Helicopter Instrument Rating

HELICOPTER INSTRUMENT RATING TRAINING COURSE

Our helicopter instrument rating training course at Helicopter Pro is beneficial for any pilot. The Helicopter instrument rating gives pilots the opportunity to operate IFR equipment helicopters in adverse weather conditions. You do not need an IFR rating to obtain a commercial helicopter license. However, most employers prefer to hire an IFR-qualified pilot.

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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The following items are a summary of the eligibility requirements listed in 14 CFR Part 61.65 for obtaining a commercial helicopter pilot license:

Be at least 18 years old.

Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English.

Pass a written knowledge test.

Receive flight training.

Meet the aeronautical experience listed below.

Pass a practical test (i.e. a Check ride).

Hold at least a current helicopter private pilot certificate, or be currently applying for a private pilot certification.

OUR NEW TH-100 HELICOPTER AATD FLIGHT SIMULATOR

At Helicopter Pro, we use the newest technology to train our helicopter pilots. The TH-100 helicopter advanced AATD is a fully featured single-turbine helicopter simulator. This mini helicopter is based on the Airbus AS350B or the Robinson R-44 Helicopter and features life-sized, high-resolution instruments.

Mini Helicopter Features:

Cyclic, Collective, levers for Rotor Brake, Fuel Flow, and Fuel Shutoff.

Anti-torque pedals.

High-resolution instrument panel display screen.

Built-in pilot seat.

Bendix/King Silver Crown Avionics.

Integrated virtual GNS430 WAAS GPS.

Full autopilot capability with Flight director and navigation coupling to VOR & GPS.

55-inch LCD monitor with custom stand.

Single Channel Image Generator.

AERONAUTICAL EXPERIENCE FOR THE HELICOPTER INSTRUMENT RATING COURSE

The following items are a summary of the aeronautical experience requirements listed in 14 CFR Part 61.129 for obtaining a commercial helicopter pilot license:

At least 50 hours of pilot-in-command in cross-country flight in a helicopter, with at least 10 hours in a helicopter.

At least 40 hours of flight training, actual or simulated instrument time.

At least 15 hours of instrument training.

Helicopter Pro instructors will help you accomplish specific flight requirements to complete, such as cross country, night flights, and more.

COMMON HELICOPTER INSTRUMENT RATING QUESTIONS

At Helicopter Pro, our instructors are dedicated to helping you reach your helicopter pilot dreams. From cross-country flights to night flights, our instructors will work with you every step of the way to ensure safe operations and FAA protocols are followed. Below are some common questions we receive about this course. If you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our qualified instructors would be happy to answer any further questions you may have.

WILL WE FLY THE HELICOPTER IN ACTUAL INSTRUMENT CONDITIONS?

No, the Robinson R-44 is not certified for actual IFR condition. The IFR training will occur in the helicopter, but the student will be under the hood, which means the pilot will be wearing view limiting device (often referred to as foggles) while flying the helicopter.

DO I NEED TO HAVE AN IFR RATING IN THE HELICOPTER TO BECOME A HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR?

No. Unlike an airplane flight instructor, a helicopter flight instructor does not need to have their IFR rating to perform non-IFR instruction.

I HAVE SOME AIRPLANE INSTRUMENT TIME, WILL THIS TIME COUNT TOWARDS THE HELICOPTER INSTRUMENT TRAINING?

Yes. You need at least 40 hours total logged instrument or simulated time. Only 15 hours of this time needs to be in a helicopter. However, it is difficult to complete all the requirements, such as the approaches, cross-country flights, etc., within 15 hours.

Helicopter Instrument Rating