Costs, Financing, Scholarships
Helicopter Training Costs, Financing & Scholarships
Plan your journey with clear costs, flexible financing, and scholarship options to make your aviation dreams achievable.
- Discovery Flights
- R22 – $240 (200 lb max)
- R44 – $380 (275 lb max)
- R22 - $475/hour, Block Rate (10 hours): $400/hour
- R44 - $675/hour, Block Rate (10 hours): $600/hour
- Ground Instruction - $50/hour
* These prices are based on the minimum hours the FAA requires to receive your license. Learning to fly a helicopter is challenging, and often students need more than the minimum hours required in order to gain the skills necessary to be a proficient pilot.
- R22 - $400 × 40 hours = $16,000
- Ground Instruction - $50 × 25 hours = $1,250
- Checkride = $1,000
- Total (R22): $18,250
- R44 - $600 × 40 hours = $24,000
- Ground Instruction - $50 × 25 hours = $1,250
- Checkride = $1,000
- Total (R44): $26,250
- R44 - $600 × 40 hours = $24,000
- Ground Instruction - $50 × 25 hours = $1,250
- Checkride = $1,000
- Total (R44): $26,250
- R22 - $400 × 110 hours = $44,000
- Ground Instruction - $50 × 35 hours = $1,750
- Checkride = $1,000
- Total (R22): $46,750
- R44 - $600 × 110 hours = $66,000
- Ground Instruction - $50 × 35 hours = $1,750
- Checkride = $1,000
- Total (R44): $68,750
* Note: these numbers are for each individual certification.
- R22 - $400 × 15 hours = $6,000
- Ground Instruction - $50 × 20 hours = $1,000
- Checkride = $1,000
- Total (R22): $8,000
- R44 - $600 × 15 hours = $9,000
- Ground Instruction - $50 × 15 hours = $1,000
- Checkride = $1,000
- Total (R44): $11,000
* For people who are already rated helicopter pilots, but needing an SFAR 73 endorsement for purposes of flight review or employment.
- R22 - $400 × 10 hours = $4,000
- Ground Instruction - $50 × 1 hour = $50
- R44 - $600 × 10 hours = $6,000
- Ground Instruction - $50 × 1 hour = $50
* These prices are based on the minimum hours the FAA requires to receive your license. Learning to fly a helicopter is challenging, and often students need more than the minimum hours required in order to gain the skills necessary to be a proficient pilot.
- Private Pilot Add-On (R22) - $400 × 30 hours = $12,000
- Private Pilot Add-On (R44) - $600 × 30 hours = $18,000
- Ground Instruction - $50 × 10 hours = $500
- Checkride = $1,000
- Commercial Add-On (R22) - $400 × 50 hours = $20,000
- Commercial Add-On (R44) - $600 × 50 hours = $30,000
- Ground Instruction - $50 × 10 hours = $500
- Checkride = $1,000
Flexible Financing Options
We’ve partnered with Flight Training Finance to help students pursue their aviation goals through affordable and flexible payment plans. Their team specializes in financing for aviation schools nationwide, making it easier to start training without large upfront costs.
- Simple online application
- Fast approval process
- Serving over 1,000 flight schools nationwide
- Helped more than 6,000 aspiring pilots
Scholarships & Financial Resources
Numerous scholarships and programs are available to help aspiring helicopter pilots reduce the financial burden of training. Explore aviation-specific grants, loans, and organizations that support new and returning students.
Financing Programs
Industry Resources
- Helicopter Association International
- Aircraft Owners & Pilot Association
- National Business Aviation Association
- FAA Scholarships & Grants