What to Consider When Choosing a Helicopter Flight School
Congratulations! You’re taking the first steps toward your future! The fact that you’re here says a great deal about who you are and the pilot you will become.
Whether you’re just starting your application journey or trying to narrow down which school to attend, we understand how overwhelming the process can be.
You may not have the opportunity to go to every school and tour the facility or sit in on a class, but you can still gather the information you need to make an informed decision.
We hope this guide helps you move closer to your choice of where to take your next steps to pursue your dreams.
helicopter Pilot program Offerings and Structure
First and foremost, you’ll have to decide whether you want to participate in the Part 61 or Part 141 course structure. While these sound like secret code names, they actually just define two different methods of leading you to your pilot’s license.
The FAA approves Part 141 training courses in compliance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Part 61 designates pilot certification qualifications through eligibility, aeronautical knowledge, and minimum flight time for each license available. Part 141 regulates specific flight schools and sets FAA-approved requirements for training.
Okay, but what does that mean for you as a student?
Part 61
No fixed syllabus
More flexibility for students
No stage checks
Isn’t required to use FAA-approved curriculum
Timeline to license varies depending on progress and time
40-hour flight time minimum to apply for a private pilot license (PPL)
150-hour flight time minimum to apply for a commercial pilot license (CPL)
Costs more in the long run if you’re working toward your CPL
No tuition assistance
Part 141
Structured courses with predetermined schedules
Less flexibility
Stage checks to measure proficiency
FAA-approved curriculum (including facilities, instructors, and lesson plans)
Most students complete the training in a set amount of time
35-hour flight time minimum to apply for a private pilot license (PPL)
250-hour flight time minimum to apply for a commercial pilot license (CPL) (this is the published 141 minimum for CPL, Lake Superior Helicopters has a reduced hours approval under an exemption for 150 hours
Often less expensive in the long run when you’re working toward a CPL
You can use financial aid and VA/GA benefits
Your decision on which type of course to pursue may depend on what you want to do with your pilot’s license. Maybe you want to fly for fun, and a Part 61 school makes more sense for your needs and schedule. Or perhaps you want to make a career out of your passion for flight, and a Part 141 school is what you need to take off.
AOPA has a fantastic interactive resource for understanding which careers require certain licenses. Check it out here.
Location
Apart from where you can train with the best views, it’s essential to consider the location of your flight school.
If you already know where you want to launch your career, then you may want to find a flight school in that area. Training in the conditions and terrain you want to work in will further enhance your training and prepare you for life after graduation.
Or, if part of the allure of becoming a pilot is the idea of traveling or you don’t know where you want to land, then you should consider flight schools that enable you to train in all conditions adequately. Flight schools in areas with all four seasons and multiple terrains in the school’s radius are the best options.
Since you are investing in school, it’s also wise to choose a school in a location that doesn’t have an incredibly high cost of living. While training in a big city may seem fun, it could drain your bank account faster than you anticipate. Training in a smaller town with diverse conditions can help you save up for big city life once you have your license and are ready to work.
Price, Financial Aid, and Return on Investment
While we’re on the point of price, you’ll have to consider the costs of flight school and your return on investment.
Make sure that the school you choose has a track record of bringing value that matches if not exceeds the amount you put in to attend. While some flight schools are more expensive than others, you may want to consider the reasons why they’re more costly than their counterparts.
When examining the price of schools, consider things like:
The size and type of equipment they use (such as flight schools that exclusively train in Robinson R-22 vs. those who train with larger aircraft like Robinson R-44 and Bell 206 JetRanger, which many employers prefer to see candidates’ experience with)
Graduation rate
Employment rate after completion of training
Financial aid and scholarship availability
Instructors
Last but not least, consider whether the teachers are people you want to work with day-in and day-out. While you can’t necessarily choose your fellow students, you can look at the instructors who you’ll be learning from.
Look for schools that have teachers of many talents and areas of expertise. And make sure that the school doesn’t match you to one instructor for the duration of your training—it’s essential to learn from multiple teachers to develop a well-rounded understanding of flying.
Additionally, you’ll want to check out the instructor-student ratio. Large schools may place you in classes where you don’t get much one-on-one time, and those crucial learning moments are essential for your pilot development. Aim for schools that have a 2:1 or 3:1 student to instructor ratio.
Exploring Lake Superior Helicopters Flight School
Lake Superior Helicopters is a Part 141 school with a partnership with Lake Superior College so you can get your college degree while pursuing your passion.
With a fleet of Robinson R-44 and turbine transition training in our Bell 206 throughout all four seasons, we pride ourselves on training the helicopter pilots of the future. Our mission has always been to provide our students with the skills they need to qualify for the jobs they deserve.
Our program, in partnership with Lake Superior College, enables us to accept VA/GI Bill benefits and offer financial aid and scholarships exclusive to students in our program. Receiving elite training is an investment, but we don’t believe in letting a financial burden to stand between you and your dreams.
Our school is located in Duluth, Minnesota, a thriving yet affordable city with diverse terrain and weather to give you experience in all types of conditions. We also offer unmatched student support with our 3:1 instructor to student ratio and rotating training model to allow you time with each and every instructor our program has to offer.
Click here to learn more about our program, or fill out this form to get in touch with a member of our team to see how we can help you make your dreams take flight.