Private Pilot Helicopter Requirements

For a helicopter rating a person must:

*log at least 40 hours of flight time
including at least 20 hours of flight training
3 hours of cross-country flight training in a helicopter;
3 hours of night flight training in a helicopter that includes--

(i) One cross-country flight of over 50 nautical miles total distance; and

(ii) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight

in the traffic pattern) at an airport.

10 hours of solo flight time in a helicopter, consisting of at least--

(i) 3 hours cross-country time;

(ii) One solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance, with

landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight being a

straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and

landing locations; and

(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving

a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

To be eligible for a private pilot certificate, a person must:

Be at least 17 years of age.
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
Receive flight training
Meet the aeronautical experience requirements (Airplane license not required)
Pass the required knowledge test (Find testing centers here)
Pass a practical test
Hold at least a Third Class Medical (Pass a flight physical) Find a M E here

Note: You do NOT have to have a fixed wing license to obtain a helicopter license.
*These are the minimums required by law. Most people take an average of 60 hours
to obtain a private pilot certificate.

Any student commencing a training regimen leading to (a) a sport pilot, recreational
pilot, or private pilot rating; (b) a multi engine rating; or (c) an instrument rating, must
prove U.S. citizenship or receive TSA clearance prior to beginning flight training.