Start Your Commercial Helicopter Career
Becoming a helicopter pilot can easily lead to a very rewarding and lucrative career. (Not to mention you sound cool at parties) One big positive about working in the aviation field, is that when applying for jobs hours in the aircraft are what they look at most. If you're a high schooler looking to work something other than retail when you graduate, this is the job for you! Additionally, if college isn't your thing, this is definitely a career for you.
You can start logging hours as soon as you hit high school. You have to be 16 to solo, 17 to take your private check-ride, and 18 to take your commercial check-ride.
Cost of getting your CFI vs College
The average cost of getting a college degree in the United States, including books and supplies, is $35, 551 A YEAR. This means a 4-year degree costs about $142,000. Most careers that require a college degree can take years to pay for itself. At TruFlight we chose our helicopter (Guimbal's Cabri G2) specifically to save our students as much money as possible in the safest, easiest to transition, training helicopter available.
Bottom line, including the cost of your FAA Exams (3), check rides (3), flight hours (150hrs), and ground school time (about 100hrs) TruFlight Academy can get you to your CFI for approximately half the cost of a college degree. Helicopter pilots are in high demand, once you have your commercial certificate, finding a job is easy.
Why TruFlight over other flight schools?
Our helicopters are what sets us apart from other flight schools. Most jobs, outside of flight instruction, will require competence in a turbine helicopter. Turbine helicopters cost significantly more to operate, which is why training is done in piston helicopters. The Cabri G2 is designed to make turbine transition practically seamless. Its full glass panel, its engine instrumentation, and its general operating procedures mimic closely a turbine helicopter.
Why is this not done in other helicopters?
Guimbal's Cabri G2 was certified by the FAA in 2015 with transition and safety in mind. The other training helicopters available were certified as far back as 1938. The newest company (other the Guimbal) certified their base helicopter designs in 1979. Why do I mention certification dates? It's very hard to certify an aircraft and once certified, the manufacturer is forced to abide by all the certification specifications. The Guimbal, being certified in 2015, means it has the most up to date materials and design on the market.
What jobs can you get?
Agricultural Spraying
Cherry Drying
Powerline Survey
Helicopter Tours
Oil Rig Transport
EMS/LifeFlight Pilot
Firefighting Helicopter Pilot
Police Helicopter Pilot
Military Aviation Officer
Corporate Pilot
Flight Instructor
And so much more!