Helicopter Pilot Option

• Obtain your Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificates and ratings.  The usual sequence is:
  • Private Pilot Certificate
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • Certified Flight Instructor Certificate
  • Instrument Rating
    
    
• Pilot hiring is based on the applicant's total flight time and type of rotorcraft flown.  Most pilots will have about 250 flight hours upon completion of the program.  Depending on the type of flight operations, pilot hiring minimums may be higher or lower than airplane minimums.  There is a current shortage of helicopter pilots and entry-level positions are available on the Gulf, East, and West coasts.

A helicopter pilot must also consider the lifestyle and qualifications when choosing a career path.  There is a wide variety of flight operations, with many combinations of work schedules.  In some situations, additional non-aviation skill sets and training may be required.  For example, aerial applications (crop dusting and fire fighting) require specialized equipment and training in the handling of chemicals and toxic hazards; and working for a Fish and Game department may require a college degree in that area.

• Common work schedules are 14 days on/14 days off, 7 days on/7 days off, 4 days on/3days off, or a normal five-day work week
• Operations may or may not operate 24/7
• Depending on the size of operations, pilots may bid or be assigned their flight schedules
• Depending on the type of operations, pilots may or may not be away from home for extended periods of time
• Some jobs are seasonal only
• Some jobs are part time only
• Recurrent and up-grade training is based on company policies
• Background checks, including driving records, are based on company policies
• Most operations are conducted under FAR Part 91 regulations, which require pilots to hold a Second Class Medical Certificate; however, some companies may require a First Class Medical Certificate
• Pilots may be subject to pre-employment, random, and "for cause drug screening
• There is no FAA required retirement age
• Must be able to read, speak, and understand the English language
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Second Class Medical Certificate

Medical
Range based on qualifications and seniority	$3,200 - 7,900
Off shore
Range based on qualifications and seniority	$3,200 - 8,200
General / Other
Ranged based on type of operations, qualifications and seniority	$2,500 - 8,300
Part time	$30 - 80 per flight hour

*Note: Some employers pay relocation/hiring and other types of bonuses

1st Semester	Credits
AVT 101 Private Pilot Ground School	4
AVT 104 Private Pilot Flight, Helicopter	4
AVT 105 Aviation Meteorology	4
ENG 121 English Composition	3
Total Credits	15
2nd Semester
AVT 103 Introduction to Air Traffic Control	3
AVT 201 Commercial Pilot Ground School	2
AVT 204 Commercial Flight I, Helicopter	2
AVT 214 Commercial Flight II, Helicopter	5
PHY 105 Conceptual Physics	4
Total Credits	16
3rd Semester
AVT 111 Instrument Pilot Ground School	4
AVT 112 Instrument Pilot Flight School	4
AVT 113 Instrument Flight Trainer	4
AVT 229 Aviation Management Economics	3
Arts & Humanities Course	3
Total Credits	18
4th Semester
AVT 211 Fundamentals of Instruction	2
AVT 212 Flight Instructor Ground School	2
AVT 215 Flight Instructor Flight, Helicopter	1
Social and Behavioral Sciences Course	3
MAT 121 College Algebra	4
Total Credits	18
Total credits for 4 semesters	61

	In District	Out-of-District	Out-of-State
College tuition and fees*	$ 6,164	$ 9,395	$ 28,671
Books and supplies*	1,749	1,749	1,749
Pilot supplies*	300	300	300
Miscellaneous fees*	1,700	1,700	1,700
Private Pilot Certificate flight costs*	23,795	23,795	23,795
Commercial Pilot Certificate flight costs*	42,930	42,930	42,930
Certified Flight Instructor flight costs*	4,050	4,050	4,050
Instrument Rating flight costs*	9,875	9,875	9,875
Approximate total costs for program:	$ 90,563	$ 93,794	$ 113,070

* All costs are approximate and are subject to change without notice.

Note:  Flight training costs are not included in college tuition or fees.  They are determined on an hourly basis for aircraft rental and flight instruction, and are in addition to tuition, fees, and any other incidental expenses charged during registration.  Students enrolling in flight courses are required to deposit money into their flight accounts on a regular basis to cover their flight training costs.