Training / Programs
Silverhawk Aviation Academy offers several flexible training programs to meet individual goals. Are you looking for a career or are you flying just for fun? Will you purchase an aircraft or will you rent? Will you train full time or part time? These are questions you should answer before you even begin to look at a flight school.
Certifications
There are 3 basic training tracks to consider:
(1) Professional Pilot Program;
(2) Recreational/Personal Use Program; or
(3) College Degree.
At Silverhawk Aviation Academy, instructional areas include Ground School, Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI and CFII). Turbine Transitions and add-on ratings are also available.
The Professional Pilot Program is for those who are seeking a career as a helicopter pilot. It includes earning your Commercial Pilot license with instrument rating, plus your Certified Flight Instructor certificate. All those who have have completed our Professional Helicopter Pilot Program at Silverhawk have successfully gained employment as helicopter pilots.
FAA Approved
Silverhawk Aviation Academy is the only Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved PART 141 Helicopter Flight School in Idaho. This refers to the PARTS of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) under which the school operates. PART 141 schools are audited regularly by the FAA and must have an FAA approved syllabus and course of study. Flight schools are subject to specified performance rates to maintain authorization to train students under PART 141.
It is also possible to learn under PART 61 rules. For the Private Helicopter Pilot Certificate, the fundamental difference is the minimum flight time required. However, the actual time it takes depends on individual abilities and frequency of flying.
Silverhawk Aviation Academy is authorized to provide training under both sets of rules. It is important to decide which program works best for you. Training under PART 61 can offer more flexibility in lesson content and sequence, which can be an asset for part-time students. On the other hand, Veteran’s benefit (VA) eligibility and some financial aid programs qualify only under PART 141. For assistance in selecting the program best suited to your needs, contact catherine@silverhawkaviation.net
Certificates and Costs
The following schedules include approximate hourly requirements* and costs for typical training programs. For questions about your specific program requirements, contact catherine@silverhawkaviation.net
Private Helicopter Pilot Certificate — PART 141
Approximate cost and training are breakdown examples.
R44
R22
Dual Training — 27 hrs
10,665
6,129
Solo Training — 8 hrs
2,840
1,520
Ground Instruction — 35 hrs
1,295
1,295
Private Pilot Training Materials
200
200
Knowledge Test Fee
90
90
Examiner Fee
500
500
Approximate Totals — US$
15,590
9,734
Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificat
WITH Instrument Rating — PART 141
Approximate cost and training are breakdown examples.
R44
R22
Dual Training — 25 hrs
9,875
5,675
Solo Training — 55 hrs
19,525
10,450
Dual Instrument Training — 35 hrs
13,825
12,950(R44)
Ground Instruction — 30 hrs
1,110
1,110
Instrument Ground — 30 hrs
1,200
1,200
Computerized FAA Exam — 3 tests
270
270
Examiner's Fee
500
500
Approximate Totals — US$
46,305
33,030
Comercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate — PART 141
WITHOUT Instrument Rating
Approximate cost and training are breakdown examples.
R44
R22
Dual Training — 34 hrs
13,430
7,718
Solo Training — 76 hrs
26,980
14,440
Instrument Training — 5 hrs
1,975
1,975(R44)
Knowledge Test Fee
90
90
Ground Istruction — 30 hrs
1,110
1,110
Examiner's Fee
500
500
Approximate Totals — US$
44,085
25,833
Helicopter Instrument Rating — PART 61
Approximate cost and training are breakdown examples.
R44
R22
Dual Instrument Training — 15 hrs
5,925
--
Flight Training Device — 20 hrs
2,000
--
Ground Instruction, Instrument — 30 hrs
1,200
--
Computerized FAA Exam
90
--
Examiner's Fee
500
--
Approximate Totals — US$
9,715
--
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Approximate cost and training are breakdown examples.
R44
R22
Dual Training — 25 hrs
9,875
5,750
Ground instruction — 40 hrs
1,600
1,600
Computerized FAA Exams — 2
180
180
Examiner Fee
500
500
Approximate Totals — US$
12,155
8,030
* Completion times are based on FAA minimums. Silverhawk Aviation Academy makes neither expressed nor implied guarantees for actual time or cost to complete any rating or certificate. Idaho Sales Tax where applicable.
Earn College Credit! For students seeking college credentials, Silverhawk Aviation Academy offers an exciting opportunity to pursue an academic degree through our partnership with Utah Valley State College. This alliance provides the opportunity to earn both an Associate’s and a Bachelor’s degree in aviation online in conjunction with helicopter pilot training with Silverhawk Aviation Academy.
Utah Valley State College offers 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 UVSC website at www.uvscaviation.com to learn more about the programs.
Whether you want to pursue your private or commercial helicopter license, part 141 or Part 61 certification, CFI, CFII, or college degree, Silverhawk has a program to suit your needs.
Typical R22 Beta II instrument panel.
Typical R44 Raven instrument panel.
Silverhawk Aviation now offers external load / long-line training.