Private Helicopter Pilot Certificate
The Private Pilot Helicopter Rating is intended for those who want to fly helicopters for personal or business purposes and is also the first step for those who intend to go on to advanced helicopter ratings or who plan to become professional helicopter pilots. You can begin flight training in the helicopter TODAY! There are NO prior requirements before you begin dual instruction in the helicopter. You can begin at any age, but you must be 16 years old to solo and 17 to earn your Private Pilot's License.
Private Pilot - Helicopter FAA Rating Requirements
The Private Pilot Helicopter Rating is intended for those who want to fly helicopters for personal or business purposes and is also the first step for those who intend to go on to advanced helicopter ratings or who plan to become professional helicopter pilots. You can begin flight training in the helicopter TODAY! There are NO prior requirements before you begin dual instruction in the helicopter. You can begin at any age, but you must be 16 years old to solo and 17 to earn your Private Pilot's License.
Private Pilot - Helicopter FAA Rating Requirements
- Minimum 17 Years Old to Take Flight Test (age 16 for Student Pilot & Solo). Can Begin Training at Any Age
- Must Read, Write, Understand, and Speak English
- Obtain a FAA Medical Certificate (Prior to first Solo Flight)
- Pass an FAA Written "Knowledge Test" (Prior to Taking FAA Practical Flight Test)
- Complete 40 hours Minimum Flight Time Including 10 hrs of Solo Flight (See details below)
- Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test
NO Prior Airplane or Aircraft Experience is Required to Earn a Helicopter License.
Required Private Pilot Flight Training Experience. Ref FAR 61.109 (c)
40 Hours (Minimum) Total Pilot Time in Helicopters Must Include:
NOTE: "Dual" Flight Instruction is Flight Time with You and Your Flight Instructor Training in the Helicopter; "Solo" Flight Time is Flight Time with You Flying the Helicopter alone as the Sole Occupant of the Aircraft after Proper Preparation and Training.
Required Private Pilot Flight Training Experience. Ref FAR 61.109 (c)
40 Hours (Minimum) Total Pilot Time in Helicopters Must Include:
- 30 hours of "dual" flight instruction and 10 hours of "solo" flight
- 3 hours of dual cross-country flight training
- 3 hours dual instruction at night
- One (1) 75 nautical-mile cross-country Solo flight with one (1) 25 nautical-mile "leg"
- At least 3 hours of Cross-Country Solo flight
- 3 Solo Take-offs and Landings at an Airport with an Operating Control Tower
NOTE: "Dual" Flight Instruction is Flight Time with You and Your Flight Instructor Training in the Helicopter; "Solo" Flight Time is Flight Time with You Flying the Helicopter alone as the Sole Occupant of the Aircraft after Proper Preparation and Training.