HELICOPTERS
Are there any weight restrictions?
Yes. The R22 has a 240 pound maximum and the R44 has a 300 pound maximum.
Is it difficult to fly helicopters?
Flying helicopters is completely different from flying airplanes. It is not difficult as long as you feel comfortable with the many different components of the helicopter, and have the passion for it.
Do I have to know how to fly airplanes first?
Nope. We’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Are there any prerequisites?
You must be able to read, speak, and understand English, and must be at least 17 years old to obtain your private license and 18 years old for your commercial license. Also, you must obtain an FAA medical. We advise you to get your 3rd class medical certificate within your first 5 hours of flight time. We have a qualified physician that does most of our flight physicals, and we can get you in touch with him.
What are the advantages of flying a helicopter in comparison to an airplane?
Flying a helicopter is more hands-on, because helicopters do not have autopilot. Helicopters are more multi-dimensional since there is much more lateral movement than in an airplane, which is more linear. Plus, there is constant expansion of the helicopter industry and a decline in the fixed-wing industry. Therefore, helicopters provide a wider range of job opportunities and a more dynamic field. Flying helicopters is more exciting, and it allows you to see more of the world by being able to fly closer to the ground and land almost anywhere.
What is the Robinson safety course?
We often recommend for our students who wish to get their CFI/CFII license to go to this course. The course includes classroom instruction about helicopters and safety, goes over maintenance and pre-flight inspections, you go flying with an experienced pilot in either the R22 or R44, and take a tour of the factory. For more information please go to the Robinson Helicopters website, which can be found through our Helicopters link.
What would happen if the engine quit?
We teach you how to enter an auto rotation by using the airflow from the helicopter descending to drive the main rotor, thus allowing the aircraft to land safely.
Can you fly when it’s windy?
Yes. It can sometimes be a factor, but often times is not. Helicopters actually experience less turbulence compared to airplanes.
Why does it cost more per hour to rent a helicopter than an airplane?
Helicopters in general cost more to obtain and maintain. Helicopters require regular and intensive maintenance, and the insurance on helicopters is also more expensive.
How long will it take me to finish?
Well, because each of our students work at their own pace, it varies. Average time for a full-time student completing their private, commercial, and CFI will take about a year and a half, approximately. This is not to say, though, that students haven’t done it in less. Again, we will work with you to meet your demands for the licenses you wish to obtain.
How often should I fly?
With anything, practice makes perfect. It is easier to pick things up and retain them if you fly more frequently. We recommend you fly a minimum of 2-4 times a week.
Why should I learn to fly in a Robinson Helicopter compared to any other helicopter?
Robinson Helicopters allow you to fly in almost any other kind of helicopter. They are recognized as one of the best training helicopters out there and are the most commonly used training helicopter. Training in a Robinson will also allow you to meet more requirements when looking for a job.
What does the job market look like?
The job market right now is great for new pilots. To give you some data, 30 percent of active working pilots are younger than 30, 13 percent are between the ages of 31 and 40, 24 percent are between the ages of 41 and 50, 22 percent are between the ages of 51 and 60, and 25 percent are age 61 or older. When looking at these figures, you can see that a large chunk of active pilots are at retirement age or getting close to it. In the next few years, we will see a huge jump in job opportunities for younger pilots who don’t have as many hours and experience. For more information on what jobs are available, check out the Careers page.
What is the typical salary for a helicopter pilot?
Salaries for a pilot will vary from job to job and person to person. Each pilot has a different amount of flight time and experience, and this can factor for how much you make as well. Most students obtain their CFI or work as a pilot-in-command so that they can get their foot in the helicopter industry’s door and start to increase their hours. To give you an approximation, though, full-time pilots will make around $50,000 to $80,000 per year. For more information take a look at the graph on our Careers page.
How many hours do I need before I can start instructing?
The minimum is 200 hours for Robinson Helicopters.
How do I schedule flight time?
Give us a call or stop in! We are fully staffed to help you with any questions and to schedule time for you to fly. The times available may depend on the availability of machines and instructors. We are more than happy to work with your schedule.
Spokane, Washington 99212
509.534.9114
5505 East Rutter Avenue
