How many hours would it take and what is the average cost to get a helicopter pilot certificate?

Question

I have my ASEL, AMEL, and will have my ASES next week with about 110 hours. About how many hours would it take to get a helicopter license and what would be an average cost per hour?

Answer 1

On average, all other things being equal, you will pay about double for helicopter lessons over what you would pay for airplane lessons in a Cessna. Rates in my area are about $250-$300 per hour.

In terms of minimums for the US, you will need 20 hours dual and 10 hours solo, but you should expect to go above the minimums, even for an add-on. I would plan on at least 50-60 hours with consistent training. You won't have a written test of course, but you will still need some ground specific to helicopters. Most of the regs, weather, flight planning, etc. will be review with some minor differences.

You can find helicopter flight schools on these websites:

http://www.sacusa.com/1directory/states....

http://www.verticalreference.com/helicop...

The following are great resources for helicopter stuff in general:

http://www.verticalreference.com/

http://www.justhelicopters.com/home/defa...

Look at part (c) for the helicopter requirements:

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

Have fun!

Answer 2

Unsure, but it's probably alot.