Courses
All courses are priced at average student performance and not the minimum required times for each course. Please keep in mind that many of our competitors quote the minimums and not what you may actually spend on training. Please see the Terms and Conditions for applicable discounts for excellent student performance for each course.
The Professional Pilot Program is an all inclusive program that will take a student from the beginning to a point they will be able to enter the helicopter pilot job market. Students will obtain their Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, and CFII certificates/ratings. This course is best done on a part-time basis averaging 3 lessons per week. However, some individuals may desire a faster course completion time and can accomplish all courses within as little as 10 months. Part-time students should expect an average of 24 months to complete the full program.
Airwest delivers a unique environment to any student who attends our courses by being able to see a company, from the sidelines, who works in and out of the professional helicopter world on a daily basis. Airwest’s unique base provides a relaxed learning atmosphere and a comfortable learning environment where students will be able to get up close to aircraft they may someday fly as a professional pilot and meet many of our employees who currently do.
This one of a kind surrounding and immersion into the helicopter industry is part of what we call “Real World Helicopter Training.” You will be taught the things our pilots have learned over the past so that you can learn from them and in return become a better and safer pilot.
Come fly with Airwest and you will be the best!
| Flight Hours: | 175 | Pre-Requisites: | Valid Airman's Medical Certificate. Read, Speak, and understand English.18 years of age or older |
| Flight Cost: | $54,250.00 | ||
| Ground Cost: | $10,350.00 | ||
| **Total: | $64,600.00 | ***Length: | 24 months |
| *Students will complete our private, instrumet, commercial, CFI, and CFII licenses during this program | |||
| ** Total cost will vary and depends on actual amount of Flight Time and Ground Time needed to complete courses | |||
The Private Pilot Course teaches students the basics of flying a helicopter. A student will be introduced to a variety of flight maneuvers such as hovering, takeoffs, landings, approaches, cross-country flying, airport/off airport procedures, emergency maneuvering, and smooth control coordination.
Students will also be instructed on many areas of knowledge pertaining to flight and aviation. To name a few, these areas include aerodynamics, weather, navigation, regulations, and airspace.
A Private Pilot license allows an individual to fly for pleasure and take friends and family on flights. It does not allow you to work as a professional pilot. It is also a necessary step for individuals who seek a commercial helicopter license, and can be considered a “license to learn.”
The following table is a layout of our Private Pilot Course. It includes cost, length of course, and any pre-requisites necessary to be eligible for the course.
| PRIVATE PILOT COURSE | |||
| Flight Hours: | 70 | Pre-Requisites: | Valid Airman's Medical Certificate. Read, Speak, and understand English. |
| Flight Cost: | $21,700.00 | ||
| Ground Cost: | $3,757.50 | ||
| Total: | $24,457.50 | Length: | 33 days |
| PRIVATE PILOT ADD-ON | |||
| Flight Hours: | 45 | Pre-Requisites: | Valid Airman's Medical Certificate. Private Pilot Certicate in another category of aircraft. |
| Flight Cost: | $13,950.00 | ||
| Ground Cost: | $2,700.00 | ||
| Total: | $16,650.00 | Length: | 23 days |
Our Enstroms have been outfitted for instrument training as well. An invaluable course, learning instruments will make any person a better pilot. Instrument training will give any pilot a more in depth understanding of our National Airspace System, services available to pilots while in the air, and a deeper understanding of reading gauges and interpreting what story they are telling. A pilot will become more precise, safer, and efficient during VFR, IFR, night, or limited visibility situations.
Many Helicopter operators, such as those in the EMS field, require pilots to have an instrument rating in order to be eligible for hiring. Also pilots flying their own equipment will generally see an insurance reduction in their premiums by having an instrument rating.
The following table is a layout of our Instrument Rating Course. It includes cost, length of course, and any pre-requisites necessary to be eligible for the course.
| INSTRUMENT RATING COURSE | |||
| Flight Hours: | 50 | Pre-Requisites: | Valid Airman's Medical Certificate. Passed Instrument Knowledge Exam. |
| Flight Cost: | $15,500.00 | ||
| Ground Cost: | $3,015.00 | ||
| Total: | $18,515.00 | Length: | 25 days |
| INSTRUMENT RATING ADD-ON | |||
| Flight Hours: | 20 | Pre-Requisites: | Valid Airman's Medical Certificate.Instrument Rating in another category of aircraft. |
| Flight Cost: | $6,200.00 | ||
| Ground Cost: | $1,800.00 | ||
| Total: | $8,000.00 | Length: | 11 days |
Our Commercial Pilot Course prepares students for the situations that a pilot may face when conducting professional flights. It is often and frequent that commercial pilots are faced with scenarios where they must make quick decisions and fly to places they have not been before. Through scenario based training, students will be given situations where they will have to decide what options are available and how they may act in various situations. This course also reemphasizes the basic and advanced maneuvers learned during your Private Pilot training and demands the students to be more proficient, smoother, and precise. Students will also learn about the privileges and limitations that a commercial pilot can exercise.
The following table is a layout of our Commercial Certificate Course. It includes cost, length of course, and any pre-requisites necessary to be eligible for the course.
| COMMERCIAL CERTIFICATE COURSE | |||
| Flight Hours: | 35 | Pre-Requisites: | Valid Airman's Medical Certificate.Passed Commercial Knowledge Exam.10 hrs Instrument Time (actual/sim.) |
| 75 hrs PIC (any category of aircraft). 125 hrs Total Flight Time. 70 hours in powered aircraft. | |||
| Flight Cost: | $10,850.00 | ||
| Ground Cost: | $2,362.50 | ||
| Total: | $13,212.50 | Length: | 17 days |
| COMMERCIAL CERTIFICATE ADD-ON | |||
| Flight Hours: | 30 | Pre-Requisites: | Valid Airman's Medical Certificate.Passed Commercial Knowledge Exam |
| 10 hrs Instrument Time (actual/sim.) 75 hrs PIC (any category of aircraft). | |||
| 125 hrs Total Flight Time. 70 hours in powered aircraft | |||
| Flight Cost: | $9,300.00 | ||
| Ground Cost: | $2,700.00 | ||
| Total: | $12,000.00 | Length: | 15 days |
CFI
For many aspiring Helicopter Pilots, becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is the way they will initially build hours and experience in order to further advance their helicopter careers. Earning a CFI requires an individual to deeply understand concepts, rules, and maneuvers involved with helicopter pilot certification. CFI students must also learn how to teach. This section of our course discusses topics such as teaching principles and psychological aspects that affect the learning process. This course has a rigorous ground training schedule in order to adequately prepare students for the CFI practical exam.
The following table is a layout of our CFI Course. It includes cost, length of course, and any pre-requisites necessary to be eligible for the course.
CFII
The CFI job market is tough and competitive and therefore many pilots will also want to earn their Certified Flight Instrument Instructor Certification. This will make any pilot more employable and a better asset to any company they work for. This benefits the instructor as well because they will be able to take more students on and therefore build more hours in a shorter amount of time.
The following table is a layout of our CFII Course. It includes cost, length of course, and any pre-requisites necessary to be eligible for the course.
| CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (CFI) COURSE | |||
| Flight Hours: | 15 | Pre-Requisites: | Valid Airman's Medical Certificate.Passed FOI knowledge exam. Passed CFI knowledge exam. Hold Commercial Pilot Certificate |
| Flight Cost: | $4,650.00 | ||
| Ground Cost: | $2,880.00 | ||
| Total: | $7,530.00 | Length: | 19 days |
| INSTRUMENT INSTRUCTOR (CFII) COURSE | |||
| Flight Hours: | 12 | Pre-Requisites: | Valid Airman's Medical Certificate.Passed CFII knowledge exam. Hold CFI-helicopter certificate |
| Flight Cost: | $3,720.00 | ||
| Ground Cost: | $1,305.00 | ||
| Total: | $5,025.00 | Length: | 9 days |
Turbine Transition
The Turbine Transition Course is for individuals who seek to log Turbine Time for several purposes. Whether you are a private pilot interested in flying a Turbine or are thinking about purchasing a turbine. It can also to be for professional pilots who seek to build their resume to help further enhance their employment opportunities.
Our Turbine Transition course emphasizes the differences between piston and turbine helicopters. Students will learn about turbine engine operations, reading power gauges, start/shutdown procedures, and performance. Flight maneuvers include normal procedures and emergency operations with an emphasis on autorotations.
The following table is a layout of our Turbine Transition Course. It includes cost, length of course, and any pre-requisites necessary to be eligible for the course.
*There are no refunds for this course. If an individual is unable to finish the course they may reschedule for a later date.
Vertical Reference/Longline
Vertical Reference aka longline, is a very difficult task that requires the full attention of a pilot during all phases of flight. Our course emphasizes on safety and gives pilots not only the chance to learn and practice in a safe environment but to learn rules to fly by for the rest of their careers. These rules come from Airwest’s vast experience performing precision longline missions. Our staff has over 100 years combined longline experience, performing missions such as Fire Suppression, Logging, Seismic, laying power line and poles, condenser lifts, and many other various missions. Learn from the best in the business and leave with a new skill set that will open new doors for your future.
The following table is a layout of our Turbine Transition Course. It includes cost, length of course, and any pre-requisites necessary to be eligible for the course.
| TURBINE TRANSITION COURSE | |||
| Flight Hours: | 5 | Pre-Requisites: | Valid Airman's Medical Certificate. Hold a Commericial Helicopter Certificate |
| Flight Cost: | $4,750.00 | ||
| Ground Cost: | $360.00 | ||
| Total: | $5,110.00 | Length: | 3 days |
| VERTICAL REFERENCE / LONGLINE COURSE | |||
| Flight Hours: | 10 | Pre-Requisites: | Valid Airman's Medical Certificate.Hold a Commercial Helicopter Certificate |
| Flight Cost: | $9,500.00 | ||
| Ground Cost: | $450.00 | ||
| Total: | $9,950.00 | Length: | 5 days |
*There are no refunds for this course. If an individual is unable to finish the course they may reschedule for a later date.
Please visit www.uvscaviation.edu for complete information regarding loans and educational programs offered through the UVU Global Aviation Degree Program.
EARN YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE IN HELICOPTER AVIATION AT AIRWEST AVIATION ACADEMY through the UVU GLOBAL AVIATION DEGREE PROGRAM
Utah Valley University provides regionally accredited aviation college degrees online through our Aviation Science Department. We provide online courses in aviation management, aviation administration, FBO management, airport management, and airline management, among many others. Get your Bachelor of Science Aviation Professional Pilot or Aviation Administration degree through our online aviation courses. Part of these courses is earning your Pilot licenses. You can complete all your ground and flight courses at Airwest Aviation Academy.
WHAT IS THE UVU GLOBAL AVIATION DEGREE PROGRAM?
- It is the distance-learning provider for Utah Valley University (UVU)
- It is an accredited university degree program, which allows you to complete all of your courses on-line after you receive your flight training
- AIRWEST AVIATION ACADEMY provides your Helicopter Flight Training
- Global Aviation Degree Program (G.A.P.D.) has Regional Accreditation
- Students that are part of the UVU Global Aviation Degree Program will have the same access to student services as students attending classes at the Utah campus. This includes job placement, recommendations, career counseling, graduation assistance and financial aid.
UVU G.A.P.D. Mission Statement
“Aviation Science at Utah Valley University provides year-round aviation education at the collegiate level. Student pilots can earn a bachelor or associate degree via online and traditional course delivery methods, while receiving flight training at flight schools. Our experienced faculty and professional instructors have helped us establish an impeccable safety record and high job placement rate.”
Please visit www.pilotfinance.com for complete information regarding loan programs offered by Pilot Finance, Inc.
Pilot Finance can help!
A privately owned company, PILOT FINANCE was started in early 1999 by experienced finance professionals . . . who love flying! Flight training financing is the only thing we do. Our programs, offered through hundreds of participating flight schools, give students the opportunity to earn their wings with affordable, level monthly payments.
You CAN afford the dream!
You can begin your life as a pilot, quickly and easily, with no money worries. Flight training financing is the ONLY thing we do. Pilot Finance offers finance programs that are:
AFFORDABLE. You won't have to come up with a fortune to begin training. You won't watch your credit card balance climb after each lesson. You won't have to consider dropping out because the costs are building up.
EASY. Our programs are available through hundreds of Part 61 and Part 141 flight schools. New schools are being added each day. Are you concerned that your school does not yet offer Pilot Finance programs? Don't worry! We can set them up in just a few days!
FAST. The entire application and approval process takes just 24 hours. We have streamlined each step. You just apply, sign, and fly!
FLEXIBLE. Pilot Finance has created a number of programs to fit your exact needs. See the examples in the PROGRAMS section of this site.
NO SURPRISES. Pilot Finance lets you earn the certificate or rating you want, with no financial shocks along the way. Everything is clearly spelled out up front.
We understand every student has different needs and circumstances. Courses can be customized to each person’s individual needs. Please contact us for individual quotes, questions, or concerns. We are happy to help in anyway.
- Prices are subject to change; please verify prices by contacting AAA
- All programs depend on student performance and aptitude. Some Students may need more flight hours than shown above
- Length of course is dependent upon course availability, student schedule, and aircraft availability
- Airwest Aviation Academy is closed on Sundays. Students and Instructors need rest. Rest is essential to learning and safe operation of aircraft. Special Circumstances may warrant training on Sunday. That decision must be made by Airwest Management only on a case-by-case basis
- In the event, a student does not pass a Practical Test (checkride) initially a retest will be scheduled. Additional training is required for checkride retest. It will take additional time to complete additional training. Retest will be completed generally within a week or less depending on nature of failure, Examiner availability, and aircraft availability
- Student Performance varies from person to person. Our Courses have been designed on what we consider “average” times to complete a course. Some persons will require more or less time than listed under each course description
- For individuals who need additional flight/ground instruction, additional costs will be accrued. Fee’s for each additional hour of Flight time is $310.00 per hour billed by the tenth. Ground instruction is billed at $45.00 per hour by the tenth
- Flight time is defined as start/stop of aircraft engine. It includes all gas fees, instructor fees, insurance, and other costs associated with the operation of the aircraft
- Ground Instruction is defined as pre-flight briefings, post-flight briefings, and classroom instruction
- For individuals who complete a course in quicker than expected a refund may be due to the student. A “Refund Schedule” is listed below. Refunds are dependent upon the total hours of flight time a student flies with Airwest for a specific course plus the amount flown during the checkride
| AIRWEST AVIATION ACADEMY | |||
| Type of Course | Number of Hours Flown | ||
| Refund Amount |
|||
| Private Pilot Course | 63-57 hrs flown | 56-49 hrs flown | 48-42 hrs flown |
| $2,170 | $4,340 | $6,820 | |
| Pvt. Add-On | 40-36 hrs flown | 35-31 hrs flown | 30-26 hrs flown |
| $1,550 | $3,100 | $3,100 | |
| Instrument Rating | 45-41 hrs flown | 40-36 hrs flown | 35-31 hrs flown |
| $1,550 | $3,100 | $4,650 | |
| Instrument Add-On | 18-17 hrs flown | 16-15 hrs flown | 14-13 hrs flown |
| $620 | $1,240 | $1,860 | |
| Commercial Pilot Course | 31-28 hrs flown | 27-24 hrs flown | 23-20 hrs flown |
| $1,240 | $2,480 | $3,720 | |
| Commerical Add-On | 27-25 hrs flown | 24-21 hrs flown | 20-17 hrs flown |
| $930 | $1,860 | $3,100 | |
| CFI | N/A | 12-11 hrs flown | 10 hrs or less |
| N/A | $930 | $1,550 | |
| CFII | N/A | 9-7 hrs flown | 6 hrs or less |
| N/A | $930 | $1,860 | |
| Turbine Transition | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| V.R. / Longline | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | |
A: Eligibility requirements are listed by the FAA and differ slightly from license to license. Generally, if you read, speak, and understand English, are 18 yrs of age or older, and can pass a FAA physical medical examination then you would be eligible to begin training.
Q: How do I get a medical certificate?
A: Medical certificates can be issued by any certified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). You can find an AME by visiting www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator. The AME will administer a physical examination usually costing $80-$100.00. If you want to fly commercially you will need a “second class medical certificate.” Private Pilots need a “third class medical certificate.” Obtaining a medical certificate should be a priority. Although most people do not have problems passing, it is a good idea to get your medical certificate on or around your class start date to ensure eligibility. For more information on medical qualifications, visit www.faa.gov/pilots/medical.
Q: Do you have to learn to fly a plane before you can learn to fly a helicopter?
A: No, you do not need to learn to fly airplanes first.
Q: How is flying a helicopter different from flying a plane?
A: You “manage” a plane and fly a helicopter. Airplanes are designed to fly naturally. Helicopters are designed to fly by constantly controlling opposing forces.
Q: Is it difficult to fly helicopters?
A: Many people are led to believe that flying helicopters is difficult. Like anything at first, it is challenging and takes a lot of practice to get it right. This “challenge” is part of the natural process of learning something new. Practice makes perfect!, and eventually you will find that a helicopter can be controlled a level of precision unparalleled by any other aircraft.
Q: Why is helicopter training more expensive than Airplane training?
A: Helicopters have a substantially higher “direct operating cost” than comparable airplanes. Due to a helicopter’s complex maintenance, higher acquisition costs, higher fuel burn rate and higher insurance a helicopters costs are higher than an airplanes.
Q: What is the current job market for helicopter pilots?
A: Demand within the industry remains high with demand continuing to climb due to more helicopters being used than ever and Vietnam –era pilots retiring. Since 1995, the number of active civilian commercial helicopter pilots has actually declined.
Q: What kind of jobs as a helicopter pilot are there?
A: There are a wide range of jobs available to Commercial Helicopter pilots such as; flight instruction, tours, offshore transport, logging, firefighting, utility, corporate charter, search and rescue, law enforcement, electronic news gathering, EMS just to name a few.
Q: What does a helicopter pilot get paid?
A: Pay varies on the type of job and location. Salaries range from $40,000 to $70,000 with management positions in the $80,000 range and higher. Benefits are often offered by companies as well.
Q: Are there any advantages to having both airplane and helicopter licenses?
A: Yes, some parts of the industry prefer a “dual” rated pilot such as; US Customs, law enforcement, and some corporate flight departments.
Q: What courses are available at AAA?
A: AAA offers a variety of courses and can accommodate nearly every student. Whether you’re a new student, transitioning student, advancing your skills, or looking to pick it up again AAA has something to offer to you. Examples of courses offered are; Private, Instrument, Commercial, Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument Instructor, Turbine Transition, Precision Long-line, and Add-on courses.
Q: How long will it take to complete my training?
A: The course length varies from person to person and largely depends on several key factors such as; how often a student attends class, individual student aptitude, and motivation. Professional pilot courses will, on average, take 20-24 months to complete, but can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Q: How often should I fly?
A: We recommend a minimum of 3 days per week. Consistency in maintaining a training schedule promotes increased retention of knowledge. Therefore, helping a student finish faster and spend less money to complete the training.
Q: How often can I fly?
A: AAA is open 6 days a week, Monday-Saturday. So it is not a problem to train 5 days a week.
Q: How is your ground school conducted?
A: Ground school is performed one-on-one with an instructor. This system allows students to learn at their own pace and around your schedule. The personal attention of an instructor will make short work of the required written and oral exams.
Q: Do you conduct check rides on site?
A: Yes, FAA practical examinations are conducted from our facility. There are no travel costs and students are familiar with the airspace.
Q: Do you do Instrument flight training?
A: Yes, Instrument training is done in our Enstrom F-28F. Equipped with up to date avionics and navigation equipment and supported by a vast array of instrument procedures near our airport. The Enstrom provides a lower cost alternative than the R-44.
Q: Do I need an instrument rating?
A: If you want to be a professional pilot we highly recommend an Instrument rating. Without an Instrument rating some jobs, like EMS, may not be available to you.
Q: Do you use simulators?
A: No, at AAA we feel that simulators do not give an accurate representation of flight situations and aircraft responses. Our hands on approach will have you in the air directly experiencing the maneuvers and systems firsthand.
Q: How does your scheduling work?
A: Scheduling depends on aircraft and instructor availability. Most scheduling is done between student and instructor. Scheduling can vary around a student’s schedule so that you can fly at your convenience.
Q: Do you offer financial aid?
A: Yes, student loans are available for AAA students through Utah Valley University Global Aviation Degree program and Pilot Finance, Inc. Please contact us for more information regarding financial aid.
Q: What job placement assistance do you offer?
A: AAA is here with you until the end. Quality training leads to quality pilots and therefore a quality reputation. We will help you find your first job in any way we can. Whether its hiring you as one of our own instructors, or helping you build a resume, interview skills, or networking with contacts we’ve built over the years in the industry.
Q: How do I get started?
A: The first thing to do is contact us by phone or email. We will then set up a meet & greet appointment where you will get a tour of our facilities, aircraft, learn about our operations, meet instructors, and discuss course options available to you. To help you determine if becoming a helicopter pilot is for you than you can get your feet wet by also doing and introductory flight lesson. Introductory flights are 30 minutes long and includes and in depth study of helicopter components taught by one of our instructors. Introductory flights are highly recommended. After the tour/flight an enrollment application must be completed and turned in. Once we receive the application. We will schedule your first lesson. Houston, we have liftoff!
Q: How many helicopters do you have?
A: We currently have 3 Enstrom F-28F’s. Class space is limited so call now for course availability.
Q: Who does your maintenance?
A: AAA is a factory certified Enstrom Repair Station and we do our own maintenance as well as serve others in aviation community.
Q: How many pilots are there certified by the FAA?
A: According to the FAA, in 2007 there were 4,179 private helicopter pilots, 7,241 Commercial helicopters pilots, 823 ATP helicopter pilots, and 1 recreational helicopter pilot.