Certified Helicopter Flight Instructor (CFI)

Becoming a Helicopter CFI is often the first step in the career of a professional pilot. Many initial flight jobs are as a CFI. Being a CFI can be extremely rewarding. As an instructor, your skills will increase significantly and it is fun to see students progress at achieving their goals. Through the CFI training course, you will learn how to instruct helicopter students in a safe and efficient manner.

The cost of the helicopter certified flight instructor (CFI) is listed on our pricing page.

Eligibility Requirements for the Commercial Helicopter Flight Instructor certificate

The following items are a summary of the eligibility requirements listed in 14 CFR Part 61.183 for obtaining a Commercial Helicopter Flight Instructor rating.

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
  • Hold a commercial helicopter pilot certificate for helicopter airline transport pilot certificate
  • Pass a written knowledge test
  • Receive flight training
  • Meet the aeronautical experience listed below
  • Pass a practical test (i.e. a Checkride)

Aeronautical Experience for the Helicopter Flight Instructor Certificate

There are no regulatory hour minimums for obtaining a helicopter flight certificate.

Helicopter Flight Instructor Questions

Yes.  You have the option to limit the instructor written to the difference (25 questions) or the entire examination (75 questions).  We recommend that you take the entire test.  If you get a few wrong when dealing with only 25 questions, it can dramatically affect your overall score.

No, you do not need to have an instrument rating to be a helicopter flight instructor.