INSTRUMENT CERTIFICATION
The instrument rating course is for private or commercial helicopter pilots who wish to enhance their flying skills and learn more about navigation, weather and the air traffic control system. It will enable the commercial pilot who wishes to gain a competitive edge in the job market and meet the employment requirements of corporate, EMS, and offshore operators.
Enrollment Prerequisites
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Hold at least a current private pilot certificate for Rotorcraft-Helicopter.
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FAA third class medical certificate.
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Must be able to write, speak and understand the English language.
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Students must meet the requirements of SFAR 73 and be signed off to act as pilot in command of the Robinson R44
FAR 61.65 [Instrument Rating Requirements]
• Have logged at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command, of which at least 10 hours must be in helicopters for an instrument-helicopter rating.
• Have a total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time including:
-At least 15 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in the aircraft category for which the instrument rating is sought
-At least 3 hours of instrument training that is appropriate to the instrument rating sought from an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test (check ride) within the 60 days preceding the date of the test.
-Instrument training specific to helicopters on cross-country flight procedures that includes at least one cross-country flight in a helicopter that is performed under IFR and consists of:
• A flight distance of at least 100 nautical miles along airways or ATC-directed routing.
• An instrument approach at each airport.
• Three different kinds of approaches with use the of navigation systems.
Additional Ratings
(For FAA Commercial-airplane rated pilots)
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Enrollment Prerequisites
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Already possess's fixed-wing commercial license.
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FAA second-class medical certificate.
Instrument Rating Curriculum
22 hours dual helicopter flight instruction - R44
20 hours dual simulator trainer - R44
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40 hours individual ground instruction
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35 additional hours home study recommended
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ESTIMATED TOTAL COST
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$11,000
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$3,000
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$2,000
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​
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$16,000
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(Not including books, examiner fees and aircraft rental for the practical test)
Instruction and Rental Rates
Equipment
Cost
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R44 Dual Instruction
R44 Instrument Dual
FLY-IT® Simulator
Ground Instruction​
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$500.00 / hour
$500.00 / hour
$150.00 / hour
$50.00 / hour
(Not including books, examiner fees and aircraft rental for the practical test)
Instrument Add-on Curriculum
15 hours dual instrument training - R44
5 hours dual simulator training - R44
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15 hours individual ground instruction
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35 additional hours home study recommended
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ESTIMATED TOTAL COST
$7,500
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$750
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$750
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$9,000
DFW TRAINING GROUNDS
Our Garland, TX location has great weather year round, which assures that students will be able to fly nearly 365 days a year. This is important for out of town and foreign students whoa re incurring expenses to stay in Dallas and who need to finish their ratings as quickly as possible.
TESTIMONIALS
SKY Helicopters has been my son’s choice for helicopter training all through private, instrument and commercial helicopter R44 training. A fantastic crew of instructors - every single one has been really great. Great people - a wonderful place.
Juliet T.