Private Pilot Course A private pilot is a pilot who wishes to fly helicopters for enjoyment. This rating allows the individual to take up family and friends but is limited to flying without being compensated. So as a private pilot you can fly a helicopter with passengers, but you can not be compensated for your services. Eligibility Requirements FAR 61.103 • SFAR 73 concerning R-22 / R44 Helicopters • At least 17 years old • Read, speak and understand the English language • Pass a written test • Pass an oral and flight test • Possess a Third Class Medical Certificate Robinson R-44 Private Pilot Initiall Per HourTotal 30 Hrs. Flight Instruction$700/Hr$21,000.00 10 Hrs. Solo Flight Time$700/Hr$7,000.00 30 Hrs Ground Instruction$150/Hr$4,500.00 Books & Materials $850 Private Written Exam$150 FAA Examiner's Fee $1000 Medical Exam $150 TOTAL$34,650.00
The numbers above are based off of FAA minimums. A individual planning to get a private helicopter license should not plan on getting the rating in the absolute minimums. Statistics show that the national average is between 50-70 hours to get a private compared to 40 hours (FAA minimum). Plan on spending between 35-45 thousand.
Robinson R-44 Private Pilot Add-On Per HourTotal 20 Hrs. Flight Instruction$700/Hr$14,000.00 10 Hrs. Solo Flight Time$700/Hr$7,000.00 15 Hrs Ground Instruction$150/Hr$2,250.00 TOTAL$23,250.00
Commercial Pilot CourseThe commercial pilot is someone who wants to be compensated for their services as a helicopter pilot. The prerequisite to this rating is a private helicopter rating. To be eligible for a commercial rotorcraft pilot certificate, you must:
FAR 61.123
SFAR 73 concerning R-22/R-44 Helicopters
At least 18 years old
Must read, speak, write and understand the English language
Pass a written test (for which an endorsement is required to take)
Pass an oral and flight test
Possess a Second Class medical certificate
Possess a Private Pilot Certificate
Robinson R-44 Commercial Pilot Initial Per HourTotal 50Hrs. Flight Instruction$700/Hr$35,000.00 50Hrs. Solo Flight Time$700/Hr$35,000.00 20Hrs Ground Instruction$150/Hr$3,000.00 Books & Materials $800 Commercial Written Exam $150
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) CourseThis course is available to pilots holding the Commercial Pilot Helicopters certificate. It is for the purpose of providing flight instruction to other people desiring the previous ratings. To save money the student can start training for the CFI during the commercial license.
