Runway Not Required.
Focused, no-nonsense training for tomorrow’s helicopter professionals.
Why Fly Helicopters?
Flying helicopters is a thrilling challenge demanding precision and finesse. Helicopters are incredibly versatile—providing critical support in emergencies, VIP transport, a convenient way to access a remote property, and much more. Whether you’re adventuring where airplanes can’t or taking the first step in a dynamic and exciting career, this journey begins with a Private Pilot certificate.
Course Summary
Our Private Pilot – Helicopter course is a comprehensive program that empowers aspiring rotorcraft pilots by developing the knowledge and mindsets required for safe, proficient flying. The course covers essential topics through short video lectures and practical, real-world scenarios. You’ll learn how helicopters work, how to control them, and how to operate them in the U.S. regulatory environment. Graduates will be prepared to excel in the FAA Private Pilot Helicopter Knowledge Test (PRH) and, most importantly, develop the critical thinking and decision-making skills vital for confident and safe helicopter operations.
Course Philosophy
Skilled pilots are trained, not born. We focus on providing the academic rigor and critical thinking challenges that prepare students for success, leaving their flight instructors free to concentrate on mastery in the air. Our mission is to ensure students are ready to rise to every challenge.
Here’s what’s in your course.
Simple, Effective Lectures
Concise online lectures that use a virtual blackboard to help you grasp complex helicopter concepts.
Study Resources
Full-cover handouts to help you visualize helicopter aerodynamics, weather theory, human factors, and more!
Safety-Focused
We thoroughly distinguish between what’s legal and what’s safe.
In-depth Aerodynamics
Comprehensive discussion of helicopter aerodynamics so that pilots understand the “why” behind the “what.”
Helicopter Flying Mindset
The right mindset is critical to flying helicopters safely.
Expert Instructors
Learn from a team of experienced instructors including our helicopter expert Jonathan Killea.
Hands-On Practice
Apply theory through real-world scenarios and practice exercises.
Mobile Learning
Study on the go with our iOS App.
Flexible Schedule
Customize your study pace to fit your schedule.
Peer Support
Join classroom groups for collaborative learning.
Messaging System
Ask your instructors questions through our built-in messaging system.
Resource Library
Access an extensive library of custom-made learning resources.
Lifetime Updates
We routinely improve and update course material.
FAA Knowledge Test Prep
Take the Private Pilot – Helicopter (PRH) Knowledge Test with confidence!
Course Overview
Learning Objectives
- Learn to prioritize safety and risk management in all aspects of helicopter flying.
- Develop a fundamental understanding of airmanship, enhancing decision-making and judgment in piloting.
- Master the core concepts of aerodynamics, which are essential for effective flying.
- Acquire the knowledge required to excel in the FAA Private Pilot Helicopter Knowledge Test (PRH).
- Attain a deep understanding of core aviation principles and regulations.
- Enhance personal preparation for flight lessons, decreasing training costs.
- Develop critical thinking skills applicable to piloting decisions.
Time Commitment
Plan at least 40-50 hours of dedicated study.
Quizzes & Exams
Review quizzes for each topic, with two final exams before graduation.
Graduation Requirements
Complete all course material and pass two final exams with scores of 90% or better.
Course Content
Course Instructor
Jonathan Killea
Jonathan is a helicopter Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/I) with experience in flight instruction, air tours, and commercial surveys, including power line and wind farm surveys, wildlife population censuses, raptor nest location, and photography flights.
He has also served as a sensor operator conducting surveillance flights in the Cessna 210/206, Airbus H125, and MQ-9 UAS, and is an Airline Transport Pilot on the Canadair Regional Jet.
Launch Sale! $208 Lifetime Access
Private Pilot – Helicopter Course
Ready for the challenge? We’re ready to help you meet it.
Your course includes:
- Lessons focused on flying helicopters safely in the real world.
- Access to the Resources Directory.
- The Helicopter Classroom.
- A team of instructors who are just a message away.
- Scenario-based lessons to help you apply your understanding of concepts.
- Over 800 review and pracitce test questions to evaluate your progress.
- Course access from our free iOS app.
Hustling? Save money by paying monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How many study hours should I dedicate to the Private Pilot Helicopter course?
We recommend 40 study hours for this course, although the required amount will vary for each individual’s learning pace and study frequency.
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Do you have to fly airplanes before you can train in a helicopter?
No, many pilots are rated in helicopters only.
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Do helicopters have different airspace from airplanes?
Nope. Helicopters typically fly lower, but they operate in the same airspace classifications.
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Are helicopters more challenging to fly than airplanes?
Not necessarily, and this is dependent on each individual. Helicopters may be more challenging to start on, but once learned, it’s very instinctual.
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What is ground school?
Ground school is often overlooked but essential to flying legally and safely. Learning to fly is more than just operating the aircraft. It’s understanding the aircraft’s systems, federal regulations, weather, decision-making, and more that go into safe aircraft operations. Aspiring pilots must pass a written exam on these topics, but ideally, they will study beyond the minimum required to pass the test. “Ground School” is the term used for studying these subject areas, as opposed to the flying portions of training.
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Does this course include a Knowledge Test Endorsement?
Yes. Graduates of our Private Pilot Helicopter course receive a PRH Knowledge Test Endorsement upon graduation. For this, we require students to pass the two Knowledge Test Practice Exams at the end of this course with two scores of at least 90%.
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Do you offer a free trial?
Instead of a free trial, we offer a 7-day money-back guarantee. If you are dissatisfied with the course, you may cancel and receive a full refund, no questions asked.
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May I cancel my subscription anytime?
Yes, for users of our Starter or Learner packages, you can cancel any time by going to the left sidebar, clicking “My Account” and then “Subscriptions,” and clicking cancel. You may also use this section to update payment options or upgrade your subscription. And, in a pinch, you can always reach us at support@flightapprentice.com
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How is the course content delivered? Are there live sessions, or are they all pre-recorded?
Course content is primarily written, with blackboard-style, pre-recorded lecture videos to explain challenging topics. We supplement that with visual handouts, study guides, and practice exercises. Throughout the course, our #1 focus is simplicity. We want students to intuitively understand concepts so that they can apply their knowledge in flight.
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Can I access the course material on mobile devices?
Yes. We ensure a seamless experience between desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, either in a web browser or, for iOS users, our iPhone/iPad app.
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What support is available to students during the course?
As much as they need. We maintain small class sizes to ensure that we can support our learners, and students can direct message Jonathan or other instructors and ask questions in our helicopter classroom forum.
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How often is the course content updated?
We aim to provide a continually improving exceptional ground school experience that translates into real-world excellence. We routinely audit our course material, making even the most minor updates to enhance learning. At a minimum, we update course material several times per year, often far more frequently.
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What qualifications do the instructors have?
Jonathan is an FAA Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) in helicopters and airplanes, with experience in the Hughes H-269C, Robinson R-22 and R-44, and the Bell 206. He’s also a pilot for a U.S. Airline and an Honor Graduate of the University of North Dakota John D. Odegard College of Aeronautical Sciences.
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What outcomes can I expect after completing this course?
Graduates who study diligently to master the material can expect to finish the course strong in the academic fundamentals and comfortably pass their PRH Knowledge Test. Most importantly, this foundation empowers them to excel in flight training and lower overall training costs.