Helicopter Flight Training
Contact us at 530-687-6500 to schedule today!
Learn to fly where helicopters are meant to fly. Located at the gateway to the Sierra Nevada, Sky Trails Aviation gives students access to an incredible variety of real-world training environments—from canyons and mountainous terrain to confined areas and off-airport landing sites. Our training emphasizes the skills needed to confidently operate a helicopter in challenging and diverse terrain.
Helicopter Training at Sky Trails Aviation
Sky Trails offers practical, top-quality, personalized flight instruction in our fleet of Robinson Helicopters for both non-rated and rated helicopter pilots. Our students train alongside experienced career helicopter pilots who bring real-world knowledge into every lesson, providing insight that extends far beyond simply preparing for a checkride. Combined with personalized instruction and competitive training rates, Sky Trails offers professional-quality helicopter training without the premium price tag.
Discovery Flights
Experience the thrill of flight!
Whether you are an aspiring helicopter pilot or looking to experience Northern California from above, Sky Trails offers all-inclusive discovery flights in both our Robinson R22 and R44 aircraft.
ONLY $425!
Private Pilot License
To earn a Private Pilot License (Rotorcraft – Helicopter), the FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time. This includes dual instruction, solo flight, cross-country navigation, night operations, and basic instrument training. While 40 hours is the regulatory minimum, most students require additional time to build proficiency and confidence.
In addition, we estimate 20 hours of ground instruction to cover essential knowledge areas such as aerodynamics, regulations, weather, and helicopter systems.
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40 Hours (Minimum) Total Pilot Time in Helicopters Must Include:
20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor
3 hours of Cross-Country flight training
3 hours of night training to include a 50-mile Cross-Country flight with 10 take-offs and landings
10 hours of Solo flight that includes
3 hours of Solo Cross-Country flight time
1 solo Cross-Country over 100 miles with landings at 3 points
3 take-off and landings at an airport with a control tower
3 hours of training within 2 calendar months of the practical test
Pass an FAA Written “Knowledge Test” (Prior to Taking FAA Practical Flight Test)
Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test
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30 hours (minimum) Total Helicopter Time Must Include:
20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor (SFAR 73 requirement)
3 hours of Cross-Country flight training
3 hours of night training to include a 50-mile Cross-Country flight with 10 take-offs and landings
10 hours of Solo flight that includes
3 hours of Solo Cross-Country flight time
1 Solo Cross-Country over 100 miles with landings at 3 points
3 take-off and landings at an airport with a control tower
3 hours of training within 2 calendar months of the practical test
Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test
Add-on students are not required to pass the FAA written examination.
Many students choose to conduct their Private Pilot training in the R22 due to its' reduced price
Instrument Rating
The Instrument Rating for helicopters requires at least 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight time, including a minimum of 15 hours with a Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII). A critical component of this rating is an IFR cross-country flight, which must include at least three different instrument approaches at three separate airports. Only the R44 is IFR capable at this time.
Additionally, 20 hours of ground instruction are estimated to included to prepare for the knowledge test and practical application of instrument procedures.
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To qualify for an instrument rating you must possess at least a Private Pilot Rating and Must have Logged at Least 50 hours of Cross-Country Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Flight Time Which 10 Hours Must Be in A Helicopter.
40 Hours of Simulated Instrument Flight Time Must Include:
At least 15 hours with a CFII
3 hours of instrument flight training within 2 months of the practical exam
One cross-country flight with a CFII under Instrument Flight Rules that involves
A flight of 100 nautical miles along airways or by directed routing from an air traffic control facility
An Instrument Approach at each airport
Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems
Pass an FAA Written “Knowledge Test” (Prior to Taking FAA Practical Flight Test)
Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test
Commercial Pilot License
A Helicopter Commercial Pilot Certificate course teaches the skills and knowledge needed to fly helicopters for compensation or hire. The course includes flight training, ground school, and passing a practical flight test. To qualify for a Commercial Pilot License (Rotorcraft – Helicopter), the FAA mandates a total of 150 flight hours. These hours must include specific training in areas such as cross-country navigation, night flying, solo operations, and flight as Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
Commercial training can be conducted in the R44 or the R22.
We estimate 10-15 hours of ground will be needed in preparation for the oral examination.
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Before you can obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate you must be at least 18 years old and must possess a Private Pilot Helicopter Certificate.
150 hours Total Flight Time with at least 50 hours in Helicopters Must Include:
100 hours of “Pilot-in-Command” (PIC) Flight Time, which includes at least
35 hours in helicopters
10 hours Cross-Country flight in helicopters
20 hours of flight instruction that includes
5 hours of simulated instrument
2-hour 50 nautical mile daytime Cross-Country
2-hour 50 nautical mile nighttime Cross-Country
10 hours Solo flight time or 10 hours of performing the duties of pilot in command that includes
1 cross-country flight with landings at 3 points, with one segment consisting of a 50 nautical mile straight-line distance
5 hours of night flight with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings
3 hours of flight training within 2 months of the practical exam
Pass an FAA Written “Knowledge Test” (Prior to Taking FAA Practical Flight Test)
Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test
Certified Flight Instructor
Don’t just fly for yourself – become a teacher and inspire others to fly!Our experienced instructors will guide you through ground school, flight training, and prepare you to pass the practical flight test. With this certification, you’ll be able to teach students the joy and freedom of flight, while expanding your own career opportunities.
There is no minimum hour requirement to become a Flight Instructor, but you must hold a current Commercial Pilot License and Instrument Rating. We estimate 10-15 flight hours and 20 hours of ground in preparation for your checkride and to feel confident stepping into your role as a CFI.
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Be at least 18 years of age at the time of your FAA examination
Hold a Commercial Pilot Helicopter Certificate or ATP Certificate
Hold at least a FAA Class III medical certificate
Pass two FAA written examinations on
Fundamentals of Instruction
Certified Flight Instructor Knowledge test
3 Hours in Preparation of a flight Test
Pass an FAA oral and flight test
To Instruct in a Robinson R-22 or R-44 Helicopter, there are additional requirements that include
200 hours of total flight time of which at least 50 hours must be in a Robinson Helicopter
Successfully complete the Robinson Factory Safety Course
Obtain an endorsement from an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
