FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the first step I should take in becoming a helicopter pilot?
How long does it take to obtain all the ratings necessary to become a professional helicopter pilot – Private, Commercial, Instrument, CFI & CFII?
How much will it cost to obtain my helicopter license?
Why is there not a specific cost? Do some people exceed $65,000?
How do I finance my helicopter flight training?
Can I get student loans to cover the entire cost of helicopter flight training?
How many ratings are required to work as a professional helicopter pilot and what are they?
How many flight instructors does Silverhawk have on staff?
How often does the average student attend class weekly?
How is the housing situation in Idaho, and does Silverhawk provide housing?
What are the helicopter career opportunities?
What is the average salary for a helicopter pilot?
Do I need any paperwork before becoming a helicopter student?
Does Silverhawk offer degrees?
Why should I choose Silverhawk over other helicopter flight schools?
What is the first step I should take in becoming a helicopter pilot?
We recommend taking a discovery flight. A discovery flight is one hour long with half an hour one-on-one ground training and half an hour hands-on flying in the Robinson R22. This will really determine if this is what you want to do for a living and give you an inside look as to how the school works.
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How long does it take to obtain all the ratings necessary to become a professional helicopter pilot – Private, Commercial, Instrument, CFI & CFII?
An average student takes a year to get all five ratings. Because your training is one-on-one, you are not at the mercy of other students or of a set class schedule. You can go as fast or slow as you would like and as you feel comfortable.
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How much will it cost to obtain my helicopter license?
It depends on which certificates you want to obtain and your own personal pace. We are a one-on-one flight school where you schedule your own flight training lessons based on how much time you can devote to training. We are open seven days a week at all hours of the day to accommodate your pace and your life. If you decide to do the recommended five certificates it would cost around $60,000 to $65,000 and 200 hours of helicopter flight time. We have posted costs based on FAA minimums in Flight Training > Programs and Pricing.
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Why is there not a specific cost? Do some people exceed $65,000?
It depends on the certain individual. If the student comes to class unprepared or irregularly, it will take more ground school, which costs more. If the student does not pass his lesson the instructor will advise another ground session. So yes, some do exceed $65,000 not due to Silverhawk, but rather due to the individual's level of preparedness and ability to master flight maneuvers efficiently.
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How do I finance my helicopter flight training?
You can finance through student loans. Silverhawk offers loans through a variety of companies. We would recommend trying to get a loan through Sallie Mae first. You can access Sallie Mae at their website www.slmfinancial.com. You can fill out an application online and receive a response concerning your loan eligibility within 24 hours.
Another great source for loans and scholarships is the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. You can get up to $25,000 of assistance through AOPA's Flight Training Funds program. You will also have access to many other sources and benefits by joining AOPA as a student pilot.
If you are interested in finishing or adding a rating and need financing on a smaller scale, we offer financing through Pilot Finance.
If you are taking courses online through Utah Valley University, you will have an opportunity to get a student loan through their global aviation department, and the loans are much easier to acquire for our school. In addition, you may be eligible for living expense loans through other lenders while enrolled.
We also offer military benefits through Veteran Administration Benefits, and alternative careers for Idaho Farmer sponsored by the University of Idaho. Scholarships & Grants.
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Can I get student loans to cover all $60,000 of helicopter flight training?
It depends on the loan company and your credit rating. You will need to apply online first before it is determined how much you will receive. Many loan companies will only loan $20,000 at a time and then have you reapply for the remaining funds.
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How many ratings are required to work as a professional helicopter pilot and what are they?
There are five ratings:
- Private: You are able to fly alone and with friends
- Commercial: You are able to start making money by flying others Ex. Tours
- Instrument: Most companies are requiring that their helicopter pilots obtain this in order to work for them. This is where the student learns to fly using only the instruments. It is very useful in scenarios of low visibility and fog.
- CFI: Certified Flight Instructor. You can teach others which helps builds your hours and flight skills.
- CFII: An instructor that can teach instrument instruction.
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How many flight instructors does Silverhawk have on staff?
There are currently seven instructors with two full time mechanics.
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How many helicopters does Silverhawk have?
Four R22, which you fly during private, commercial and CFI training.
Three R44, which you fly during Instrument and CFII training.
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How often does the average student attend class weekly?
Silverhawk lets the student work at their own pace but we would recommend coming in 3–5 times a week with 2–4 hour blocks.
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How is the housing situation in Idaho, and does Silverhawk provide housing?
Silverhawk does not provide housing, but we do our best to research and keep an eye out for our students. The Treasure Valley has many affordable housing opportunities in the area with an average student spending $300–$400 a month while sharing with a roommate. If you need a roommate, we will do our best to find you a suitable roommate.
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What are the helicopter career opportunities?
The helicopter industry is expected to grow 60% in the next ten years with more and more jobs being created that involve the use of helicopters. There are a variety of jobs including law enforcement, fire fighting, search and rescue, charters, offshore oil-rig support, drug abatement, air ambulance/EMS, tours, electronic newsgathering, flight instruction, aerial photography, utility/heavy lifting. See Career Outlook.
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What is the average salary for a helicopter pilot?
Around $67,000. See Career Outlook.
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Do I need any paperwork before becoming a helicopter student?
New students are required to complete the Silverhawk Aviation Academy Application for Admission form along with the processing fee.
During initial training students are required to pass a flight physical and obtain a medical certificate, which is your student pilot’s license. The medical must be competed before any solo flight. We can provide you with a list of many medical companies all over Idaho that offer this certificate.
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Does Silverhawk offer degrees?
If you go through Utah Valley University, they offer four different degree options: Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Professional Pilot, and a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management with an emphasis in aviation. Contact Silverhawk Aviation Academy staff or visit the Utah Valley University website at www.uvscaviation.com to learn more about the programs.
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Why should I choose Silverhawk over other helicopter flight schools?
While every school will list the preceived advantages to attending their flight program, we have come up with some very convincing fact that should place Silverhawk Aviation Academy at the top of your list ... Advantages.
And if you are still not convinced that Silverhawk is the right place for you, listen to what past students who are currently working as professional helicopter pilots are saying about their experience with us ... Testimonials.
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Please feel free to call or write us with any questions you may have concerning the process of obtaining or renewing your helicopter licenses with Silverhawk Aviation Academy.
208.453.8577
fly@silverhawkaviation.net
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