Private Pilot License – PPL(H)

Your Private Pilot Helicopter Certificate lets you fly for fun or recreation – give rides to friends and family or for your own transportation. It’s also the first milestone to begin a professional career in aviation.

Whilst the FAA minimum hours to achieve your Private pilot license is only 40hrs in accordance with FAR 61.109, most people average approximately 55-60hrs and your training will be broken into three phases to achieve this:

• Phase 1: Pre-solo flight training. In this phase you will gain all the training necessary to safely fly the helicopter solo.
• Phase 2: Cross Country Training. In this phase you will gain the skills and knowledge to safely navigate the helicopter over long distances. This will include solo navigation.
• Phase 3: Check-ride preparation: You must successfully pass a check ride with an FAA designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). In this phase you will train to meet the published standards set by the FAA that must be demonstrated to the DPE on your check-ride.

Once all requirements and standards are met, your check-ride will be scheduled. Upon satisfactory completion of your check-ride you will be issued your private pilot certificate.

Requirements

• Minimum of 16 years of age to fly solo
• Minimum of 17 years of age to obtain certification
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English
• Must show evidence of U.S citizenship or receive approval from the TSA to begin training
• Prior to solo flight must obtain at least a Basic Medical or FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate

Must obtain a minimum of 40 hrs in a helicopter including:

20 hrs of dual flight instruction, including:

• 3 hours of dual cross-country flight
• 3 hours of night flight, including 50nm cross-country and 10 takeoffs and landings
• 3 hours preparation for the flight test

10 hrs of solo flight time, including:

• 3 hours of cross-country flight, including 75nm cross-country
• Must complete a course of ground instruction with a Certified Flight Instructor or an approved home study course
• Must take and pass an FAA written test
• Must take and pass an FAA oral and practical flight test with an FAA – designated pilot examiner (check-ride)