Certified Flight Instructor

As a helicopter flight instructor your skills and knowledge will be taught to the next generation of pilots.

CFI

Certified Flight Instructor

How to become a flight instructor

Hold a current commercial pilot certificate (CPL) or an airline transport pilot certificate (ATP)
18 years old
Pass an FAA written instructor knowledge test
Must pass an FAA instructor oral and practical flight test (check ride)
Reference: FAR §61.183

Required aeronautical experience for certified flight instructor helicopter

15 hours Pilot in Command in category and class
FAA regulations require 200 hours of helicopter flight time to instruct in the R44. (SFAR 73 to Part 61)
Reference: FAR §61.183

Helicopter training costs

After gaining your commercial helicopter certification, the most common career path for a helicopter pilot is to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Every pilot will have different flight hours after completing PPL, IR and CPL. Please contact us for an estimated cost for your flight instructor certification.

CFII

Certified Flight Instructor Instrument

How to become a flight instructor instrument

Hold a current commercial pilot certificate (CPL) or an airline transport pilot certificate (ATP)
18 years old
Pass an FAA written instructor instrument knowledge test
Must pass an FAA instructor instrument oral and practical flight test (check ride)
Reference: FAR §61.183

Required aeronautical experience for certified flight instructor helicopter

15 hours Pilot in Command in category and class
FAA regulations require 200 hours of helicopter flight time to instruct in the R44. (SFAR 73 to Part 61)
Reference: FAR §61.183

Helicopter training costs

After gaining your commercial helicopter certificate, the most common career path for a helicopter pilot is to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFII). Every pilot will have different flight hours after completing PPL, IR, CPL and CFI. Please contact us for an estimated cost for your flight instructor certification.

Pay as you go

Some flight schools make you deposit money prior to flying, but Blue Hill Helicopters lets you start training right away and pay for lessons as you go.
You will pay the balance when you complete each flight lesson.
The cost of flight training is challenging to estimate because it is very dependent on the student. Frequent flying improves learning ability. Some people can understand and retain information faster than others. These factors all affect the total cost of flight training.

Do I need a college degree to learn to fly helicopters?

No, anyone with a basic understanding of math and willingness to learn can become a helicopter pilot.

Do I need prior military experience?

No prior military experience is required.

Do I need perfect vision to fly?

No. As long as your vision can be corrected to a 20/20 vision you are eligible for a medical certificate.

Can I fly for fun if I don't necessarily want to do it as a career?

Absolutely. We can meet your needs for flight training. A private pilot certificate will allow you to fly with passengers for fun. In order to get paid, you will need a commercial pilot certificate.

What are the weight restrictions?

The seat limit on the Robinson R44 is 300 lb.