F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take me to get a private pilot license?

What are the physical requirements for a helicopter pilot's license?

What are the requirements for a private helicopter pilots license?

What are the requirements for a commercial helicopter pilots license?

What can you do with a commercial license you can't do with a private license?

I already have a fixed wing (airplane) pilots license. What are the requirements I need to get my helicopter pilot license?

What are the Federal examination requirements required to obtain a helicopter pilots license in order of occurrence?



How long will it take me to get a private pilot license?

At least one hour of flight time per week is recommended, so that you may more readily establish a continual learning environment from which you can become thoroughly familiarized with the aircraft and its' systems. As your level of skill increases, and you begin to feel more comfortable with your command of the helicopter, you may choose to log additional time and accelerate the pace of your personal program. All operations at Horizon are supported by a fully equipped and staffed maintenance facility, for your safety and convenience.

What are the physical requirements for a helicopter pilot's license?

Seventeen is the minimum age required to obtain a private pilot license. There is no maximum age limitation or restriction. Applicants must be in good general health, with eyesight correctable to 20/20 and normal color vision.

40 Hours Minimum Flight Time Required
20 Hours Dual
10 Hours Solo
6 Hours Cross Country (3 dual / 3 solo)
3 Hours Dual Night Flight
Takeoffs and Landings in Airport Traffic Areas


What are the physical requirements for a private helicopter pilot's license?

Seventeen is the minimum age required to obtain a private pilot license. There is no maximum age limitation or restriction. Applicants must be in good general health, with eyesight correctable to 20/20 and normal color vision.

40 Hours Minimum Flight Time Required
20 Hours Dual
10 Hours Solo
6 Hours Cross Country (3 dual / 3 solo)
3 Hours Dual Night Flight
Takeoffs and Landings in Airport Traffic Areas

What are the requirements for a commercial helicopter pilots license?

The same as a private license and

150 Hours of Flight Time Required:
20 Hours of Dual Instruction
110 Hours Pilot in Command/Solo
30 Hours additional Dual/Solo

What can you do with a commercial license you can't do with a private license?

Charge for services.

I already have a fixed wing (airplane) pilots license. What are the requirements I need to get my helicopter pilot license?

Flying a helicopter (rotor wing) is dramatically different from flying an airplane (fixed wing) aircraft. The navigation, weather, and FAA rules are mostly the same however.

30 Hours Minimum Flight Time Required
15 Hours Dual
10 Hours Solo
5 Hours additional Dual/Solo
6 Hours Cross Country (3 dual / 3 solo)
3 Hours Dual Night Flight
Takeoffs and Landings in Airport Traffic Areas


What are the Federal examination requirements required to obtain a helicopter pilots license in order of occurrence?

Flight Physical (required before solo flight)
Written Test (administered by F.A.A. - 60 multiple choice questions)
Oral Test (given by a F.A.A. examiner - approx. 1.5 hours)
Flight Test (given by same F.A.A. examiner - approx. 1.0 hours)