Professional Helicopter pilot Program

Helicopter Aviation 101: Private Pilot Certification Course
Helicopter Aviation 201: Commercial Pilot Certification Course
Helicopter Aviation 202: Instrument Rating Course
Helicopter Aviation 301: Flight Instructor Certification Course
Helicopter Aviation 302: Flight Instructor Instrument Certification Course

Advanced training for professional pilots

Helicopter Aviation 401: Turbine Transition Course
Helicopter Aviation 402: Advanced Mountain Flying Course
Helicopter Aviation 403: Long Line/ External Load Cours

Fixed Wing pilots Add On Program

Helicopter Aviation 110: Private Pilot Certification Course Add On
Helicopter Aviation 112: Instrument Rating Add On Course
Helicopter Aviation 210: Commercial Pilot Certification Course Add On
Helicopter Aviation 310: Flight Instructor Certification Course Add On
Helicopter Aviation 312: Flight Instructor Instrument Certification Course Add On

Tuition & Other estimated expenses

Our most popular packages are listed below. Your situation might be different than what is listed; in that case please contact us and we can customize a training package for you

Professional Pilot Program

135 hrs - Dual instruction (R22)
30 hrs - Solo flight (R22)
25 hrs - Dual instruction (R44)
20 hrs - Dual instruction in FAA Approved FTD (Flight Training Device)
10 hrs - Bell 206 or MD500 Turbine Transition/Mountain Flying
165 hrs - Ground instruction (Average)
TOTAL $76,525

Fly For Fun

30 hrs - Dual instruction
10 hrs - Solo flight
30 hrs - Ground instruction
TOTAL $12, 800

certificates and ratings defined

PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE

This is the basic rating required for all pilots. If you want to carry passengers, you must hold this certification. All other ratings in the program build off of this one.

COMMERCIAL PILOT CERTIFICATE

To be paid as a professional pilot, you must obtain this certificate. Although it means you can work as a pilot, most students continue their education through CFII in order to be more employable. Don't be discouraged though, this certification represents a significant achievement. However, there are additional ratings you’ll want to get before seeking a career.

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE (CFI)

The CFI will enable you to teach other Private, Commercial, and eventually CFI students in the air and on the ground. Your first job out of flight school will probably be as an instructor, which is why we include this training in our curriculum.

INSTRUMENT RATING

This rating will enable you to fly the aircraft referencing only the instrument panel, allowing you to safely navigate through clouds or other areas with limited visibility. In today’s job market, most employers require this rating.

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR INSTRUMENT RATING (CFII)

With this rating you’ll be able to teach instrument and CFII students. The rating adds depth to your skills and solidifies what you have learned as well as looking great on your resume. Many schools require this rating in order to be employed as an instructor.

airline transport pilot (ATP)

The ATP rating is the Eagle Scout rank of the aviation world. The candidate must meet certain requirements including 1,200 hours total time and possess both a Commercial Certificate and Instrument Rating. Matt, Chief Flight Instructor at Mountain Ridge, holds an ATP rating.

external load training

External Load, or long line training, teaches you how to lift and move an external load. This skill will help you find work in utility operations such as: logging, emergency evacuation and transporting objects in and out of remote locations. This training should be done by more experienced pilots. Ideally, you would have the company you work for cover the cost of this training, but we offer it to those who want to improve their resume or want to try it out.

high altitude training

All training at Mountain Ridge Helicopters is high altitude. This course is offered to those who trained closer to sea level. In high altitudes, aircraft and engine performance is less than optimal. The ability to fly in all elevations will open up additional career possibilities and make you a more versatile pilot.

turbine transistion

With access to an MD500E and Bell 206 Series aircraft, Mountain Ridge offers a turbine transition course. This course consists of ground instruction that covers systems, performance and emergency procedures. The course can be easily altered to fit the needs of the student. In most cases, 1,000 hour piston trained pilots will receive a turbine transition course from a commercial operator, but may want an introduction to the aircraft.