There are many helicopter pilot schools located throughout the country that are taught by qualified, experienced instructors. Many schools have a wide variety of helicopters the instructors teach on. A pilot certificate will enable its recipient to fly a helicopter for either fun or professionally. Some programs do not require previous aviation experience or knowledge, and students can start as young as 16 years of age to become a helicopter pilot.
Bristow Academy
Bristow Academy is a helicopter flight school with various locations throughout the United States, such as Florida, California, and overseas in the United Kingdom. The Florida location is within sight of the NASA space shuttle launch pad. All of Bristow Academy resources are devoted to flight instruction. The programs are tailored to each student's ability. Previous aviation experience is not a requirement to get accepted into Bristow. The academy has over 2,000 graduates.
Universal Air Academy
The Universal Air Academy has two locations in El Monte and La Verne, California. This flight school has a comprehensive pilot course taught by experienced pilots. The course work includes teaching students to deal with emergency situations and rescues while operating helicopters. Instructors also teach students situational awareness training so they are able to handle many situations while piloting a helicopter. The Academy has various helicopters available for pilot instruction. Classes are available to either be taken individually or in a group setting. There also is housing available for international pilot students.
Alyeska Helicopters
Alyeska Helicopters school opened in 2004 and is located at the Birchwood Airport in Alaska. This is Alaska's only lone helicopter pilot school. This school offers training to become a commercial pilot, a private pilot and a certified flight instructor. Prior experience or education in aviation is not required to earn a private pilot helicopter certificate. Those seeking to become commercial pilots need to have their private license first. Alyeska also has has a professional pilot program for those who want a professional career.
East Coast Aero Club
East Coast Aero Club is a helicopter flight school on the East Coast, with locations in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. This flight school has three Robinson helicopters used for pilot instruction. Students can be taught either by a senior helicopter instructor for an added fee or from a certified instructor. This school has been opened since 1985 and has 25 qualified instructors. This school is one of the best helicopter schools in the East Coast.
Sources:
- Helicopter School Info: How to Become a Helicopter Pilot
Resources:
- Bristow Academy
- Universal Air Academy
- Alyeska Helicopters
- East Coast Aero Club
Dianne Christensen-Hermance - Dianne Christensen-Hermance is an accomplished journalist with more than 10 years experience writing news and feature articles for various ...
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