Private Pilot Helicopter Certificate (Non Vocational) (Non Vocational)

helicopterA Federal Aviation Administration Part 141 Program
This is the basic rating required of all pilots. A Private certificate will allow you giving rides to friends and family or flying for your own business. All other ratings in the program build from this primary rating.

Start Flying

Eligibility For Enrollment

  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
Flight School  ›  Programs & Courses  ›  Helicopter Private Pilot Certification

Special Notes

You’ll flighting from day one, getting hands-on experience. The FAA minimum hour requirement for a Private Pilot Certificate is 35 hours of ground training and 35 hours of flight training. Most people complete their training in 40-45 flight hours, but we can’t guarantee a specific minimum for completion—everyone learns at a different rate.

What included

  • 35 hoursin-class ground school
  • 17,5 hoursFlight Briefings
  • 6 hourssolo in a Schweizer 300C
  • 29 hoursdual in a Schweizer 300C
  • 1 hourFAA Exam (Aircraft fee)

Aircraft Flown

Schweizer 300C
Price

Frequently Asked Questions

At Pelican Flight Training, we believe there's no age limit when it comes to achieving your dream of becoming a pilot. Many successful pilots start in their 30s, 40s, or later — what matters most is motivation, passion, and a willingness to learn.

Both licenses have their own challenges. Helicopter training involves unique flight dynamics and control coordination, while airplane training emphasizes airspace awareness and long-distance navigation.

It ultimately depends on your personal strengths, preferences, and career goals. Reach out to us for more personalized advice on which path suits you best.

There is no single "best" age to become a pilot. Some begin as teens, others in their 30s, 40s, or beyond. What’s most important is being ready and committed. In the U.S., you can start solo training at 16 and earn a private license at 17.

Yes, helicopter pilots are in demand in various sectors like emergency services, tourism, firefighting, and utility operations. Demand can vary by region and industry but remains strong overall in the U.S. and internationally.

Helicopter pilot salaries vary by job type and experience. Entry-level pilots may earn less, but experienced professionals — especially in offshore, EMS, or VIP roles — can earn a competitive salary.

For specific income projections, contact us and we’ll help with up-to-date information for your region and path.

Pelican Flight School, based in South Florida, offers one of the most comprehensive flight training programs in the region, taking full advantage of the state’s favorable weather conditions. Operating out of North Perry Airport, the school benefits from the consistent winds and clear skies, ensuring that students maximize their flying hours year-round. Florida’s location also offers a unique learning environment, with proximity to major airports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Opa-Locka, giving students invaluable experience in navigating busy airspaces. With over 30 years of experience, Pelican Flight School is recognized for its focus on safety, high-quality instruction, and personalized training programs for both beginners and seasoned pilots. Whether you are converting a foreign license or starting from zero hours, our Florida-based flight school provides everything you need to succeed in aviation.

Explore Our Flight School – Watch the Video

Welcome to Pelican Flight Training, Florida's premier flight school offering one of the best training programs for pilots from around the world. We offer a structured program that will take you all the way from private pilot rank to ATP and airline readiness.

In this video, you'll learn what makes our flight school so special — the passion, the professionalism, and the world-class fleet of aircraft used for training. From your first flight to becoming a professional pilot, we will be with you every step of the way.

Take a look right now and see why training at Pelican isn't just about learning — it's about transformation.

Start Flying

What Our Students Say

★★★★★
Louis
Louis
Student
I attended Pelican Flight Training at North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, Florida, starting in November 2021, and I also worked at the school afterward as a Flight Instructor. Throughout my training and teaching, the school played a crucial role in helping me achieve my goals. The instructors and the training standards they uphold their students to are very professional. I met fantastic people and learned a lot from the experience as well as my peers.
Camilo
Camilo
Student
I attended PFT as an international student F-1, and everything was pretty quick and easy. The staff from this school is beyond outstanding. I’m very thankful to Oleksandra and Anna, they’re very clear and extremely helpful at anytime. Instructors are very cool and good, facilities are fine, they provide you with advices and choices to do everything right. Overall very nice environment.
Robert
Robert
Student
Pelican Flight Training is the best school around. I’ve tried other schools but Pelican is the most Professional my personal opinion. The atmosphere is so positive, the instructors are all so nice and friendly and I just passed my instrument Rating at Pelican and my instructor Adrian was TERRIFIC! And I am so looking forward to going back to start my commercial with them.
More reviews on Google Maps →

Pelican students life

Request More Information

We will be happy to personally assist you in making decision for your future airline career by providing you with all the information you might need and providing answers to all of your questions. Please complete the form, and we will be in touch with you soon.

Program
Application Form
Personal information
Contacts
Address
Additional information
Citizenship
Marital Status
Can you read, speak and understand English?
Do You Hold an FAA Pilot Certificate ?
Do You Hold an FAA Medical Certificate ?
When Would You Like to Start Training?
Choose the courses
Airline
  • Other
Helicopter
  • Other
YOUR Flight experience
Are they FAA?
Previous Flight Experience
Total PIC Solo
VFR
IFR
Cross Country
Complex
Single Engine
Multi Engine
Dual Given
Total flight hours
Upload documents
Copy of Passport
Add photos from your computer or drag them to this area
High School Diploma or higher level of education
Add photos from your computer or drag them to this area
Resume in English
Add photos from your computer or drag them to this area
Copy of your last page of the logbook
Add photos from your computer or drag them to this area
Proof of funds which indicates you have sufficient money to pay for all of your training and living expenses while in the United States.
Add photos from your computer or drag them to this area