Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate
The FAA certificate that lets you get paid to fly helicopters.
Program Overview
Train Where Working Pilots Train
The Commercial Pilot License (Helicopter) is the FAA certificate required to fly helicopters for compensation. It's the gateway to charter, tour, survey, ag, EMS, and instructional careers. At Helicopter Experts you'll train under Part 141 with a syllabus refined over 30 years and an active Part 135 charter operation next door — meaning your instructors are also working commercial pilots.
Training takes place primarily in the Robinson R44 and Bell 47. Total flight time required by the FAA is 150 hours under Part 141 (or 150 hours total with specific PIC and cross-country minimums under Part 61). Our students typically complete the Commercial Pilot License in 4–8 months after their PPL.
Prerequisites
Before You Start
- Hold a Private Pilot Certificate (Helicopter)
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold an FAA Class 2 Medical (Class 1 recommended)
- Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test
Career Paths
What You Can Do With a Commercial Pilot License
- Helicopter charter (Part 135) pilot
- Tour & sightseeing pilot
- Aerial photography & cinematography
- Pipeline / powerline patrol & survey
- Wildlife & game management surveys
- Aerial application (ag spraying)
- ENG / news helicopter pilot
- Flight instruction (with CFI add-on)
Real-World Aircraft Experience
Commercial Pilot License training includes complex maneuvers, advanced autorotations, mountain ops, and turbine-transition opportunities in our R66 (when available).
Mentorship From Working Pilots
Our CFIs aren't just instructors — they fly real charter, tour, and survey missions every week. You learn how the job actually works.
Build Your Helicopter Career Here
Talk to a working commercial pilot — not a recruiter.