Helicopter Add-On Ratings

Already learned to fly in airplanes? You can "add-on" a helicopter rating with fewer hours of training than required of pilots without certification in another category of aircraft. Due North Aviation has extensive experience working with pilots who are familiar with airplanes and how to best utilize your already learned skills to make the transition to helicopters.

For a Private Pilot Add-On Rating, you are required to have:

• 30 total hours of flight time in helicopters, including, at least:
  • 20 hours of flight time with a Certified Flight Instructor, or "CFI" ("dual" flight time)
  • 10 hours of flight time as the sole occupant of the helicopter ("solo" flight time)
  • 3 hours of "Cross-Country" training, or learning to navigate between airports at least 25 miles away from your home airport
  • 3 hours of training at night
• You are not required to pass a written examination for an Add-On Rating
• Pass a "flight test" and oral examination by a designated pilot examiner which examines your ability to perform specific maneuvers and understanding of subject area related to being a pilot

For a Commercial Pilot Add-On Rating, you are required to have:

• 55 total hours of flight time in helicopters, including, at least:
  • 20 hours of flight time with a Certified Flight Instructor, or "CFI" ("dual" flight time)
  • 35 hours of "Pilot-In-Command" flight time
  • 10 hours of flight time as the sole occupant of the helicopter ("solo" flight time)
  • Meet other Commercial-Pilot requirements for Cross-Country, Night, and Solo flight time
• Pass a multiple-choice written examination (typically administered by computer) on material related to that required of a Commercial Pilot
• You are not required to pass a written examination for an Add-On Rating

Is it typical to earn the Add-On Rating in the minimum number of required hours of flight time?

It largely depends on how much and what type of experience you have in other categories of aircraft. We find that pilots who have earned their Instrument Rating in airplanes typically transition more quickly to helicopters because of the refined "touch" required of that type of operation, and you recently you've flown plays a large part in the transition. That said, we've had a number of pilots with airplane experience earn their Add-On ratings at or very near the minimum experience required.

Are your instructors familiar with airplanes and how best to teach a pilot transitioning from airplanes?

Though we specialize in helicopter flight training, all of our instructors have experience in airplanes and can appreciate the specific differences between the different types of skills required to pilot both categories of aircraft. We have worked with numerous pilots who have transitioned from airplanes to helicopters and will build on your aeronautical knowledge in airplanes while developing good helicopter skills and working to distinguish your airplane "habits" from those needed to be a safe helicopter pilot.