Becoming a helicopter pilot is an exciting and rewarding career path, but it’s no secret that flight training is expensive. If you’re considering a future in helicopter aviation, understanding the full cost breakdown can help you plan financially and make informed decisions. In this guide, we’ll walk through the typical costs associated with helicopter flight training and what factors can affect the final price tag. Also check out our tips to save you some money below.
Don’t like reading? Watch the short video below:
The Cost of Helicopter Flight Training
The total cost to become a helicopter pilot varies depending on the school, location, and aircraft used for training. Below are the estimated costs for each major training milestone in the United States (completed in the order shown):
| FAA License/Rating | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Private Pilot | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Instrument Rating | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Commercial Pilot | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) | $7,000 – $12,000 |
| Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) | $8,000 – $13,000 |
| Total Cost to Become a Professional Helicopter Pilot | $80,000 – $120,000+ |
These figures reflect actual student averages, not just FAA minimums. Most students require more flight hours than the legal minimum, so be weary of schools who only quote FAA minimums. The total expenses include aircraft rental, flight and ground instruction, simulator time, books, essential supplies, and knowledge tests and checkride fees.
However, these numbers do not include personal living expenses such as rent, food, or transportation. When evaluating costs, remember when choosing a flight school the cheapest option isn’t always the best—investing in quality training can improve your skills, career prospects, and long-term success as a helicopter pilot.
Breaking Down the Costs
1. Aircraft Rental & Instructor Fees
The biggest expense in helicopter flight training is the cost of renting the aircraft and paying the instructor. Hourly rates vary, but here’s a general breakdown:
- Robinson R22: $250 – $350 per hour
- Robinson R44: $500 – $700 per hour
- Schweizer 300/Guimbal Cabri G2: $300 – $450 per hour
- Instructor Fees: $50 – $100 per hour
Most schools charge by the flight hour, and you’ll also need to pay for ground instruction, which adds to the total cost. You can help reduce the ground training costs with home study or using an online course (see below).
2. Knowledge Tests and Checkride Fees
Every certificate or rating typically requires at least one FAA knowledge test, which costs around $175 per exam. In addition, checkrides— which include both a ground and flight evaluation—come with the cost of aircraft rental plus an examiner fee, which can range from $600 to $1,500 per test, depending on location and demand. Some will charge additional fee for a retest after a failure.
3. Books, Materials, and Supplies
Expect to spend $500 – $1,500 on books, charts, kneeboards, headsets, and other essential pilot gear. Check out our list of Essential Pilot Supplies and Recommended Books to get started.
4. Medical Certificate
- FAA Medical Exam: $100 – $200 (required before soloing)
5. Additional Fees & Costs
- Simulator training: If used, can range from $100 – $300 per hour.
- Fuel surcharges: Some schools add extra fees for rising fuel prices.
- Housing & Relocation: If you need to move for training, factor in rent and living expenses. Some flight schools offer student housing options.
Financial Aid & Ways to Reduce Costs
1. VA Benefits & Military Funding
If you’re a veteran, you may be eligible for VA benefits to cover a portion or all of your training. Not all schools accept VA funding, so check with the VA School Comparison Tool to see your options. Those schools that allow the VA to pay for ALL of you training (like this one) are usually linked to a degree at a college or university.
2. Scholarships & Grants
Organizations like Whirly–Girls, EAA, AOPA & FAA list aviation scholarships that can help offset training costs.
3. University & College Programs
Some flight schools partner with universities to offer degree programs that include flight training. These programs often qualify for student loans and financial aid, making training more accessible. This is also a way to get full VA funding for flight training as mentioned above.
4. Pay-As-You-Go vs. Financing
Some students pay for training as they go, while others use personal loans or flight school financing programs. Just be cautious of high-interest loans that can add significant debt. Some schools will off a discount if you put money on account (5% off per $5000) for example. Ask the flight school you are interested in if they offer financing options.
Tips to Keep Your Helicopter Training Costs to a Minimum
1. Stay Consistent – Avoid Breaks in Training
Try not to take extended breaks, especially midway through a certificate or rating. If you need to pause to build financial reserves, do it between ratings rather than during training—this prevents skill degradation and extra flight hours to regain proficiency.
2. Study, Study, Study!
The more you study at home, the less time you’ll need to spend on costly ground instruction. Use online courses like the one mentioned below to reinforce your learning and stay ahead.
3. Take Notes & Review Them
Write down key points from ground and flight lessons, then review them regularly. Learning from your own notes can make concepts stick and reduce the need for repeated explanations.
4. Be Prepared for Every Training Session
- Arrive ready for any training event. If a flight or sim session gets canceled, pivot to a ground lesson instead.
- Likewise, if you show up for a ground lesson but a flight opportunity arises (or a backseat ride is available), take advantage.
5. Practice Emergency Procedures (EPs) Often
Waiting for your instructor at the helicopter? Mentally run through EPs while seated in the cockpit. The more familiar you are with them, the fewer repetitions you’ll need during flight training.
6. Listen to Live ATC
Listening to Live ATC on your phone, especially while watching aircraft at the airport, helps improve radio proficiency. Try predicting what will be said next to improve your understanding of phraseology and procedures.
7. Plan for Unexpected Delays
Set aside extra funds for potential training delays. If your checkride is postponed, make sure you fly again to stay proficient and avoid spending extra hours relearning skills.
Helicopter Online Ground School
One way to reduce training costs is by studying at home or using an online ground school. One of the best options is Kenny’s Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.). I’ve followed Kenny’s work for years and recently had the chance to meet him in person.
I’m thrilled to offer Helicopter Training Videos viewers an exclusive 10% discount on all H.O.G.S. courses! Simply visit tinyurl.com/HOGSDiscount and use the code HTV10 at checkout.
Try it risk-free! H.O.G.S. offers a 24-hour free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out with zero commitment.
Courses Available:
- Private Pilot Course: 397 videos
- Instrument Course: 81 videos
- Commercial Pilot Course: 478 videos
- CFI Course: 579 videos
- Professional Pilot Membership: 650 videos
Call or text 574-767-1797 or email heather@helicopterground.com for more information and mention HTV10 to get your discount.
Free Resources
H.O.G.S. also offers a range of valuable FREE resources, including:
- Free Radio Communications Course
- Private Pilot 101-A Helicopter Training Blueprint
- Helicopter Checkride Book
- Top Ten Checkride Tips Book
- Helicopter Maneuver Guide
- Free PDF Chapter 1 of Private Pilot Study Guide
Final Thoughts
How to Become a Helicopter Pilot – Full Episode
Cost is just one consideration on your journey to become a helicopter pilot. You can watch a full-length video on How to Become a Helicopter Pilot below or listen to the podcast episode from Helicopter Training Podcast. The episode covers:
- Pathways to earning your helicopter pilot certificates
- Choosing the right flight school and helicopter airframe
- How VA funding, scholarships, and loans can help cover costs
- Free ways to get started and tips to keep costs down
- Recommend essential supplies and books to set you up for success
- And more…
Feedback
We Want Your Feedback! How much did your flight training cost? Have any other tips to keep costs down? Send your questions and feedback to the podcast, and we might feature it in a future episode!