Becoming a helicopter pilot may be a lengthy process, and it is necessary that you understand how much it costs to get a helicopter license. The cost of becoming a helicopter pilot is actually one of the most crucial things that you need to worry about besides training and being perfect as a helicopter pilot. Training as a helicopter pilot can be cheaper than you expect. But, there may be additional costs that will increase your expenses on your way to becoming a helicopter pilot like getting a helicopter license.
In this article, we have written everything you need to know about how much it costs to get a helicopter license. Make sure to read till the end!
How much does it cost to get a helicopter license?
Different stages on your way to get a helicopter license will cost you different amounts. Let us break the prices down for you. The costs we have mentioned below will be your cost, typically, but prices may vary with time and your preference of institution for training.
The certificates will cost you the following:
- Private Pilot Certificate-$22,560
- Instrument Rating – Part 61-$17,750
- Instrument Rating – Part 141-$16,675
- Commercial Pilot Certificate – Part 61 with Hour Building & No Instrument Rating-$53,950
- Commercial Pilot Certificate – Part 61 with Instrument Rating-$59,700
- Commercial Pilot Certificate – Part 141 with Hour Building & No Instrument Rating-$48,003
- Commercial Pilot Certificate – Part 141 with Instrument Rating-$64,200
- Certified Flight Instructor Certificate with Part 61 Commercial Pilot Certificate-$67,100
- Certified Flight Instructor Certificate with Part 141 Commercial Pilot Certificate-$61,180
- Certified Flight Instructor Instruments Rating with Part 61 Commercial Pilot Certificate-$84,500
- Certified Flight Instructor Instruments Rating with Part 141 Commercial Pilot Certificate-$89,000
Similarly, your overall costs to become a helicopter pilot or to get a helicopter license are:
- Career Pilot Program: $84,500
- Private Pilot Certificate – Part 141-$22,560
- Instrument Rating – Part 61-$17,750
- Commercial Pilot Certificate – Part 61-$19,390
- Certified Flight Instructor Certificate – Part 141-$13,150
- Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Rating – Part 141-$11,650
What are the requirements to become a helicopter pilot?
There are a few things that you need to keep in mind if you want to become a helicopter pilot, like the age, the cost, training time, and minimum hours. Likewise, you must have certificates that will determine your eligibility as a helicopter pilot. In fact, you won’t be able to succeed in becoming a helicopter pilot if you don’t achieve these certificates.
Likewise, if you have sound health and physical condition, then only you can fulfill your dream of becoming a helicopter pilot. One just cannot dream of becoming a helicopter pilot without fulfilling the necessary requirements of it. Firstly, check your health. Do you have any health issues that might hold you back? There is almost no chance of lying about your condition during the time of training.
Therefore, before you even consider getting a medical report and a certificate before you start your training. One of the biggest backdraws of training without getting an Airmen Medical Certificate is that you will waste your money and your efforts entirely if you train and do not get a license due to your health.
There are certain stages of medical certificates that should be taken care of, like Private Pilot Certificate, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor Certificate, and Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, which are Third Class Airmens Medical Certificate, Second Class Airmens Medical Certificate, Second Class airmen Medical Certificate, and First Class Airmens Medical Certificate respectively. Your first step to becoming a helicopter pilot will only be taken once you are through the PPL or Private Pilot Certificate. This works only as an initial stage of your dream of becoming a pilot. If you are, however, looking to become a professional helicopter pilot, you will need a first-class airman medical certificate which will determine the fact that your health will not be a barrier to your career as a helicopter pilot.
Furthermore, institutions do not accept students under the age of 17. Hence, you should be at least 17 years old to start training as a helicopter pilot and to apply for a helicopter certificate.
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