Private Pilot
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight training for the Private Rotorcraft Rating. Pilots without previous flight experience typically require a bit more time. We tell new pilots to plan on 50 to 60 hours for a private license. The estimate below is based on 50 hours in the Schweizer 300C. These figures will vary based on the individual.
| 30 hours dual @ |
$340/hr
|
=
|
$10,200
|
| 20 hours solo @ |
$310/hr
|
=
|
$6,200
|
| 20 hours ground @ |
$30/hr
|
=
|
$600
|
| Supplies and testing |
approx.
|
=
|
$800
|
| TOTAL |
|
=
|
$17,800
|
Professional Pilot Program—Commercial, Instrument, CFI
The FAA requires a minimum of 150 hours of flight training for the Commercial Rotorcraft Rating. This hour requirement is typically easy to meet and pilots have roughly 100 hours to "play" with between the private and commercial ratings. These hours are often spent completing the instrument rating and working towards preparing for the CFI rating. The estimate below is based on 90 hours in the 280FX, 40 hours in the R44 for instruments, and 20 hours in the Enstrom 480B turbine. Once again, these figures will vary slightly for each individual.
| 25 hours dual 280FX@ |
$375/hr
|
=
|
$9,375
|
| 40 hours dual R44 Instrument @ |
$455/hr
|
=
|
$18,200
|
| 20 hours dual 480B Turbine @ |
$575/hr
|
=
|
$11,500
|
| 65 hours solo @ |
$345/hr
|
=
|
$22,425
|
| 40 hours ground @ |
$30/hr
|
=
|
$1,200
|
| Supplies and Testing |
approx.
|
=
|
$1,500
|
| TOTAL |
|
=
|
$64,200
|
Hourly Rates
| Schweizer 300C |
$310/hr
|
|
Enstrom 280FX
|
$330/hr
|
|
Enstrom 480B turbine
Robinson R44
|
$570/hr
$425/hr
|
| Flight Instructor |
$45/hr |
| Ground School |
$30/hr |
***A note about total training costs. As there are no special FAA restrictions limiting instruction in Schweizer and Enstrom helicopters—unlike Robinson helicopters where you must wait until 200 total hours—you can begin instructing right at 150 flight hours. This helps significantly in offsetting the higher rental rates.
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