HELICOPTER FLIGHT TRAINING
Complete Rotorcraft Training Programs
Tampa Bay Aviation accommodates all of our students by making training accessible to a wide range of lifestyles. We offer two different training options for our students: a self-paced program and an accelerated program. If you choose to train at your own pace, we recommend taking no less than 2 lessons per week for best results. For career-oriented individuals, we recommend our accelerated program which requires a minimum commitment of 10 hours per week. You can even schedule your flights online.
- Helicopter Private Pilot
- Helicopter Instrument Pilot
- Helicopter Commercial Pilot
- Helicopter Flight Instructor
- Helicopter Add on training for pilots who hold certificates outside of the category and class of rotorcraft and helicopter respectively,
- Pilot Training Financing
- Foreign Student Information
Not Sure if flying is for you? Try one of our Discovery Flights
IS FLIGHT TRAINING RIGHT FOR YOU?
TAKE THE "TAMPA BAY AVIATION FLIGHT TRAINING READINESS" QUIZ
The fun online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you'll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you're best suited for. Get Your Flight Training Readiness score now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to get a pilots license?
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language.
- Pass a required knowledge test.
- Pass a required oral and practical flight test administered by a FAA designated examiner.
- Hold either a student or sport pilot certificate.
- Get a Third Class Medical Certificate.
How much time will it take?
IN THE AIR - The FAA requires a minimum of 35 Hours Total Flight Time with 20 Hours Flight Instruction. However, many students require more time. There's no rush and we won't push you to complete your training until you're ready. Our students average around 60 total hours of training.
ON THE GROUND - 35 Hours Ground Instruction
TIMELINE- The more frequently you fly, the faster you will complete your training. Our schedule is flexible and is one on one with an instructor. This means that you are able to build your own schedule and go at your own pace. We suggest flying 2-3 times per week which averages about 4-6 months of training.
how much will it cost?
The price will vary greatly on what you fly and how long it takes you to complete each rating. Our aircraft range from $130/hour to $335/hour depending on the model and avionics. There is no set price for training since it all depends on how long it takes each individual person. The above price breakdowns are based on the minimum number of hours, so it will most likely not reflect the actual price.
how often should i fly?
We suggest flying a minimum of 2-3 times a week in order to progress through your training efficiently. Our schedule allows for a customize-able schedule which allows you to choose your own class times and pace!
how do i pay for training?
We have a couple of different payment options available!
PAY AS YOU GO- This option allows you to pay after each lesson. The lesson prices will vary depending on what you work on each day and how long you are in the plane/with your instructor.
BLOCK RATES- Our block rates allow you to put money down on your account via cash or check to receive a discount on the hourly rate of the aircraft. We will draw from your deposit each time you fly and let you know when uou are running low.
FINANCING- We work with Flight Training Finance, We Florida Financial, and Stratus Financial to help finance your training. Get more information on these companies on our student/renter resources page!
i want to be an airline pilot. how do i get there?
To be an airline pilot you will need to hold an Airline Transport Pilot rating, however there are a few steps to take before you get there!
Below we have outlined the most common way that we see people reach their airline pilot goals!
PRIVATE- First you will need to get your private pilot license. This allows you to rent an aircraft and go fly when the weather is looking good!
INSTRUMENT- After your private pilot rating you will get your instrument rating. This adds on an extra level of safety by teaching you how to fly in in-climate weather and through clouds with no reference to the ground. During your instrument rating you will also learn how to fly on a flight plan and shoot approaches to an airport in low visibility situations!
COMMERCIAL- The next step is to get your commercial rating. This rating allows you to fly for hire, however you will not have enough time or experience to be able to go fly for the airlines yet. At this point you will have about 250 hours worth of flight time.
CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR- Your flight instructor rating allows you to teach others how to fly while building your hours toward the airline minimums (1500 hours).
AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT- After building up your time as a flight instructor, you can get hired on by an airline that will then pay for your airline transport pilot ratings and give you a type rating in the aircraft that they fly. You will need 25 hours of multi engine time prior to being hired on at the airlines which most people acquire either after their commercial as an add on rating or as a flight instructor in a multi engine aircraft.
