Competitive, Affordable Training Rates

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

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 November 20, 2024



  • 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
    Required
    Hourly
    Rate
    Total
    Cost
    Dual Instruction 45 $565 $25,425
    Supervised Solo 10 $565 $5,650
    Individual Ground Instruction 20 $50 $1,000
    Study Materials $100
    FAA Knowledge Test $150
    FAA Medical Exam $90
    Flight Test Examiner’s Fee $600
    Practical Flight Test (Checkride) 1 $565 $565
    Average Total Cost: $33,580


    Helicopter Private Pilot "Add-On" for Rated Fixed-Wing Pilots
    Avg Hrs
    Required
    Hourly
    Rate
    Total
    Cost
    Dual Instruction 40 $565 $22,600
    Supervised Solo 10 $565 $5,650
    Individual Ground Instruction 15 $50 $750
    Study Materials $100
    Flight Test Examiner’s Fee $600
    Practical Flight Test (Checkride) 1 $565 $565
    Average Total Cost: $30,265
  • Helicopter Commercial Pilot Programs

    Commercial Pilot WITH Instrument Rating (2 Ratings)
    (Recommended. These are Additional Costs AFTER Completing Private Pilot Rating)
    Avg Hrs
    Required
    Hourly
    Rate
    Total
    Cost
    Dual Instruction 50 $565 $28,250
    50 Hours Instrument Dual 50 $565 $28,250
    Supervised Solo 20 $565 $11,300
    Individual Ground Instruction 20 $50 $1,000
    Instrument Ground Instruction 30 $50 $1,500
    Study Materials $175
    FAA Knowledge Tests (2) $300
    Flight Test Examiner’s Fees (2) $1,200
    Practical Flight Tests (Checkrides) (2) 3 $565 $1,695
    Average Total Cost: $73,670


    Commercial Pilot WITHOUT Instrument Rating
    (Not Recommended. These are Additional Costs AFTER Private Pilot Rating is Earned)
    Avg Hrs
    Required
    Hourly
    Rate
    Total
    Cost
    Dual Instruction 30 $565 $16,950
    5 Hours Instrument Dual 5 $565 $2,825
    Supervised Solo or Dual Instruction 55 $565 $31,075
    Individual Ground Instruction 10 $50 $500
    Study Materials $100
    FAA Knowledge Test $150
    Flight Test Examiner’s Fee $600
    Practical Flight Test (Checkride) 1 $565 $565
    Average Total Cost: $52,765


    Commercial Helicopter Pilot "Add-On" Rating
    (Not Recommended. For Commercial Fixed-Wing Pilots with NO Previous Helicopter Rating)
    Avg Hrs
    Required
    Hourly
    Rate
    Total
    Cost
    Dual Instruction 45 $565 $25,425
    Supervised Solo or PIC Dual 50 $565 $28,250
    Individual Ground Instruction 10 $50 $500
    Study Materials $100
    Flight Test Examiner’s Fees (2 Tests) $1,200
    Two Practical Tests (Private & Commercial) 2 $565 $1,130
    Average Total Cost: $56,605
  • Helicopter Instrument Ratings

    Helicopter Instrument Rating
    (Assumes 5 Hrs Instrument Already Completed for Commercial Rating)
    Avg Hrs
    Required
    Hourly
    Rate
    Total
    Cost
    35 Hrs Instrument Dual 35 $565 $19,775
    Instrument Ground Instruction 30 $50 $1,500
    Study Materials $200
    FAA Knowledge Test $150
    Flight Test Examiner’s Fee $600
    Practical Flight Test (Checkride) 2 $565 $1,130
    Average Total Cost: $23,355


    Helicopter "Add-On" Instrument Rating
    (Assumes Pilot Already Holds Airplane Instrument Rating)
    Avg Hrs
    Required
    Hourly
    Rate
    Total
    Cost
    15 Hrs Instrument Dual 15 $565 $8,475
    Instrument Ground Instruction 10 $50 $500
    Study Materials $100
    FAA Knowledge Test Not Req’d
    Flight Test Examiner’s Fee $425
    Practical Flight Test (Checkride) 2 $565 $1,130
    Average Total Cost: $10,630
  • Helicopter Flight Instructor Ratings

    Helicopter Flight Instructor (CFI) Rating
    (Pilot Must Already Hold Helicopter Commercial Rating)
    Avg Hrs
    Required
    Hourly
    Rate
    Total
    Cost
    Dual Instruction 10 $565 $5,650
    Individual Ground Instruction 20 $50 $1,000
    Additional Study Materials $100
    FAA Knowledge Tests (2) $300
    Flight Test Examiner’s Fee $600
    Practical Flight Test (Checkride) 1 $565 $565
    Average Total Cost: $8,215


    Helicopter Certified Instrument Instructor (CFII) Rating
    (Assumes Pilot Holds CFI and Helicopter Instrument Ratings)
    Avg Hrs
    Required
    Hourly
    Rate
    Total
    Cost
    Dual Instruction 8 $565 $4,520
    Instrument Ground Instruction 10 $50 $500
    Additional Study Materials $100
    FAA Knowledge Test $150
    Flight Test Examiner’s Fee $600
    Practical Flight Test (Checkride) 2 $565 $1,130
    Average Total Cost: $7,000

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.

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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