How Long is the Commercial Helicopter Pilot Course?

A Commercial Pilot candidate can take as little as 6-8 weeks to complete the Commercial Pilot Course if their schedule is free of other obligations that keep them from studying and flying several days a week. Course completion time depends largely on your availability and uninterrupted funding.

What are the Medical Requirements?

If the candidate holds at least a current third class medical certificate, a new medical certificate is not required before taking the practical test. However, a second class medical certificate is required if the candidate wishes to exercise the privileges of a Commercial Helicopter Pilot after passing the FAA practical test. That is, flying for compensation or hire.

What Will I Have to Do?

•   Obtain an FAA Private Helicopter Pilot license
•   Obtain at least a third class medical certificate
•   Complete Epic's ground school and/or a home study course
•   Log sufficient flight training
•   Pass an FAA knowledge test
•   Pass an FAA oral and flight test (also known as the “check ride”)

What are the FAA's Flight Training Requirements for Commercial Helicopter Pilots?

150 hours minimum flight time as a pilot, consisting of at least:
100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in helicopters

• 100 hours as pilot in command (PIC) flight time, which includes at least:
•       - 35 hours in helicopters
•       - 10 hours of cross-country flight in helicopters
•   20 hours of dual flight instruction in helicopters, which includes at least:
•       - 5 hours of instrument flight training
•       - 4 hours of cross-country flight training (2 hours day / 2 hours night) in helicopters
•       - 3 hours in preparation for the FAA practical test
•   10 hours solo flight time, which includes at least:
•       - One cross-country flight with landings at 3 points
•       - 5 hours of night flight with 10 takeoffs and landings

Why Instrument Training?

5 hours of instrument training are required by FAA regulations to satisfy the aeronautical experience requirements of the Commercial Helicopter Pilot license. Instrument training involves learning to rely solely on aircraft flight instruments, compared to flying with visual reference to the ground. If you are on the Career Pilot Program, the Commercial Helicopter Pilot Course and Instrument Course can be taught simultaneously to save you time and money since the requirements of each overlap.