Cirriculum

Private Pilot

At Desert Sun Helicopter Academy, our Private Pilot course is designed to achieve a real world level of training that will allow you to achieve the FAA helicopter Private Pilot certificate.  As a licensed pilot you can carry passengers as well as fly for personal pleasure.  This is a great time to share the joy of flying with friends and family as well as build time for additional ratings.

During your training to become a Private Pilot you will lay the foundation of your

technique, knowledge and judgment.  The minimum hours required by the FAA to receive this rating is 40 hours.  For most, the average time to get this rating is 50 – 60 hours.  As we do not compromise safety we do not guarantee a minimum amount of hours as it will vary on each student’s skill level.

Commercial

For the pilot that wants to fly for a career, a commercial license is the next step in becoming a professional pilot.  At this time in your training you will continue to perfect the skills already learned as a private pilot.  You will learn more advanced skills such as off airport and pinnacle landings.  Located on the high desert, Redmond is also near the cascade mountain range and has a variety of challenging flying conditions that will prepare you for the demanding environment of a professional pilot. You will also learn to pilot the R-44 as you gain instrument experience towards your rating.

Instrument

An instrument rating allows you to fly by reference to instrument flight rules (IFR).  This means you will fly by reference to instruments in the cockpit and navigate by reference to flight gauges.  Getting an instrument rating allows you to greatly expand your value as a pilot as most employers require this rating.  While you may not actually be flying in IFR conditions for many employers, it greatly expands your skills and makes you a safer pilot.  You may also work concurrently on your instrument and commercial ratings if you so desire.

CFI | CFII

As you look at many of the flight jobs out there, you notice that many require at least a thousand hours of flight time.  For most, the first flying job they receive is as a flight instructor. An emphasis is placed on instructing both on the ground and in the helicopter, as you learn proper techniques for being an effective teacher and motivator.  This is a rewarding way to build time and start your helicopter career.

As a certified instrument instructor you broaden your range and value as an instructor.  Not only are CFII’s in great demand, but the more experience you gain in the IFR environment will increase your value to future employers.