In order to become a student pilot, it is required that you read, speak and understand the English language, be at least sixteen years of age and hold a Third Class Medical Certificate. You must prove that you are a United States citizen or national by presenting the school with an original birth certificate and a government-issued picture ID, or a valid unexpired U.S. passport.
Most of the helicopter flight training performed throughout the world is in the Robinson R22. The per seat weight limit for this helicopter is 240 pounds. Because of this, we prefer that our students not exceed 230 pounds, fully clothed. Being a small person is not an issue, but if you are as tall as 6’-5”, then your comfort level could become compromised. For taller and heavier individuals, R44’s are available for training.
Upon meeting the above criteria and having enrolled in the Private Pilot course, you will learn about weather, airspace, how to hover,
how to fly straight and level, emergency procedures and a vast array of other aspects of aviation. We will prepare you for the computerized Knowledge Test as well as the Practical Exam, which includes a verbal portion and a flight portion. On the average, most students need at least 40 hours of ground instruction and 60 hours of flight time to be proficient enough to pass the Practical Test.
Towards the end of the Private course, you will know whether or not you want to continue on with the courses that prepare you to fly professionally. If you decide to remain a Private Pilot and fly recreationally, then Classic will rent helicopters to you provided that you maintain currency and follow a set of Classic guidelines. To carry a passenger, you will need at least 100 flight hours and have attended Robinson Helicopter Company’s Safety Course in Torrance, California.