Helicopters,   Inc.
Private Pilot  Certificate

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The Private Pilot Certificate (Rotorcraft - Helicopter)

What is a Private Pilot Certificate?

A private pilot certificate (Rotorcraft) allows you to fly a helicopter and carry passengers, although not for compensation or hire. Operating expenses may be shared with other travelers in the helicopter. The certificate (similar to a drivers license) is sent to you by the FAA upon satisfactory completion of your training program, a written test and a flight test. There is no need to obtain a fixed-wing (airplane) rating to become a helicopter pilot.

Medical Certificate

You must undergo a routine medical examination administered by FAA- designated doctors called FAA Medical Examiners.

To obtain a medical certificate, you must be at least 16 years of age and able to read, speak, and understand the English language. To obtain your private pilot certificate, you must be at least 17 years of age.

The medical certificate necessary for the private pilot certificate is called a third class medical. It is valid for 24 months and expires on the last day of the month issued - when another exam is required.

Even if you have a physical handicap, medical certificates can be issued in most cases. Operating limitations may be imposed depending on the nature of the disability.

SKY Helicopters will be happy to supply you with a list of local aviation medical examiners.

The medical certificate will function as your student pilot certificate once it is signed by you, the medical examiner, and your flight instructor.

 

Written Test

You must pass a written test with a score of 70% or better. The test is administered at local learning centers. (Sylvan Learning Centers®, American Flyers® in the DFW area)

The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions selected from the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam. The questions are reproduced and answered in the FAA Written Exam Study Guide by Jeppesen.

SKY Helicopters has a library of videotapes and computer-aided tests and simulation to help you prepare for the exam. There is no fee for using the training library.

The following subjects are covered in the written test:

Basic Aerodynamics	AIM and Airport Operations	Pilotage and Aeronautical Charts
Aircraft Systems	Meteorology	Dead Reckoning
Flight Instruments	Weather Reports, Charts	Radio Navigation & Communications
FAR's and the NTSB	Aircraft Performance	Rotorcraft

 

Flight Instruction

Your Flight training will consist of at least 40 hours of instruction and solo flight time. The minimum requires 20 hours of flight instruction from a Certified Flight Instructor. This will include 3 hours of cross country flying, 3 hours of night flying, landing at a point other than an airport, and 3 hours of preparation for the private pilot test.

Solo flight requirements are at least 10 hours of flight time including a minimum 3 hours of cross-country flying (defined as flights with landings at least 25 nautical miles from the departure point). Three takeoffs & landings are required at controlled airports, each separated by an enroute phase of flight.

You must successfully complete a flight test which will be given as a "final exam" by an FAA inspector or designated examiner. FAA designated examiners are proficient, experienced flight instructors who are authorized by the FAA to conduct flight tests. There is a fee for the flight test.

The FAA has issued Practical Test Standards for the private pilot flight test. Each of the tasks and/or maneuvers is required to be covered/ tested on each flight test.

The FAA publishes the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft - Helicopter. 

Listed below are the subject areas discussed in the text.

Preflight Preparation	Ground References	Cross Country Flight Operations
Ground Operations	Airport, Heliport, & Traffic	Flight Maneuvers
Hovering and Maneuvering by	Pattern Operations	Emergency Operations

Instruction and Rental Rates
Dual Instruction R22 Beta	$285/Hour*
Dual Instruction Schweizer 300CB	$285/Hour*
Dual Instruction R22/300CB IFR Training	$295/Hour*
Solo Rental R22 Beta	$235/Hour*
Solo Rental Schweizer300CB	$235/Hour*
Ground Instruction	$50/Hour*

 

Single Hour rates are $245 solo for the R22 and 300CB. Single Hour Dual rates are $295 for the R22 and 300CB. Single Hour Dual rates for the IFR Training is $305.

*All rates are based on Pay-In-Advance Block of $3,000. If you pay $3,000 by check or cash, a total of $3,050 will be credited to our account($5 reduction in flight time).

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