For over 40 years, Pelican Flight Training has been teaching students to fly helicopters in South Florida. Train on the Schweizer 300C, enjoy 365 days of flying weather, and learn from instructors who have trained pilots from more than 80 countries. Whether you are a complete beginner or an airplane pilot adding a helicopter rating, our PPL-H program gets you in the air fast.
International students welcome — full F1 visa support available.
A helicopter private pilot license (PPL-H) is an FAA certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 61 for the Rotorcraft-Helicopter category and class. It is the first pilot certificate you can earn and the foundation for every helicopter career.
With a PPL-H you can fly helicopters, carry passengers, fly at night (if the aircraft is equipped), and share operating expenses with your passengers. The one restriction: you cannot fly for compensation or hire. The FAA officially issues certificates, but “license” is the term most people use — they mean the same thing.
The PPL-H is Step 1 in the helicopter training pathway. After earning it, your next steps are the Instrument Rating (IR) and the Commercial Pilot License (CPL-H). If you want to go from zero experience to a professional career in one program, see our Helicopter Professional Pilot Program.
The FAA sets specific eligibility requirements for the private pilot certificate under 14 CFR §61.103 and §61.109. Here is what you need:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 16 years old to solo; 17 years old to receive the certificate |
| Language | Read, speak, write, and understand English |
| Medical Certificate | Third-class FAA medical certificate (or BasicMed) |
| Prior Experience | No previous flying experience required |
| Student Pilot Certificate | Obtained during training through IACRA |
| Knowledge Test | Pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test |
| Practical Test | Pass a checkride with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) |
No prior flying experience is required to begin. Our admissions team will guide you through every step, including the medical exam and student pilot certificate. Visit our requirements page for the full checklist.
Our all-inclusive PPL-H program covers everything you need to earn your private pilot certificate in the helicopter:
Total program flight time is 35 hours (29 dual + 6 solo), which meets the FAA minimum of 40 hours when combined with ground school integration. Every hour of aircraft time, instructor time, and fuel is included in the single price — no surprise invoices.
The total cost of our helicopter PPL program is $18,950. This is an all-inclusive price that covers ground school, flight instruction, solo flight time, briefings, and your checkride aircraft fee.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ground school (35 hours) | Included |
| Dual flight instruction (29 hours) | Included |
| Solo flight time (6 hours) | Included |
| Flight briefings (17.5 hours) | Included |
| Checkride aircraft fee (1 hour) | Included |
| Total Program Price | $18,950 |
The industry average for helicopter private pilot training ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 depending on location, aircraft type, and whether pricing is bundled or hourly. Our all-inclusive pricing means no hidden fees for aircraft rental or instructor time. You know the total cost before you start.
Need flexible payment options? Visit our payments and financing page to see available plans.
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours total flight time for the private pilot certificate in helicopters. Most students complete the program in 40–50 flight hours, depending on aptitude and training frequency.
The single biggest factor in your timeline is consistency. Students who fly regularly progress faster and spend less overall.
Our PPL-H curriculum covers everything the FAA requires for your private pilot certificate, plus additional training to make you a confident and safe helicopter pilot.
By the end of training, you will be comfortable flying the helicopter solo, navigating cross-country, handling emergencies, and meeting all FAA practical test standards.
The Schweizer 300C is one of the most trusted training helicopters in aviation. Its piston-powered engine and fully articulated rotor system make it ideal for learning precise helicopter control. The 300C has been used by military and civilian flight schools around the world for decades.
The aircraft is responsive, forgiving, and gives students a strong foundation in manual flying skills. Pilots who learn on the Schweizer 300C transition smoothly to turbine helicopters later in their careers. View our full fleet on the aircraft page.
Pelican Flight Training is FAA-accredited under both Part 141 and Part 61, giving you the flexibility to choose the training structure that fits your goals. We are located at North Perry Airport (KHWO) in Pembroke Pines, FL — one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country, providing real-world training in controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
We provide full F1 visa support for international students, including admissions guidance, TSA clearance assistance, and housing recommendations. Learn more on our international students page.
Our experienced instructors have thousands of flight hours and guide students through the complete helicopter training pathway: PPL-H → Instrument Rating → CPL-H → CFI → CFII. Every certificate builds on the last, and we support you through all of them. See our accreditation details for more information.
Both the helicopter PPL-H and the airplane PPL-A are private pilot certificates issued by the FAA, but the training experience and career paths differ significantly.
| Factor | Helicopter PPL-H | Airplane PPL-A |
|---|---|---|
| Min flight hours | 40 hours | 40 hours |
| Typical hours to complete | 40–55 hours | 60–80 hours |
| Average cost | $15,000–$25,000 | $10,000–$18,000 |
| Training difficulty | Higher — 3D control (hover) | Lower — more forgiving |
| Career versatility | EMS, tours, offshore, agriculture | Airlines, charters, cargo |
| Aircraft at Pelican | Schweizer 300C | Cessna 172, Piper PA-28 |
| Medical requirement | Third-class / BasicMed | Third-class / BasicMed |
Both are excellent starting points for a flying career or hobby. Many pilots hold both ratings, and having airplane experience can make helicopter training easier (and vice versa). Explore our Airplane Private Pilot License program if you are considering fixed-wing training as well.
The PPL-H is Step 1 in a structured progression toward a professional helicopter pilot career. Here is the typical training pathway:
Helicopter pilot demand continues to grow across EMS, tourism, law enforcement, offshore energy, and agricultural sectors. Learn more about current helicopter pilot demand and career prospects.
Want to complete the entire journey in one program? Our Helicopter Professional Pilot Program takes you from zero experience through CFI in a single, structured package.
At Pelican Flight Training, the helicopter PPL-H program costs $18,950 all-inclusive. This covers ground school, flight instruction, solo time, briefings, and the checkride aircraft fee. The industry average ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 depending on location and school. You should also budget for the FAA Knowledge Test fee ($175), a medical exam ($75–$200), and optionally a headset. Visit our payments page for financing options.
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours for the private pilot certificate in helicopters. Most students complete training in 40–50 hours. Full-time students (flying 4–5 days per week) typically finish in 2–3 months, while part-time students (2–3 days per week) take 4–6 months. Training in Florida means no weather delays from snow or ice, which keeps your timeline on track. Visit our admissions page to get started.
Under 14 CFR §61.103 and §61.109, you must be at least 17 years old, read and speak English, hold a third-class FAA medical certificate, log a minimum of 40 hours flight time (including specific cross-country and night requirements), pass the FAA Knowledge Test, and pass a practical test (checkride) with a Designated Pilot Examiner. No prior flying experience is needed to begin training. See our full requirements page for details.
Yes. The private pilot certificate does not restrict night operations. You can fly at night provided the helicopter is equipped for night flight and you have completed the required night training: 3 hours of night dual instruction and 10 night takeoffs and landings. Our PPL-H program includes night flying as part of the standard curriculum. Check our FAQ page for more details on PPL-H privileges.
Helicopters require simultaneous control of three axes — cyclic (pitch and roll), collective (power), and anti-torque pedals (yaw) — plus throttle coordination. Hovering is the biggest challenge for new students and is unlike anything in airplane flying. Most students master the hover in 10–15 hours of practice. With consistent training and a good instructor, helicopter flying is absolutely achievable for anyone. Compare both options on our airplane PPL page.
No. The PPL-H program is designed for complete beginners with zero flying experience. You will start with ground school and basic flight maneuvers and progress step by step. If you already hold an airplane private pilot certificate, you can add a helicopter rating with fewer required hours. Either way, our instructors tailor training to your experience level. See all available programs and courses.
You need a third-class FAA medical certificate, which is valid for 60 months if you are under 40 years old, or 24 months if you are 40 or older. BasicMed is also an option for certain operations. Vision must be correctable to 20/40 or better. The medical exam is conducted by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Details on medical requirements are available on our requirements page.
Yes. With a PPL-H you can carry passengers in the helicopter. The restriction is that you cannot receive compensation for flying. However, under 14 CFR §61.113 you may share operating expenses (fuel, oil, airport fees, aircraft rental) pro rata with your passengers. This makes recreational flying with friends and family both legal and affordable. Visit our FAQ page for more on PPL-H privileges and limitations.
We train in the Schweizer 300C, a piston-powered helicopter with a fully articulated rotor system. It is one of the most widely used training helicopters in the world, trusted by both military and civilian flight schools. The 300C provides excellent feedback to the student and teaches precise manual control skills that transfer directly to larger, turbine-powered aircraft. See our full fleet on the aircraft page.
Yes. Pelican Flight Training has trained students from over 80 countries and provides full support for international enrollment. We assist with F1 student visa applications, TSA AFSP security clearance, and SEVIS registration. Our admissions team guides you through every step of the process. Visit our international students page for a complete guide to enrolling from abroad.
Part 141 training follows an FAA-approved structured curriculum with regular stage checks and more oversight. Part 61 offers more flexible scheduling and pacing. Pelican Flight Training is approved for both Part 141 and Part 61, so you can choose the structure that best fits your goals and timeline. Part 141 training may qualify for reduced hour requirements for certain certificates. Learn more about our approvals on the accreditation page.
The PPL-H is Step 1 in your helicopter career. After adding an Instrument Rating and earning your Commercial Pilot License, career options include EMS air ambulance, helicopter tours, offshore oil and gas transport, law enforcement and search and rescue, corporate transport, and agricultural aviation. Most entry-level helicopter jobs require 200–500 hours total time. The fastest way to build hours is to become a CFI. Explore the next step at our Commercial Pilot License page.
Join Pelican Flight Training and earn your Private Pilot License in as little as 2 months. Our experienced instructors are ready to get you in the air.
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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.
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