How Long Does the Private Helicopter Pilot Course Take?
We understand you may have other commitments, which is why Epic offers a fully customizable training schedule. We stress the importance of being committed to the program and recommend a minimum 2 lessons per week. Any less and you may find that previous lessons need to be relearned before advancing through the syllabus. This can translate into higher training costs. If you prefer more structure, you may schedule the helicopter and your instructor months in advance. Depending on your frequency of visits, the Private Pilot program can take as little as 8 weeks in some cases.

What is a Medical Certificate?
As a student pilot, you must obtain a medical certificate before your first solo flight. On your first day at the flight academy, your instructor will explain where and how to get your medical certificate. Any medical concerns or questions should be directed to the examiner you will visit with.

Is Money Due When I Sign-Up?
Epic does not require course payment in full. We allow our students the flexibility of paying as they go, although a positive account balance must be maintained. A student qualifies for the discounted block rate when cash deposits on account are made in $3,000 increments.

What Payment Options Does Epic Offer?
There is no minimum balance required to start your training, only sufficient funds to cover your lesson to keep your account balance positive. You have the option to pay as you go, place money on account to take advantage of the discounted block rate, or work with our lender to provide you with a student loan. Payment is accepted in the following forms: cash, check, any major credit card or funding from a financial institution, however, only cash and check payments qualify for the block rate discount.

What Will I Have to Do?
      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 Private Helicopter Pilots?
40 hours helicopter flight time, including:

      20 hours dual flight instruction, consisting of:
        - 3 hours of cross-country flight training
        - 3 hours of night flight training, including:
        - One 50 nautical mile cross-country flight with 10 takeoffs and landings
        - 3 hours of flight training within 60 days before your "check ride"

      10 hours solo helicopter flight time, including:
        - 3 hours of solo cross-country flight
        - One 100 nautical mile solo cross-country flight with landings at 3 points
        - Three takeoffs and landings to a full stop at a controlled airport

What’s the Next Step?
You will want to schedule a Discovery Flight to gauge your level of interest in helicopter flight. You may do this by filling out our online form or calling the Epic Helicopters flight academy at (817) 625-1800.

Visit our expanded Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information.