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PRIVATE PILOT ROTORCRAFT CERTIFICATE

As the foundation of your flight training, this certification allows you to fly helicopters for recreation and is required to begin your Commercial Pilot Certificate training.

Private Pilot Requirements:

*  Pass a written test given by the FAA.

*  40 hours of total flight time

*  20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor

*  3 hours of cross-country flight training in a helicopter

3 hours of night flight training in a helicopter that includes

One cross-country flight of over 50 nautical miles, and

*  10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop

3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a helicopter,

10 hours of solo flight time in a helicopter, consisting of at least

*  3 hours cross-country time;

One solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance, with        landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight being a 

    straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and 

    landing locations; and

Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a

    flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

* Pass an oral, and flight test given by the FAA or an approved Designated Pilot 

   Examiner.

INSTRUMENT RATING

Helicopter lessons prerequisites:


*  Hold at least a current private pilot certificate with an 

    aircraft category and class rating that applies to the 

    instrument rating sought.
*  Be able to read, speak write and understand the English

    language.

Steps to get a IR(H):


*  Pass a written test given by the FAA.
*  Fulfill the minimum requirements of flight time and

     training specified by the FAA.
*  Pass an oral, and flight test given by the FAA or an approved

    Designated Pilot Examiner.

Minimum requirements for a IR(H) :

1) Have logged at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as

    pilot in command, of which at least 10 hours must be in

    helicopters for an instrument-helicopter rating. 

2) Have a total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument

     time including:


* at least 15 hours of instrument flight training from an

   authorized instructor in the aircraft category for which the

   instrument rating is sought.


* at least 3 hours of instrument training that is appropriate to

   the instrument rating sought from an authorized instructor

   in preparation for the practical test (check ride) within the

   60 days preceding the date of the test.


Instrument training specific to helicopters on cross-country

    flight procedures that includes at least one cross-country

    flight in a helicopter that is performed under IFR and     

    consists of:

                       1. A distance of at least 100 nautical miles along   

                           airways or ATC-directed routing.

                       2. An instrument approach at each airport.

                       3. Three different kinds of approaches with use                                 the of navigation systems.

COMMERCIAL

PILOT LICENSE

Commercial License Prerequisites:

*  Pass a written test given by the FAA.

*  Fulfill the minimum requirements of helicopter flight time

     and training specified by the FAA.

*  Pass an oral, and flight test given by the FAA or an approved

    Designated Pilot Examiner.

*  A person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate with

    a rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating must log at 

    least 150 hours of flight time as a pilot that consists of at

    least:

             1. 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours 

                 must be in helicopters.

             2. 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which 

                  includes at least:


                 * 35 hours in helicopters

                 * 10 hours in cross-country flight in helicopters

                 * 20 hours of training on areas of operation listed in 

                     the flight proficiency requirements (see below) 

                     that includes at least:


                     1. 5 hours of instrument training in an aircraft.

                     2. One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a

                          helicopter in day VFR conditions, consisting of a

                          total straight-line distance of more than 50

                          nautical miles from the original point of 

                          departure.

                     3. One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in 

                          helicopter in night VFR conditions, consisting of

                          a total straight-line distance of more than 50

                          nautical miles from the original point of

                          departure.

                     4. 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the

                          practical test in a helicopter, which must have

                          been performed within 60 days preceding the

                          date of the test (check ride).

                     5. 10 hours of solo flight time in a helicopter   

                          which includes at least:


                          * One cross-country flight with landings at a

                               minimum of three points, with one segment

                               consisting of a straight-line distance of at

                               least 50 nautical miles from the original       

                               point of departure.

                          * 5 hours of night VFR conditions with 10

                               takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing                                               involving a flight in the traffic pattern).

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Certified Flight Instructor Initial

As a new pilot, a great way to continue your education while gaining valuable flight hours is to become a certified flight instructor.


FAA Requirements:

To be eligible for a Certified Flight Instructor Rating a person must:


Hold either a Commercial Helicopter Certificate or Airline 

    Transport Pilot Certificate.

Pass two FAA written, oral, and flight examination.

Obtain at least 3 hours of helicopter instruction and any necessary

    as to be proficient to pass the FAA flight examination.


FAA MINIMUM: 3 Hours
Dual: Approx 10 hours
Ground School: Approx 15 hours

* Two part FAA written exam

* Books & supplies

* FAA examiner fee

* FAA flight test

Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Rating

A Certified Flight Instructor for Instrument allows you to teach Instrument to students and better further your career, in addition to staying current on Instrument flying. Being a CFII also makes you more versatile and valuable to any perspective employer.


FAA Requirements:
To be eligible for a Certified Flight Instructor Rating a person must:


*  Hold a Commercial/ Instrument Helicopter Certificate or Airline

    Transport Pilot Certificate.

*  Pass a FAA written, oral and flight examination.

*  Hold an CFI Helicopter Rating.

*  Obtain at least 3 hours of helicopter instruction and any necessary

   as to be proficient to pass the FAA flight examination.


FAA MINIMUM: 3 Hours 
Dual: Approx 10 hours
Ground School: Approx 6 hours

*  FAA written exam

Books & supplies

FAA examiner fee

FAA flight test

 

Robinson R66 Turbine Transition

 

Most beginner students at FHME learn to fly in a Robinson R22 or R44.

 

These Robinson models are perfect for learning the basics of flying a helicopter. However, in order to become a more diverse, commercially marketable pilot, students may opt to train in turbine helicopters. In order to help student pilots transition from Robinson flight techniques to turbine helicopters, FHME has developed an intensive helicopter turbine transition course.

 

FHME team developed a training course specifically for helicopter turbine transitioning because our experience has taught us that pilots with turbine experience are often the first hired. FHME’s helicopter turbine transition training helps pilots advance their careers and meet industry standards in today’s competitive job market.

Course Requirements

  • Hold a private pilot helicopter certificate.

  • Obtain sufficient dual instruction for proficiency.

  • Demonstrate knowledge and ability of pilot certificate helicopter operations in a Robinson R66.

Course Includes

  • 5 hours of dual instruction

  • 6-8 hours of ground instruction

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