A commercial certificate will allow you to fly persons or property for hire and is required before you become a CFI. A commercial certificate, by itself, will not allow you to run a charter operation but it will allow you to get paid by someone else to fly which will, no doubt, be a welcome change.

FAA Rating Requirements

General Requirements:

Minimum 18 Years Old to Take Commercial Pilot Flight Test

Must Read, Write, Understand, and Speak English

Hold a Private Pilot Helicopter Certificate

Minimum of 150 Hours of Flight Time

Current FAA Medical Certificate

Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test

Pass an FAA Written Knowledge Test

Flight Requirements:

150 Hours (Minimum) Total Pilot Time in Helicopters Must Include

5 hours of Instrument Training in a helicopter

100 hours of “Pilot-in-Command” Flight Time (35 hours or more of which must be in a helicopter)

20 hours of Dual Instruction in the Required Areas of Operation

10 hours of Cross-Country Helicopter Experience

1 Day VFR 2-hour (minimum) Dual Instruction Flight with one (1) 50 nautical-mile leg

1 Night VFR 2-hour (minimum) Dual Instruction Flight with one (1) 50 nautical-mile leg

10 hours of solo time which can include:

1 Cross-Country Solo flight with three landings and one (1) 50 nautical-mile minimum leg

5 hours night solo

hours of dual instruction in the preceding 60 days in preparation for the Checkride

141 Commercial Pilot Add-on

If you already hold a Commercial fixed wing license, the cheapest option to learn to fly helicopters is to “add on” a Commercial Pilot Helicopter license. Our 141 commercial add-on course is VA approved and the best way to get your Commercial Rotorcraft Certificate.

FAA Rating Requirements

General Requirements:

Already hold a commercial pilot certificate

Current FAA Medical Certificate

Helicopter Instrument Rating not required

No FAA Written Exam

Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test