Private Pilot Helicopter Training (PPL-H)
Beginner-friendly helicopter flying lessons covering aircraft control, hovering, navigation, and safety. This helicopter flight course prepares you for the FAA Private Pilot Helicopter license.
Helicopter Training & Flight School
Helicopter Academy is a leading helicopter school and helicopter flight school providing professional helicopter training, helicopter lessons and helicopter pilot training.. Train in real helicopters with experienced FAA-certified instructors and follow a clear path from first helicopter flying lessons to career pilot.
Trusted Helicopter Flight Training Since 1986
From introductory helicopter flight courses to advanced commercial and instructor ratings, we specialize in rotorcraft-only training. Our structured helicopter flight training programs are designed to meet FAA requirements while giving you practical, real-world helicopter flying experience.
Why Choose Our Helicopter Flight School?
- Specialized helicopter pilot training only – no fixed-wing distractions.
- Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters ideal for efficient helicopter flying lessons.
- FAA-approved curriculum from Private through Commercial and CFI.
- Experienced instructors focused on safety and real-world rotorcraft operations.
- Career-oriented programs with hour-building and job placement pathways.
How Helicopter Pilot Training Works
- Start with online ground school and an intro helicopter lesson.
- Progress through structured dual and solo helicopter flight lessons.
- Complete written exams and checkrides for each pilot certificate.
- Build hours through advanced helicopter flight training and instructor ratings.
- Launch your career with a proven helicopter flight course pipeline.
Helicopter Flight Training Programs
Choose the helicopter flight training program that fits your goals. Whether you want a private helicopter license, a professional helicopter pilot career, or to become a helicopter flight instructor, we have a structured helicopter flight course for you.
Commercial Helicopter Pilot Training (CPL-H)
Advanced helicopter pilot training to qualify for paid helicopter flying jobs. Build time, master commercial maneuvers, and prepare for tour, charter, and utility work at a professional helicopter flight school.
Career Helicopter Pilot & CFI Program
Zero-to-career helicopter pilot pathway from first helicopter lessons through Certified Flight Instructor. Build hours, teach new students, and launch a sustainable helicopter pilot career.
Online Helicopter Ground School
Self-paced Online helicopter training that fits your schedule. Use this course alongside your helicopter flight training to prepare for FAA written exams.
What Your Helicopter Pilot Training Covers
Every helicopter flight course at Helicopter Academy is designed to move you closer to your goals — from first helicopter lesson to professional helicopter pilot. You will receive both ground and flight instruction that meets or exceeds FAA standards.
| Component | Includes |
|---|---|
| Ground School | Rotorcraft aerodynamics, helicopter systems, regulations, weather, navigation and performance. |
| Flight Hours | Dual instruction, solo flights, cross-country helicopter training and emergency procedures. |
| Written Exams & Checkrides | Preparation and sign-offs for all FAA helicopter pilot written exams and checkrides. |
| Housing & Scheduling | Flexible schedules and student housing options for full-time helicopter pilot training. |
| Career Path & Hour Building | Structured hour-building and instructor opportunities for long-term helicopter careers. |
Ready to Start Helicopter Flying Lessons?
Take the first step toward your helicopter pilot career. Schedule an introductory helicopter flight
lesson or speak with our admissions team about the right helicopter training program for you.
Note: Applicants must first complete the Online Ground School to gain an understanding of covering aerodynamics, systems, regulations, weather, navigation, and performance.
Helicopter Flight Training – Frequently Asked Questions
How long does helicopter pilot training take?
Most students complete their helicopter pilot training in 6 to 12 months depending on
scheduling, weather, and individual pace. Full-time students can often earn their
Private Pilot Helicopter (PPL-H) license in as little as 3–4 months.
How much do helicopter flight lessons cost?
Costs for helicopter flight lessons vary by program and training goals. Private
helicopter pilot training typically ranges from $18,000 to $25,000, while career
helicopter pilot training that includes commercial and instructor ratings can range
from $70,000 to $85,000. Visit our financial aid page for funding options.
Do I need any experience to start helicopter training?
No prior flight experience is required. You can begin with an introductory
helicopter flying lesson where you take the controls with an instructor in our
training helicopters to see if helicopter flying is right for you.
What license do I need to fly a helicopter professionally?
Professional helicopter pilots typically hold an FAA Commercial Pilot Helicopter (CPL-H)
certificate and often a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating. Many students move
from PPL-H to CPL-H and then into our
Career Helicopter Pilot & CFI program
.
Where does the helicopter flight training take place?
Our primary helicopter flight school training base is at
North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, Florida, near Miami, with additional
helicopter training locations
across the United States.
Helicopter Pilot Training – Student Success Stories
"Helicopter Academy trained me from zero hours and helped me secure an instructor job right after graduation.
The helicopter flight training and support were outstanding."
— Scott R.
"The instructors were professional, safety-focused, and passionate about helicopter flying lessons.
I always felt challenged but supported."
— L. Nicolosi
Three months of helicopter flying lessons condensed into five minutes!
This video gives you a great overview of what you will see while training to become a professional helicopter pilot at Helicopter Academy.