Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really do this? How difficult is it to fly a helicopter?
You CAN do this. Learning to fly a helicopter is no quick and simple task. It is an endeavor that requires great effort and commitment. It is, however, fully within your reach. Helicopter pilots are not super-human. Although you may find the training difficult at first—learning to hover has been compared to riding a unicycle on top of a basketball—you will quickly see improvement. The overwhelming sense of satisfaction gained in the process is beyond compare. Get ready for the most exciting and rewarding challenge of your life. Seize this oportunity and follow your dreams!
Where and how do I start?
The best thing to do is come and visit us at Erie Tri-County Airport (KEIK)--our location north of Denver, Colorado, or our location south of Denver, at Centennial Airport (KAPA). This is your opportunity to fly our helicopters, meet the team, check out our locations, and ask more questions. A Discovery Flight can be scheduled anytime.
When can I start?
You can begin training anytime. All training is done one-on-one with our instructors and it is based on your schedule. Whether you wish to train every day or only occasionally, we will design a training schedule to accommodate your needs. After visiting Erie or Centennial and going for a discovery ride, you simply schedule flight time and ground instruction online with Flight Schedule Pro.
How long does training usually take?
Although the FAA minimum for a private license is 40 hours flight time, most students will require a few more hours to be fully prepared--as many as 50 or 60 total. If you opt to train full time and can commit to a rigorous home study course in addition to our ground school, a private pilot's license could be attained as quickly as 2-3 months. On the other hand, the 150 hour minimum for a commercial pilot license is generally ample time for a student to train to proficiency. This leaves plenty of time for supplemental training: high alpine route navigation, mountain winds management, advanced emergency procedures, and time for joyrides with friends and family. A committed full-time student can reasonably expect to complete a commercial license in one year.
How does flight training work?
We are a FAA Part 61 flight school which means that we have the freedom to custom tailor our training to meet your unique needs. You will not be required to follow a rigid, sequential syllabus. Instead, our instructors will provide you with the specific training you require to meet your goals. Our primary objective is train pilots to operate safely and effectively in demanding high altitude conditions. Our flight training goes well beyond the FAA minimums and prepares you for realistic helicopter operations. Whether you want to become a heli-skiing pilot or land at your alpine ranch—whatever your goals—Mountain One will help you get there.
How does ground school work?
Our ground school is also set up to allow for flexibility in your schedule. Becoming a pilot requires more than just a good feel for the controls. You will need to do a substantial amount of book studying to gain the knowledge required for safe flight operations. You may schedule one-on-one ground instruction as needed to complement a rigorous home study course. Additionally, your instructor will provide preflight instruction and debriefing for each flight lesson. Outside of the classroom, Mountain One's friendly and knowledgeable staff are always available to help you.
Is it difficult or dangerous flying in Colorado's high altitude?
While the rugged terrain of Colorado's Rocky Mountains offers unique challenges for the pilot to finely hone his/her skills, there is nothing inherently dangerous about flying at higher altitudes. Although other training helicopters struggle with a very slim power margin at this altitude (Erie is 5090' MSL), the turbocharged Enstrom 280fx is uniquely suited to perform at Colorado's higher elevation. Students with prior flight experience at lower altitudes will not notice any significant change in flight characteristics--except for the superior performance of the Enstrom Shark!
What about financing?
Mountain One works with several financial institutions that provide student loans for helicopter flight training. Please contact us for further information.
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