Commercial Pilot (Helicopter)

Like the instrument rating, a commercial certificate is beneficial for both career-oriented pilots as well as hobbyists. The commercial training refines a pilot’s skills, resulting in more precise flying. This inevitably adds an extra level of safety for the pilot and his / her passengers. Perhaps the greatest benefit of this certificate is the ability to fly for hire (receive compensation for flying).

Privileges

Fly for hire

Requirements (Part 61)

General

• Ability to read, write and speak English
• Ability to pass an FAA medical examination
• Age 18 or older to obtain certificate

Flight Experience

• Hold a Private Pilot Certificate
• 150 Hours of total flight time
• 100 Hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 must be in helicopters
• 100 Hours as Pilot in Command
  • 35 Hours in helicopters
  • 10 Hours cross-country in helicopters
• 20 Hours of flight training from an authorized instructor
  • 2 Hour cross-country flight (one 50+ NM leg) during the day
  • 2 Hour cross-country flight (one 50+ NM leg) at night
  • 5 Hours of instrument training
• 10 Hours of solo flight
  • A solo cross-country flight with three full stops (one 50+ NM leg)
  • 5 Hours at night with 10 takeoffs and landings (involving flight in the traffic pattern)
• 3 Hours in preparation for the practical test within 2 calendar months of the test date.
• Pass FAA written examination
• Pass FAA check ride

Cost

Generating an accurate estimated cost of obtaining a commercial certificate is a daunting task, primarily due to the fact that candidates typically have varied levels of experience. This estimate assumes that the candidate is within close range of the 150-hour total time requirement and is based on FAA requirements. There is no fee for headset purchase/rental as we provide high quality David Clark noise cancelling headsets for your use free of charge. Books and training materials are available for free from the FAA’s website (hard copies can be purchased in the office).

Commercial Pilot Cost Breakdown
Dual Flight (20 Hours @ $349/hr)	$ 6,980
Solo Flight (10 Hours @ $329/hr)	$ 3,290
Ground Instruction (10 Hours @ $20/hr)	$ 200
FAA Written Exam	$ 150
FAA Practical Test Examiner Fee (Estimate)	$ 350
FAA Practical Test Aircraft Rental (Approx. 1.5 Hours)	$ 494
Total	$ 11,464

The following estimate is for proficient airplane pilots adding a helicopter rating to their certificate at the commercial level (no prior helicopter experience).

Commercial Pilot Cost Breakdown (Add-on Rating)
Dual Flight (20 Hours @ $349/hr)	$ 6,980
Solo Flight (35 Hours @ $329/hr)	$ 11,515
Ground Instruction (10 Hours @ $20/hr)	$ 200
FAA Practical Test Examiner Fee (Estimate)	$ 350
FAA Practical Test Aircraft Rental (Approx. 1.5 Hours)	$ 494
Total	$ 19,539