Rating Requirements
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These are the FAA minimum requirements for pilots’ ratings. The number of hours achieved before certification is individual to each student.
Private:
- Minimum 17 Years Old to Take Flight Test (age 16 for Student Pilot & Solo) -Can Begin Training at Any Age
- Must Read, Write, Understand, and Speak English
- Obtain a FAA Medical Certificate (Prior to first Solo Flight)
- Pass an FAA Written “Knowledge Test” (Prior to Taking FAA Practical Flight Test)
- Complete 40 hours Minimum Flight Time Including 10 hrs of Solo Flight (See details below)
- Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test
Commercial:
- Must Be At Least 18 Years Old to Take the Commercial Helicopter Practical Flight Test
- Already hold a Helicopter Private (or higher) Pilot Certificate
- Hold a Current 3rd Class (or higher) FAA Medical Certificate
- Minimum of 150 hours of Flight Time, 100 hours of which must be in Powered Aircraft 50 hours in Helicopters
- Minimum of 100 hours of Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Time, 35 Minimum in a Helicopter A Helicopter Instrument Rating is not Required
- 10 Hours of Instrument Training in an Aircraft is Required
- FAA Written Exam Required for Those Who Hold a Commercial Airplane Certificate
- Pass the Commercial Helicopter FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test
Instrument:
- FAA minimum
- 40 hours of instrument instruction.
CFI:
- FAA minimum,
- Must hold a current commercial rotorcraft license.
CFII:
- FAA minimum
- Must hold a current CFI and instrument rating.