We have a special passion for helicopters and would be thrilled to help you enjoy the versatility and rewarding challenge of helicopter flight. If you are already a certified airplane private pilot, then here are the steps to achieving your helicopter add-on. If this is your initial flight training and you do not hold a fixed-wing private pilot certificate, please refer to our private pilot certificate page to see the steps it takes to become a helicopter private pilot.
How to Get a Helicopter Private Pilot Add-On
Prerequisites
- Be at least 17 years of age upon completion
- Training may begin at any age
- Must be 16 years old to solo the aircraft
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
- Have at least a third-class FAA medical certificate
Getting Started
- Schedule a Discovery Flight!
- Contact Sweet Aviation to schedule a tour & meet with our training manager
- Discuss training plan & ground school options
- Begin ground/flight training
Flight Training Requirements
- 30 hours flight time minimum, which must include 20 hours of flight instruction
- Cross-country flight training, night flight training, and instrument training
- Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower
- 10 hours of solo flight time
- Three hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test which must have been performed within two preceding calendar months of the practical test (check ride)
Final Steps
- Fulfill the minimum requirements of flight time and training specified by the FAA
- Pass an oral test and a flight test given by the FAA or an approved designated pilot examiner
How to Get a Helicopter Commercial Pilot Add-On
Prerequisites
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have at least a private pilot certificate prior to completion of commercial pilot certificate
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
- Have at least a third-class FAA medical certificate
Getting Started
- Contact Sweet Aviation to meet our training manager
- Discuss commercial training plan & commercial ground training options
- Begin Ground / Commercial Flight Training
Flight Training Requirements
- Flight experience: must log at least 55 hours in a helicopter
- 35 hours of pilot in command (PIC) a helicopter
- Minimum of 100 total hours in powered aircraft
- 50 hours of pilot in command cross-country flight
- 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor (CFI)
- Five hours of night flight
- 10 hours of solo flight time or 10 hours with an instructor performing the duties of the pilot in command
- Three hours flight test preparation within the preceding two calendar months of the practical test (check ride)
Final Steps
- Fulfill the minimum requirements of flight time and training specified by the FAA
- Pass oral and flight tests given by the FAA or an approved designated pilot examiner