Helicopter Rates & Training Program Costs
Estimate helicopter training cost and understand how helicopter flight training pricing is typically structured: aircraft time, instructor time, ground study, testing, and examiner fees. These are price examples to help you plan your budget for helicopter lessons and program paths.
New to training? Start at the helicopter pilot training homepage, review helicopter flight training courses, and then use financial aid guidance to build a timeline-based budget.
What Drives Helicopter Training Cost
Most helicopter flight school costs come down to the same fundamentals: aircraft time, instructor time, and how efficiently you train. Consistency typically reduces re-learning and helps keep total hours closer to minimums.
| Cost Component | What It Includes |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Time | Flight time in the training helicopter during your helicopter lessons. |
| Instructor Time | In-flight instruction and pre/post-briefs for helicopter flight training. |
| Ground Study | Knowledge prep, test prep, and standards-based curriculum support. |
| Testing & Checkrides | Written exams, endorsements, and examiner fees for practical tests. |
| Training Efficiency | Gaps in training often increase total hours required. |
Related pages: Private (PPL-H), Commercial (CPL-H), Career Pilot / CFI, Cost Guide.
Rates at a Glance
Program Totals (Cost Examples)
Quick totals for common helicopter pilot training paths. Select a program to jump to the full line-item breakdown.
*Cost examples based on standard prices fulfilling minimum requirements. Total cost varies with proficiency, training consistency, and checkride readiness. See each section for line items and notes.
Robinson R-22 Private Pilot Initial (Part 61) — Cost Example
A structured example for planning a Private helicopter license (PPL-H) budget.
| Item | Per Hour | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Hrs. Flight Instruction | $350 | $10,500.00 |
| 10 Hrs. Solo Flight Time | $350 | $3,500.00 |
| HeliGroundSchool.com | $500 | $500.00 |
| Books & Materials | n/a | $225.00 |
| Private Written Exam | n/a | $100.00 |
| FAA Examiner’s Fee | n/a | $600.00 |
| Medical Exam | n/a | $150.00 |
| TOTAL | $15,575.00* |
*Course price example based on standard prices fulfilling the minimum requirements. The average student may need more training. Verify current pricing at your preferred training location.
Commercial Pilot Helicopter (for those with a Private Helicopter rating) — Cost Example
A cost example for progressing from Private to Commercial helicopter pilot training.
| Item | Per Hour | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Hrs. Flight Instruction | $275 | $8,250.00 |
| 70 Hrs. Flight Time | $275 | $19,250.00 |
| 35 Hrs. Ground Instruction | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Commercial Written Exam | n/a | $150.00 |
| FAA Examiner’s Fee | n/a | $600.00 |
| TOTAL | $28,250.00* |
*Cost example. Total hours and completion time vary with training frequency and proficiency.
Helicopter Add-On (for those with Commercial Airplane rating) — Cost Example
A cost example for transitioning into rotorcraft for experienced airplane pilots.
| Item | Per Hour | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 40 Hrs. Flight Instruction | $350 | $14,000.00 |
| 10 Hrs. Solo Flight Time | $275 | $2,500.00 |
| 20 Hrs. Ground Instruction | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Commercial Written Exam | n/a | $0.00 |
| FAA Examiner’s Fee | n/a | $500.00 |
| TOTAL | $17,000.00* |
*Cost example. Verify current pricing at your preferred training location.
Robinson R-22 Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) — Course & Fees
CFI training is commonly the bridge to hour-building and professional helicopter pilot pathways.
| Item | Per Hour | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Course (taught one-on-one by senior pilots) | n/a | $6,500.00 |
| Flying billed hourly (R-22) | $300/hour | |
| Fundamentals of Instruction Exam | n/a | $100.00 |
| Certified Flight Instructor Exam | n/a | $100.00 |
| FAA Examiner’s Fee | n/a | $500.00 |
| TOTAL (Course & Fees) | $7,200.00* |
*Course and fees total excludes flight time billed hourly.
Helicopter Career Pilot Program — Cost Example
A cost example for a structured professional pathway toward Commercial and CFI goals.
| Item | Per Hour | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 40 Hrs. Flight Instruction | $350 | $14,000.00 |
| 260 Hrs. Solo Flight Time | $275 | $71,500.00 |
| CFI Course | n/a | $7,200.00 |
| Private Written Exam | n/a | $150.00 |
| FAA Examiner’s Fee | n/a | $600.00 |
| TOTAL | $93,450.00* |
*Cost example. Total hours vary; request a plan to estimate budget by schedule.
Robinson R-22 Private Pilot Add-On (Part 61) — Cost Example
A cost example for adding a Private helicopter category/class to an existing certificate.
| Item | Per Hour | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Hrs. Flight Instruction | $350 | $7,000.00 |
| 10 Hrs. Solo Flight Time | $350 | $3,500.00 |
| Books & Materials | n/a | $225.00 |
| Private Written Exam | n/a | $150.00 |
| FAA Examiner’s Fee | n/a | $600.00 |
| TOTAL | $11,475.00* |
*Cost example. Verify the current price at your preferred training location.
Helicopter Rates FAQ
Next steps: Compare Flight Training Courses or start with Private Helicopter Pilot Training (PPL-H).