FLIGHT TRAINING & FAQ’S
Here at Higher Ground Helicopters, we hold our students to a much higher standard than that set by the FAA. In doing this we find our students have a much higher first-time pass ratio than most schools and are building a reputation for producing a higher level of pilot to enter the helicopter industry. We also hold our ground schools in groups allowing more interaction with the students. The ground school is held at night ranging from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM or 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM two to three nights a week. This, we find, allows more of the working individuals to keep their full-time jobs and attend our school full time getting them done in a timely manner. This saves the students money and allows them to complete the program and enter the workforce quicker, which is our real objective. Higher Ground Helicopters hires its top student to replace their CFIs that move up to the next level in their career. In doing this we keep a constant flow of new CFIs and are hiring CFIs on a regular base, which is a great opportunity for you the student.
We are a pt.141 School associated with Sinclair Community College. They offer possible financing or grants if you are a student going for the degree program. Students can get an Associate’s or Bachelor Degree which will help in your future as a professional pilot. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Q: What separates Higher Ground Helicopters from other similar training facilities?
A: Higher Ground Helicopters’ Complete Professional Helicopter Career Program provides the student with all the necessary flight and ground training required to be employable as a helicopter pilot at one complete price.
Most flight schools only sell their programs at the FAA minimums which normally result in students incurring increased cost to complete. Our programs cover everything from the books to the final check rides giving our students a complete understanding of costs from day one.
Most flight schools only take students to the minimum to get their Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating. Our program takes the student to 200 hours of total flight time at 90% education standard, making them employable immediately upon completion.
Most flight schools only offer ground school on a one on one basis increasing student costs. Our program offers a group ground school, decreasing cost and increasing uniformity of our training program.
Q: Is there a cut-off age for being a helicopter pilot?
A: You must be 18 years of age and there is no top-out age, as long as you can pass a 2nd class medical (a basic physical) and have 20/20 corrected vision.
Q: Do you need to fly an airplane first, to fly helicopters?
A: No, you will begin your training in a helicopter from day one, flying airplanes is not a requirement.
Q: What can I expect to be paid as a helicopter pilot?
A: Flight instructors make between $15 and $25 an hour starting pay. A helicopter pilot can expect to make between $35,000 and $45,000 in the first two years of employment. From there the salaries go up to $50,000 and $60,000 for mid-level jobs and upwards to over $100,000 for twin engine and high-skill jobs such as corporate, news, and logging. AOL Salary Center has information about median salaries for helicopter pilots.
Q: Is there financing options available?
A: Higher Ground Helicopters does offer financing options. Depending upon OAC, students may have all training costs covered and payments deferred until completion of the program.
Q: How long will it take me to finish my training?
A: That depends on the open availability of the individual and how well you retain the information. The student with a full-time job will take on average between 14-24 months.
Q: Why do you need 200 hours of helicopter time?
A: Our all-inclusive program and increased education standard make up capable of producing a more competent and safe pilot. Unlike most schools, we hold our students to a 90% education standard, which is 20% higher than the regulated FAA minimum.
Q: Can anyone become a helicopter pilot?
A: Anyone with good health, correctable vision to 20/20 (glasses and contacts are permitted) and those who have dedication, motivation, and passion for aviation will go far in the industry. What kind of helicopter careers are available?
Q: What kind of helicopter careers are available?
A: Helicopter pilot careers
- Law Enforcement
- Fire Fighting
- Drug Abatement
- Charters and Tours
- Search and Rescue
- Air Taxi Service
- Air Ambulance/EMS
- Corporate VIP Transport
- Offshore Oil Rig Support
- Aerial Photography/ Surveillance
- Electronic News Gathering
- External Load/ Heavy Lifting
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