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
