Pacific Northwest flight training
Helicopter flight training around Portland, Oregon
One-to-one instruction in Robinson R22, R44 and R66 helicopters, from your first hover to your checkride. I was chief instructor at a Part 141 helicopter school. Now I teach independently.
Ask about trainingExperience
1,000+ hoursInstructing and flying in the Robinson R22, R44 and R66.
CFI and CFIIFAA commercial helicopter pilot and flight instructor, rated to teach both visual and instrument flying.
Former chief instructorLed the flight training at a Part 141 helicopter school near Portland.
From student to chief instructor
- Student pilot
- Lead dispatcher
- Flight instructor
- Operations manager
- Chief instructor
What I teach
Private Pilot – Helicopter
Rotorcraft category, helicopter rating. From your first lesson through to the checkride.
Commercial Pilot – Helicopter
Rotorcraft category, helicopter rating. Precision maneuvers, autorotations and checkride preparation.
Instrument Rating – Helicopter
Instrument flying, approaches and checkride preparation in the helicopter.
Flight Reviews and IPCs
Helicopter flight reviews and instrument proficiency checks to keep you current.
CFI and CFII – Helicopter
Flight instructor certificate with a rotorcraft–helicopter rating, plus the instrument–helicopter instructor rating.
Common questions
Where do you teach?
I'll meet you at any airport in the greater Portland–Vancouver area, in Oregon or Washington.
How much does it cost?
My instruction starts at $89 an hour. That's my rate as your instructor; the helicopter is a separate hourly cost.
How do I get started?
Get your FAA medical certificate first, so you know you can get one before you spend time and money on lessons. After that, just bring a positive attitude and be ready to learn.
How long does a private license take?
Starting from zero, plan on about 3–4 months if you can fly a few times a week. Weather and availability make the biggest difference. The FAA minimum is 40 flight hours, and most of my students completed their training in 50–65 hours.
How much studying is involved?
Expect about two hours of study for every hour in the air. The ground knowledge matters as much as the flying. Most of it happens on your own time, with regular check-ins with me to keep you on track.
Ask about training
Tell me where you are with your training and what you'd like to do next, and I'll get back to you.
Prefer email? Write to info@heli-pilot.com.