About Us

Robinson R44 Helicopter Pilot Training in St. Louis

Learn to Fly - Or Brush Up on Your Skills

Midwest Aeronautical Helicopter Services provides helicopter flight training services for pilots (and aspiring pilots) in St. Louis, Missouri. Train with Charlie Duchek, the most experienced Robinson Flight Instructor in the entire region - with over 6,500 hours instructing in Robinson Helicopters.

There is ABSOLUTELY NO ONE in the St. Louis, MO area more experienced as a helicopter flight instructor in more makes and models of piston-powered training helicopters.

Charlie Duchek with Robinson R44 Helicopter
Charlie Duchek in cockpit of Schweizer 300 helicopter
Charlie Duchek with Bell 407 jet helicopter
Charlie Duchek on ramp with Schweizer 300 helicopter
Charlie Duchek in helicopter cockpit

Charlie Duchek's FAA Ratings & Certifications



Commercial & Instrument Pilot
  • Rotorcraft-Helicopter - Commercial Rating
  • Helicopter - Instrument Rating
  • Airplane Single-Engine Land - Commercial Rating
  • Airplane - Instrument Rating
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
  • Rotorcraft-Helicopter - CFI
  • Helicopter - Instrument CFI (CFII Rating)
  • Airplane - CFI
  • Airplane - Instrument CFI (CFII)
FAA A&P Mechanic

Besides his accomplishments as a pilot and flight instructor, Charlie is also rated as an FAA-certified A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) mechanic for both light airplanes and helicopters.

Factory-Authorized Service

Dependable Helicopter Maintenance

In addition to helicopter pilot training, Midwest is also a factory-authorized Robinson R22 & R44 service center. We offer field overhauls, routine inspections and maintenance for Robinson helicopters.

Plus, you have peace of mind knowing your helicopter is in the hands of experienced A&P mechanic Charlie Duchek. Charlie has been servicing Robinson helicopters for over 20 years and has attended a number of manufacturer training courses including:

  • Robinson R22 Factory School
  • Robinson R44 Factory School
  • Schweizer 300 Series Factory School
  • Lycoming Factory Engine School
Midwest Aeronautical service center facility
Midwest Aeronautical's Factory-Authorized Service Center

Testimonials

  • Charlie Duchek and his staff are the best possible choice I could have made for helicopter flight training. Safety is emphasized throughout and Charlie has the gift of being able to teach all the skills you need to become a proficient, safe, confident helicopter pilot. There is a certain magical feeling to flying helicopters that Charlie and his group are able to impart to all their students. I am a 55 year old jeweler who was fortunate enough to find Charlie, his skills and his patience. I would recommend him to all those who care to "share the magic."

    Roger Doyle - Past Helicopter Student

  • Charlie and his staff are the best group of instructors I have ever come across.The aircraft are the cleanest and best maintained I have seen. They always take the time to explain a question in clear understandable language.

    Chuck Talent - Past Helicopter Student

  • The process of picking the right flight school is the most important decision you will make regarding your flight training. Midwest's instructors are extremely knowledgeable and professional, and really care about your progress toward your certificate. I am 100% satisfied with the training I received from Midwest. Whether it is for a career or personal enjoyment, Midwest can help make your dreams of helicopter flying a reality. I would recommend them to anyone.

    Chad Boyd - Past Helicopter Student
Read more testimonials

Competitive 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)		 $565/hour
R44 Dual Instrument Instruction
(Instrument & CFII Training)		 $565/hour
NEW! R44 Introductory Training Flight
1-hour Discounted Demo Flight		 $500
Classroom Instruction
(Ground School & Checkride Preparation)		 $50/hour

Compare to $575-$650 per hour elsewhere

Now Offering Helicopter Instrument Training!

N600SR Instruments and Avionics Panel

Midwest Aeronautical is proud to offer pilot training for a helicopter instrument rating and/or helicopter Certified Flight Instructor instrument rating (CFII) in our beautiful, low time R44 instrument trainer. Our aircraft, N600SR, is equipped with state-of-the-art instrument rated avionics including vertical card compass, ELT & touch-screen GPS

Interested in becoming a professional helicopter pilot?


Read our article: Pursuing a Career as a Professional Helicopter Pilot

Schedule a Training Flight. Contact Us Today!

Contact Midwest Aeronautical