Commercial Helicopter Pilot License
Earn your CPL-H at Florida's premier helicopter flight school
Train on the Schweizer 300C. Fly 365 days a year. Launch your helicopter career.
The commercial helicopter pilot license (CPL-H) is your gateway to a professional flying career. Whether you want to fly EMS helicopters, lead aerial tours, or work in corporate aviation — it starts here.
- What Is a Commercial Helicopter Pilot License?
- Commercial Helicopter Pilot Requirements
- How to Get Your CPL-H — Step by Step
- Training Program at Pelican
- How Much Does It Cost?
- How Long Does It Take?
- Salary & Career Outlook
- Why Train in Florida?
- All Helicopter & Airplane Programs
- Eligibility for Enrollment
- FAQ (15 Questions)
What Is a Commercial Helicopter Pilot License?
A commercial helicopter pilot license (CPL-H) is an FAA certificate that allows you to be paid to fly. While a Private Pilot License lets you fly for personal use, the commercial certificate opens the door to employment as a professional helicopter pilot.
The CPL-H is issued under 14 CFR Part 61 for the Rotorcraft-Helicopter category and class. It is generally the third step in your flight training journey — after Private Pilot and (optionally) Instrument Rating.
With a commercial helicopter license you can work as a tour pilot, EMS pilot, agricultural applicator, aerial photographer, law enforcement pilot, corporate transport pilot, and more. If you are starting from scratch, consider our complete Helicopter Professional Pilot Program that takes you from zero experience to CFI.
CPL-H vs. PPL-H — Key Differences
| Factor | Private (PPL-H) | Commercial (CPL-H) |
|---|---|---|
| Fly for pay? | No — personal use only | Yes — employed as a pilot |
| Minimum flight hours | 40 hours | 150 hours |
| Medical certificate | Third-class (or BasicMed) | Second-class |
| Minimum age | 17 years | 18 years |
| Maneuver standards | ACS private standards | Tighter commercial ACS tolerances |
| Career value | Recreational flying | Professional employment |
Commercial Helicopter Pilot Requirements (FAA 14 CFR §61.129)
To earn your commercial helicopter pilot certificate under FAA Part 61, you must meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 years old |
| Language | Read, speak, write, and understand English |
| Medical Certificate | Second-class FAA medical (or higher) |
| Prerequisite | Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate — Helicopter |
| Total Flight Time | Minimum 150 hours total (Part 61) |
| PIC Time | 100 hours pilot-in-command |
| Cross-Country PIC | 50 hours cross-country as PIC |
| Night Flight | 5 hours night VFR, including 10 takeoffs/landings |
| Instrument Training | 10 hours instrument instruction in helicopters |
| Written Exam | FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test (pass before checkride) |
| Practical Test | Checkride with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) |
International students: All non-US citizens must also complete TSA AFSP registration and background check before starting training. See our international students guide for the full visa and enrollment process.
How to Get Your Commercial Helicopter Pilot License — Step by Step
Here is the typical path to earning your commercial helicopter license at Pelican Flight Training:
- Earn your Private Pilot License (PPL-H) — Learn to fly, solo, and pass your first checkride. Pelican PPL-H program.
- Build flight hours — Accumulate the required 150 hours total time through practice, cross-country flights, and additional training.
- Add Instrument Rating (optional but recommended) — Helicopter Instrument Rating expands your weather capabilities and makes you a more competitive job candidate.
- Enroll in CPL-H training — Focused training on commercial maneuvers, advanced autorotations, confined areas, and precision flying.
- Pass the FAA written exam — Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test covering regulations, aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and systems.
- Pass the checkride — Practical test with an FAA DPE: oral exam + flight evaluation.
- Start your career — Apply to tour companies, EMS operators, utility companies, or continue to CFI certification to build hours.
| Step | Phase | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Private Pilot (PPL-H) | 3–4 months | Learn to fly, solo, and pass your first FAA checkride. Minimum 40 flight hours. |
| 2 | Build Flight Hours | 1–4 months | Accumulate 150 total hours through solo practice, cross-country flights, and skill refinement. |
| 3 | Instrument Rating (optional) | 2–3 months | Fly in IFR conditions. Not required for CPL-H, but strongly recommended — most EMS and corporate jobs require it. |
| 4 | Commercial Training (CPL-H) | 2–3 months | Advanced autorotations, confined areas, steep approaches, night VFR, commercial maneuver standards. |
| 5 | FAA Exams | 1–2 weeks | Pass the written knowledge test and practical checkride (oral + flight) with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. |
| 6 | Start Your Career | — | Apply to tour operators, EMS companies, or continue to CFI certification to build hours and earn while yo |
Commercial Helicopter Pilot Training at Pelican
Pelican's CPL-H program is a Part 61 course designed to take pilots who already hold a Private Pilot Certificate (Helicopter) to commercial-level proficiency. Training is conducted on the Schweizer 300C at North Perry Airport (KHWO) in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
What's Included
- 20 hoursin-class ground school
- 10 hoursflight briefings
- 11 hoursFLYIT simulator
- 46.5 hourssolo in a Schweizer 300C
- 20 hoursdual instruction in a Schweizer 300C
- 1.2 hoursFAA checkride (aircraft fee)
Why the Schweizer 300C?
The Schweizer 300C is one of the most widely used training helicopters in the United States. It is known for its rugged construction, fully articulated rotor system, and forgiving handling characteristics — making it ideal for developing the precise skills required for commercial operations. Many FAA Part 141 and Part 61 programs use it as their primary trainer.
What You'll Learn
- Advanced autorotations (straight-in, 180°, power recovery)
- Confined area operations and pinnacle approaches
- Steep approaches and maximum performance takeoffs
- Emergency procedures and system failures
- Cross-country flight planning and navigation
- Night VFR operations
- Commercial pilot decision-making and crew resource management
Part 61 vs. Part 141 Helicopter Training
Pelican's CPL-H course operates under FAA Part 61. Here is how it compares to Part 141 structured programs:
| Factor | Part 61 | Part 141 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum hours (CPL-H) | 150 hours total | 120 hours total |
| Curriculum | Flexible — tailored to student pace | FAA-approved structured syllabus |
| Scheduling | Train at your own pace | Fixed schedule, stage checks |
| Cost | Often lower per hour | Structured but can be higher |
| Best for | Experienced pilots, career changers, flexible schedules | Full-time students, veterans |
Pelican is both FAA Part 141 approved and ACCSC accredited for its airplane and helicopter programs. Our CPL-H course uses the Part 61 framework for maximum flexibility, while maintaining the quality standards of a Part 141 institution.
FAA Medical Certificate Requirements
A second-class FAA medical certificate is required for commercial pilot privileges. The exam is conducted by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Key requirements include:
- Distance vision: 20/20 in each eye (correctable with glasses or contacts)
- Near vision: 20/40 in each eye
- Normal color vision (ability to perceive signal colors)
- No disqualifying medical conditions (heart disease, epilepsy, substance dependence)
- Valid for 12 months (under 40) or 6 months (40 and older) for commercial operations
If you don't have a medical certificate, our admissions team schedules your AME appointment after arrival. The exam typically costs $100–$200. Contact us if you have questions about medical eligibility.
How Much Does a Commercial Helicopter Pilot License Cost?
The total cost of Pelican's commercial helicopter pilot training program:
We are not asking for payments upfront. You will start paying for training when your visa is approved and you arrived in USA.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Hours | Included |
|---|---|---|
| Ground School | 20 hours | Yes |
| Flight Briefings | 10 hours | Yes |
| FLYIT Simulator | 11 hours | Yes |
| Dual Instruction (Schweizer 300C) | 20 hours | Yes |
| Solo Flight (Schweizer 300C) | 46.5 hours | Yes |
| FAA Checkride Aircraft Fee | 1.2 hours | Yes |
| Books & Materials | — | Yes |
What's not included: FAA written exam fee (~$175), DPE examiner fee (~$600–$800), FAA medical exam (~$100–$200), and living expenses. See our accommodation guide for housing costs in South Florida.
Payment flexibility: International students do not pay upfront. Training payments begin after visa approval and arrival in the USA. View payment options.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Commercial Helicopter License?
At Pelican Flight Training, CPL-H training typically takes 2–3 months for the commercial course itself (assuming you already hold a PPL-H and have the required flight hours).
The total timeline from zero experience to commercial certificate depends on your training frequency:
| Training Pace | PPL-H | Hour Building | CPL-H | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (5–6 days/week) | 3 months | 1–2 months | 2 months | 6–7 months |
| Part-time (2–3 days/week) | 5–6 months | 3–4 months | 3 months | 11–13 months |
Florida's year-round flying weather means virtually zero weather cancellations, which is one of the biggest factors in completing training on time. Students in northern states routinely lose 4–6 months of training per year due to weather.
Want to complete the full pipeline from zero to professional pilot? See our Helicopter Professional Pilot Program.
Commercial Helicopter Pilot Salary and Career Outlook
The commercial helicopter pilot salary varies significantly by job type, experience, and location. Here is what you can expect in the US market:
| Career Path | Typical Salary (USD/year) | Min. Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Instructor (CFI-H) | $35,000 – $50,000 | 200–300 |
| Tour Pilot | $40,000 – $55,000 | 500–1,000 |
| Utility / Agriculture | $50,000 – $75,000 | 500–1,500 |
| Law Enforcement | $60,000 – $85,000 | 1,000–2,000 |
| EMS / HEMS | $70,000 – $100,000 | 2,000–3,000 |
| Offshore / Oil & Gas | $80,000 – $120,000 | 2,000+ |
| Corporate / VIP | $90,000 – $130,000+ | 2,500+ |
According to Boeing's 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook, over 600,000 new pilots will be needed globally by 2042, with North America requiring more than 130,000. The helicopter sector is especially underserved in EMS, firefighting, and law enforcement. Read more about the global pilot shortage.
Most Common First Jobs After CPL-H
- Flight Instructor (CFI) — The fastest path to building hours. Earn while you learn. Pelican hires its own graduates as instructors.
- Helicopter Tour Pilot — Popular in Hawaii, Las Vegas, New York, and the Grand Canyon. Requires 500–1,000 hours.
- Aerial Survey / Photography — Power line patrol, mapping, and media flights. Great for building PIC time.
- Agricultural Operations — Crop dusting and spraying. Seasonal but well-paid.
Why Train in Florida at Pelican Flight Training?
Pelican Flight Training has been training helicopter and airplane pilots at North Perry Airport (KHWO) in Pembroke Pines since 1985. Here is why students from over 50 countries choose us for their commercial helicopter pilot training:
- 40+ years of experience — one of the longest-running flight schools in the United States
- FAA Part 141 approved & ACCSC accredited — nationally recognized program quality
- 365 days of flyable weather — South Florida's subtropical climate means virtually no weather delays
- Schweizer 300C fleet — proven training helicopter used by military and civilian programs worldwide
- Visa support (F-1 and M-1) — we issue I-20 forms directly, no university required. See international students page
- Diverse airspace — proximity to Miami International, Fort Lauderdale, and Class B/C/D airspace gives you real-world experience
- Instructors trained in-house — our CFIs are Pelican graduates, ensuring consistent, high-quality instruction
See what our graduates have achieved and read student reviews.
Helicopter Programs at Pelican Flight Training
| Program | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Pilot Program "H" | 18 months | Zero to CFI — complete helicopter career track |
| Private Pilot (PPL-H) | 3–4 months | First FAA certificate, learn to fly helicopters |
| Instrument Rating (IR-H) | 2–3 months | Fly in IMC conditions, required for many jobs |
| Commercial Pilot (CPL-H) | 2–3 months | This course — fly for compensation |
| Certified Flight Instructor (CFI-H) | 1–2 months | Teach and build hours toward 1,500 |
| CFI Instrument (CFII-H) | 2–4 weeks | Teach instrument students |
Explore all programs and courses or speak with admissions to find the best path for your goals.
Airplane Programs
Pelican also offers a complete range of airplane training programs. Many helicopter pilots add airplane ratings to expand their career options:
- Private Pilot (Airplane)
- Instrument Rating (Airplane)
- Commercial Pilot (Airplane)
- Multi-Engine Rating
- Certified Flight Instructor (Airplane)
- Professional Pilot Program "A" (Zero to Airline)
Considering both airplane and helicopter? See our Zero to Airline Pilot program or career guide for commercial pilots.
Eligibility for Enrollment
- Hold at least a Helicopter Private Pilot Certificate
If you don't yet have a PPL-H, start with our Private Pilot program. For students starting from zero who want the full career path, our Professional Pilot Program "H" covers everything from PPL through CFI.
Documents You'll Need
- Valid FAA Private Pilot Certificate — Helicopter
- Current second-class FAA medical certificate
- Pilot logbook with minimum required hours
- Valid government-issued photo ID or passport
- For international students: valid visa (F-1 or M-1) and TSA AFSP clearance. See our international student guide
Frequently Asked Questions: Commercial Helicopter Pilot License
The CPL-H course itself takes 2–3 months at Pelican. The total time from zero experience to commercial certificate is 6–13 months depending on training frequency. Florida's year-round weather means no seasonal delays.
Pelican's CPL-H program costs $26,359 (with discount). This includes 20 hours ground school, 66.5 hours of solo and dual helicopter time, 11 hours simulator, and checkride aircraft fee. Additional costs include the FAA written exam (~$175) and DPE fee (~$600–$800). See the full pricing presentation (PDF).
A CPL-H allows you to work as a paid helicopter pilot. Common careers include flight instruction, aerial tours, EMS/air ambulance, law enforcement, agricultural aviation, offshore transport, corporate flying, and aerial photography. Entry-level positions (tours, CFI) typically require 500–1,000 hours.
Yes. Entry-level tour and CFI positions pay $35,000–$55,000. Experienced EMS pilots earn $70,000–$100,000. Corporate and offshore pilots can earn $80,000–$130,000+. Salaries vary by job type, experience, and region. See our pilot demand page for market data.
Yes, the helicopter industry faces a significant pilot shortage. Boeing projects over 600,000 new pilots needed globally by 2042. Demand is especially strong in EMS, firefighting, law enforcement, and energy sectors. Read more on our pilot demand page.
A Private Pilot License (PPL-H) allows you to fly helicopters but not for compensation. A Commercial Pilot License (CPL-H) qualifies you to be paid as a pilot. CPL requires more flight hours (150 vs. 40 minimum), higher skill standards, and a second-class medical certificate.
No, an instrument rating is not required for the CPL-H. However, it is strongly recommended. Most EMS and corporate helicopter jobs require instrument proficiency, and having the rating makes you significantly more competitive in the job market.
Yes. Pelican welcomes students from over 50 countries. We support both F-1 and M-1 visas and issue I-20 forms directly — no university enrollment required. International students must complete TSA AFSP registration. See our complete international student guide.
Pelican uses the Schweizer 300C for all helicopter training including CPL-H. The Schweizer 300C is one of the most widely used training helicopters in the USA, known for its rugged construction and fully articulated rotor system. It is also used by the US military for initial rotorcraft training. View our full fleet of aircraft.
The CPL-H checkride consists of two parts: an oral exam (1–2 hours) covering regulations, aerodynamics, weather, systems, and flight planning; and a flight evaluation (1–1.5 hours) where you demonstrate commercial maneuvers including steep approaches, confined area operations, advanced autorotations, and precision hovering. You must meet the tolerances defined in the FAA Commercial Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
Part 61 requires 150 total flight hours but offers flexible scheduling. Part 141 can reduce minimums to 120 hours but follows a strict FAA-approved syllabus with mandatory stage checks. Pelican's CPL-H program uses the Part 61 framework, giving students the flexibility to train at their own pace while maintaining the quality standards of a nationally accredited institution.
It depends on the job. Flight instructor (CFI) positions require as few as 200–300 hours. Tour operators typically want 500–1,000 hours. EMS/HEMS positions usually require 2,000–3,000 hours, including instrument and night time. Becoming a CFI after your CPL-H is the most popular way to build hours quickly.
No. The CPL-H is specific to the Rotorcraft-Helicopter category and class. To fly airplanes commercially, you need a separate Commercial Pilot Certificate — Airplane. However, some flight hours may cross-credit between categories. Pelican offers both airplane and helicopter programs.
You need at least a second-class FAA medical certificate, issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The exam includes vision tests (20/20 correctable), hearing, cardiovascular screening, and general health evaluation. The certificate is valid for 12 months (under 40) or 6 months (40+) for commercial operations. Contact our admissions team if you have questions about medical eligibility.
No. Pelican does not require upfront payment for international students. You begin paying for training after your visa is approved and you arrive in the USA. This applies to both F-1 and M-1 visa students. See our payment options or download the CPL-H pricing presentation.
Ready to Earn Your Commercial Helicopter Pilot License?
Join thousands of pilots who have trained at Pelican Flight Training since 1985. Our admissions team will guide you through every step — from enrollment to your first commercial flight.
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FROM ZERO TO AIRLINE PILOT Commercial Pilot License in 10-15 months / Price $68,310 – Pay after visa approval
- FAA 141 approved & ACCSC accredited
- 35+ years of experience
Get Commercial Pilot License based on 2 types of training visas M1/F1:
- M1 Visa programs – Flexible course combinations
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Foreign Pilot Conversion build 1500 hours of flight experience
Convert your ICAO / EASA license to FAA and take CFIs courses.
- Get paid to fly and earn back up $54,000 as a certified flight instructor, , and continue building the required hours for airline pilot training at our FAA approved pilot training school.
- Join US regional airline for 1 year and be sponsored for the Type Rating
Become a CFI and build your flight expirience
Build 1500 hours airline hiring minimums.
- Get paid to fly and earn back up $54,000
- Join US regional airline for 1 year and be sponsored for the Type Rating
- FAA 141 approved & ACCSC accredited
Visa option: F1 – train, work, and gain experience in the USA
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FROM PPL HOLDERS Commercial Pilot License in 10-15 months / Price $58,207 – pay after visa approval
Get Commercial Pilot License based on F1 Visa
- FAA 141 approved & ACCSC accredited
- F1 Visa – Train, work, and build 1,500 hours in the USA
- M1 Visa – Flexible training, return home after completion
- Multi-Engine Add-on and Instructor Ratings available
All Programs airlane and helicopter programs
- FAA part 141 & ACCSC accredited
- Since 1985 – 35+ years of excellence
- From zero experience to airline career
- airplane & helicopter courses for all Levels
- International student visa options (M1/F1)
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