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INSTRUMENT RATING - HELICOPTER
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GET RATED TO FLY IN IFR CONDITIONS
Once you have a helicopter rating, whether a Private Pilot or Commercial Pilot, you will want to become certified as an Instrument Pilot, especially if you are planning to make a career of being a helicopter pilot. Having an Instrument Rating enhances your skills and makes you more employable. It can even affect your insurance.

Helicopters of America features a solid Instrument Program, and our FAA-approved Flight Simulator adds the proper dimension to learning theory and technique.
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Things to remember before you fly a helicopter or begin your flying lessons
TO-DO LIST BEFORE YOU FLY
To qualify for an Instrument Rating, you must hold at least a current rating for the desired Instrument rating you seek.

BEFORE YOU FLY, BE CERTAIN:
• YOU ARE AT LEAST 17 YEARS OLD FOR A PRIVATE INSTRUMENT, 18 YEARS OLD FOR A COMMERCIAL INSTRUMENT RATING
• YOU HAVE AT LEAST A CURRENT THIRD-CLASS MEDICAL CERTIFICATE - WE WILL REFER YOU TO AN FAA PHYSICIAN IF YOU NEED TO RENEW YOUR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE. IF YOU ARE SEEKING A COMMERCIAL INSTRUMENT RATING, YOU WILL NEED A SECOND-CLASS CERTIFICATE.
• YOUR WEIGHT IS 225 POUNDS (102 KG) OR LESS
• YOU MUST BE ABLE TO READ, WRITE AND UNDERSTAND THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

As long as all of the above pre-flight requirements are met, you can qualify to get your Instrument Rating.
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Overview of the helicopter program you are viewing
OUTLINE OF INSTRUMENT PROGRAM
You will be assigned one of our existing Certified Flight Instructors for one-on-one flying lessons and ground instruction. You will have the same instructor, from start to finish, during your training.

Remember, to qualify for the Instrument Rating, you must have at least a current Pilot License for the rating and category under which you are seeking the Instrument Rating.
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Minimum requirements for your helicopter pilot rating
MINIMUM INSTRUMENT RATING REQUIREMENTS
The following are the minimum requirements for getting an Instrument Rating:

INSTRUMENT RATING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
MUST HAVE LOGGED AT LEAST 50 HOURS AS PIC, OF WHICH 10 MUST BE IN HELICOPTERS
MUST HAVE AT LEAST 40 HOURS ACTUAL OR SIMULATED INSTRUMENT TIME

These minimum requirements are established by the Federal Aviation Administration, but they do not reflect the actual time it may take for you to obtain your Instrument Rating. Student aptitude is an important factor in getting any rating for helicopter or fixed-wing pilot licenses.

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Approximate Cost for your helicopter pilot rating
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The costs listed here reflect the current charges at Helicopters of America. The pricing information listed in the table below is the approximate cost for the Helicopter Add-On Program for Commercial Pilots.

CHARGES & APPROXIMATE COST

PRIVATE INSTRUMENT RATING - HELICOPTER
MINIMUM REQUIREMENT HOURLY RATE APPROXIMATE COST
25 HOURS DUAL $250.00 $6,250.00
15 HOURS FRASCA IFR R22 SIMULATOR $85.00 $1,275.00
30 HOURS GROUND $45.00 $1,350.00
BOOKS & SUPPLIES N/A $190.00
PRIVATE PILOT WRITTEN EXAM N/A $80.00
FAA EXAMINER FEE N/A $400.00
  TOTAL $9,545.00

*Remember: Your cost may vary depending upon aptitude and the regularity of your attendance. It's easier to retain inforation when you are using it regularly!
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