Helicopter Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)

The Helicopter Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) is often referred to as a Helicopter Instrument Instructor. As a Helicopter CFII, you will be able to conduct flight and ground lessons for eligible helicopter pilot working towards their helicopter instrument rating.

Helicopter Instrument Instructor

During the Helicopter Instrument Instructor Course you will learn the review the concepts of helicopter instrument flying but will do these actions from the flight instructor seat. You will also learn the techniques to teach IFR flying concepts to students working on their helicopter instrument rating.

Eligibility Requirements for the Helicopter Instrument Instructor rating

The following items are a summary of flight instructor requirements listed in 14 CFR 61.183.

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
  • Hold a helicopter pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate
  • Hold a helicopter instrument rating
  • Pass a knowledge test (if not an add-on rating)
  • Pass a practical test (i.e. a Checkride)

Aeronautical Experience for the Helicopter Instrument Instructor rating

Although there are few aeronautical experience requirements, the following is the only requirement listed in 14 CFR 61.183. To obtain a commercial helicopter rating, this PIC requirement is already meet.

  • Log at least 15 hours as pilot in command in a helicopter

Helicopter Flight Instructor Instrument Questions

The FAA does not set a minimum number of training hours to become an instrument instructor in helicopter (same for airplanes). 

No. You must take the helicopter IFR and helicopter flight instructor instrument as two different checkrides. One of the prerequisite for an instrument flight instructor is to have an instrument rating in the appropriate category and class of aircraft for the rating sought. A s such, the paperwork for your helicopter IFR rating needs to be completed before being eligible for the helicopter flight instructor instrument rating. The Helicopter CFII could be scheduled as soon as the day after passing the Helicopter IFR rating.

No. You do not have to become a CFI before becoming a CFII. However, you would need to take and pass the Fundamentals of Instruction knowledge test. It is rare, but some people that don’t want to give primary flight instruction may opt to only get their CFII rating and not become a CFI.