Commercial
Helicopter
License
This license allows pilots to fly helicopters for hire and opens opportunities for employment in various sectors on the aviation industry including aerial tours, charter flights, aerial photography, law enforcement, emergency medical services, providing flight instruction and more. Commercial helicopter pilot training is a challenging but rewarding process that equips individuals with the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to pursue a successful career as a helicopter pilot.
Commercial Helicopter Pilot Course
Advance Your Skills. Launch Your Career.
Earn Your FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Certificate
The Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate is your gateway to a professional flying career.
Whether you're looking to become a tour pilot, flight instructor, or pursue utility and charter operations,
this course provides the training, structure, and experience you need to get paid to fly.
FAA Requirements – Part 61.129(c)
To qualify for your Commercial Pilot Certificate – Rotorcraft/Helicopter, the FAA requires:
Minimum 150 Hours Total Flight Time, which must include:
-
100 Hours in Helicopters
-
20 Hours Dual Instruction, including:
-
5 hours of instrument training
-
2-hour cross-country day flight (50 NM minimum)
-
2-hour cross-country night flight (50 NM minimum)
-
3 hours of flight prep within 60 days of checkride
-
-
10 Hours Solo Flight (or PIC, if rated), including:
-
1 cross-country (50 NM, 3 points)
-
5 hours of night VFR with 10 takeoffs and landings
-
⚠️ Many students exceed the FAA minimums to meet real-world hiring standards and gain proficiency.
Training Strategy – From Private to Commercial
Our program assumes the student already holds a Private Pilot Helicopter Certificate and has logged approx. 50 hours. The remaining 100 hours are built through structured dual training, supervised PIC, solo flights, and optional add-ons like the Instrument Rating, which is strongly recommended for professional pilots.
Ground School Requirements
Comprehensive ground training covers:
-
Commercial helicopter systems & performance
-
Flight planning, navigation, and VFR/IFR operations
-
Weather and aeronautical decision-making
-
Aeromedical factors
-
Advanced aerodynamics
-
FAA commercial regulations
-
Pre-checkride oral prep and scenario-based training
Ground Instruction @ $65/hr.
Ground school is available in instructor-led sessions, online modules, and one-on-one formats.
Who Should Enroll
-
Private pilots pursuing a commercial flying career
-
Future flight instructors, tour pilots, ag and utility operators
-
Anyone seeking FAA-required flight time for Part 135 or ATP goals
Contact Us for a Full Course Cost Breakdown
We understand every student has different time, aircraft, and proficiency needs.
For a personalized course timeline and tuition estimate, contact us today.
Additional Flight and Ground Instruction may be required at additional costs.
Please fill out the contact form below for more information and pricing.
If you have any questions about our flight school, training programs, or would like more information about getting started, please don’t hesitate to fill out the contact form. A member of our team will get back to you promptly to assist with your inquiry. Thank you for considering Airworthy Aviation Helicopters — we look forward to helping you take the next step in your aviation journey!