical Flight Test)
- Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test
40 hours of flight training is the FAA minimum, the national average for a pilot to be prepared for the PPL exam is 70 hours.
Private Pilot Add-on
30 hours (minimum) Total Helicopter Time Must Include:
- 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor (SFAR 73 requirement)
- 3 hours of Cross-Country flight training
- 3 hours of night training to include a 50-mile Cross-Country flight with 10 take-offs and landings
- 10 hours of Solo flight that includes
- 3 hours of Solo Cross-Country flight time
- 1 Solo Cross-Country over 100 miles with landings at 3 points
- 3 take-off and landings at an airport with a control tower
- 3 hours of training within 2 calendar months of the practical test
- Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test
Add-on students are not required to pass the FAA written examination.
