Training Rates:
Our training rates in the R44 are competitive with what other flight schools charge for training in a two-seat R22 helicopter.
| R44 Dual Instruction (Private Pilot, Commercial & CFI Training) |
$480/hour |
| R44 Dual Instrument Instruction (Instrument & CFII Training) |
$495/hour |
| NEW! R44 Introductory Training Flight 1-hour Discounted Demo Flight |
only $450 |
| Classroom Instruction (Ground School & Checkride Preparation) |
$40/hour |
Compare to $500-$600 per hour elsewhere
Typical Cost for Various Pilot Training Programs:
Learn the typical, average cost for aspiring helicopter pilots. We offer Private, Commercial, Instrument and Flight Instructor ratings. The cost of pilot training depends on a number of factors including the type of rating, and whether you already have any fixed-wing (airplane) pilot certificates or previous helicopter ratings.
Updated April 23, 2022
Download Typical Training Program Costs in Excel spreadsheet format
- Private Pilot Rating
- Commercial Pilot Rating
- Instrument Rating
- Flight Instructor (CFI & CFII) Ratings
-
Helicopter Private Pilot Programs
Helicopter Private Pilot Rating Program - No Previous Flying Experience Avg Hrs
RequiredHourly
RateTotal
CostDual Instruction 45 $480 $21,600 Supervised Solo 10 $480 $4,800 Individual Ground Instruction 20 $40 $800 Study Materials $100 FAA Knowledge Test $150 FAA Medical Exam $90 Flight Test Examiner’s Fee $600 Practical Flight Test (Checkride) 1 $480 $480 Average Total Cost: $28,620
Helicopter Private Pilot "Add-On" for Rated Fixed-Wing Pilots Avg Hrs
RequiredHourly
RateTotal
CostDual Instruction 40 $480 $19,200 Supervised Solo 10 $480 $4,800 Individual Ground Instruction 15 $40 $600 Study Materials $100 Flight Test Examiner’s Fee $600 Practical Flight Test (Checkride) 1 $480 $480 Average Total Cost: $25,780 -
Helicopter Commercial Pilot Programs
Commercial Pilot WITH Instrument Rating (2 Ratings)
(Recommended. These are Additional Costs AFTER Completing Private Pilot Rating)Avg Hrs
RequiredHourly
RateTotal
CostDual Instruction 40 $480 $19,200 40 Hours Instrument Dual 40 $495 $19,800 Supervised Solo 20 $480 $9,600 Individual Ground Instruction 20 $40 $800 Instrument Ground Instruction 30 $40 $1,200 Study Materials $175 FAA Knowledge Tests (2) $300 Flight Test Examiner’s Fees (2) $1,200 Practical Flight Tests (Checkrides) (2) 3 $480 $1,440 Average Total Cost: $53,715
Commercial Pilot WITHOUT Instrument Rating
(Not Recommended. These are Additional Costs AFTER Private Pilot Rating is Earned)Avg Hrs
RequiredHourly
RateTotal
CostDual Instruction 30 $480 $14,400 5 Hours Instrument Dual 5 $495 $2,475 Supervised Solo or Dual Instruction 55 $480 $26,400 Individual Ground Instruction 10 $40 $400 Study Materials $100 FAA Knowledge Test $150 Flight Test Examiner’s Fee $600 Practical Flight Test (Checkride) 1 $480 $480 Average Total Cost: $45,005
Commercial Helicopter Pilot "Add-On" Rating
(Not Recommended. For Commercial Fixed-Wing Pilots with NO Previous Helicopter Rating)Avg Hrs
RequiredHourly
RateTotal
CostDual Instruction 45 $480 $21,600 Supervised Solo or PIC Dual 40 $480 $19,200 Individual Ground Instruction 10 $40 $400 Study Materials $100 Flight Test Examiner’s Fees (2 Tests) $1,200 Two Practical Tests (Private & Commercial) 2 $480 $960 Average Total Cost: $43,460 -
Helicopter Instrument Ratings
Helicopter Instrument Rating
(Assumes 5 Hrs Instrument Already Completed for Commercial Rating)Avg Hrs
RequiredHourly
RateTotal
Cost35 Hrs Instrument Dual 30 $495 $14,850 Instrument Ground Instruction 30 $40 $1,200 Study Materials $200 FAA Knowledge Test $150 Flight Test Examiner’s Fee $600 Practical Flight Test (Checkride) 2 $495 $990 Average Total Cost: $17,990
Helicopter "Add-On" Instrument Rating
(Assumes Pilot Already Holds Airplane Instrument Rating)Avg Hrs
RequiredHourly
RateTotal
Cost15 Hrs Instrument Dual 15 $495 $7,425 Instrument Ground Instruction 10 $40 $400 Study Materials $100 FAA Knowledge Test Not Req’d Flight Test Examiner’s Fee $425 Practical Flight Test (Checkride) 2 $480 $960 Average Total Cost: $9,310 -
Helicopter Flight Instructor Ratings
Helicopter Flight Instructor (CFI) Rating
(Pilot Must Already Hold Helicopter Commercial Rating)Avg Hrs
RequiredHourly
RateTotal
CostDual Instruction 10 $480 $4,800 Individual Ground Instruction 20 $40 $800 Additional Study Materials $100 FAA Knowledge Tests (2) $300 Flight Test Examiner’s Fee $600 Practical Flight Test (Checkride) 1 $480 $480 Average Total Cost: $7,080
Helicopter Certified Instrument Instructor (CFII) Rating
(Assumes Pilot Holds CFI and Helicopter Instrument Ratings)Avg Hrs
RequiredHourly
RateTotal
CostDual Instruction 8 $495 $3,960 Instrument Ground Instruction 10 $40 $400 Additional Study Materials $100 FAA Knowledge Test $150 Flight Test Examiner’s Fee $600 Practical Flight Test (Checkride) 2 $495 $990 Average Total Cost: $6,200
Please Note: The "Average Hours Required" and "Total Cost" estimates shown on these pages are not based on the minimum number of hours required by the FAA to complete these ratings. They are based on the average number of hours required. Some people complete the training in the minimum number of hours, but most people require a little more than the absolute minimums to gain the skills required to pass the FAA flight tests. Our estimates are honest, realistic, and based on over 15 years of helicopter pilot training experience. Actual completion times and costs for any person depends on that particular individual's abilities, effort, desire to learn, and personal commitment. Please contact us with any questions you might have on training.