Private Pilot Course

This is the starting point for most aspiring helicopter pilots. The M1 Private Pilot Course course is intended for new pilots who want to fly as a hobby or purchase a helicopter for private use. It is also the first step towards becoming a Commercial helicopter pilot (when you can actually get paid to fly!). Flying a helicopter is a completely unique and thrilling experience. It's the ultimate Sport Utility Vehicle and your personal magic carpet ride. Go anywhere, land anywhere (with permission), and see the world from a most extraordinary perspective--with the speed, precision, and handling of a finely tuned sports car. And believe it or not, flying a helicopter is not as difficult as you might think.

PHASE 1 (Pre-solo)
In this phase you will learn to safely operate the helicopter by yourself. This sounds like a very distant and difficult goal, but most students are prepared to fly solo with less than 25 hours of flight instruction. Before we cut you loose to fly solo, you will learn all of the fundamental maneuvers and procedures required to control the helicopter in the various stages of flight--ground operations, hovering maneuvers, take-off, airport patterns, straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, and descents, acceleration and deceleration, the approach, termination at a hover, and shutdown procedures. You will also become familiar with emergency procedures, airport operations and communications, airspace, and FAA regulations. Phase 1 ends with a very exciting moment: your very first solo helicopter flight. You won't believe how quickly you transform from a bewildered passenger to the Pilot In Command!

PHASE II (Student Pilot)
In this phase you will continue to develop your proficiency in the basic maneuvers. Flying solo is a very special time in your flight training. When it is just you and the machine humming around in the air, you can scrutinize your movements and fine tune your skills. Flying alone also helps to build your confidence as a pilot. In between your solo flights, you will continue to fly with an instructor and refine the more advanced maneuvers--quick-stops, maximum performance take-offs, slope landings, confined areas, pinnacle landings, and off-airport operations. You will learn to fly at night and how to deal with emergency situations. You will also learn about flight planning and navigation and make cross country flights to other airports--eventually solo!

PHASE III (Checkride Preparation)
The final phase of training for your private license is preparation for your checkride (flight exam) with a FAA examiner pilot. In this phase you will rehearse all advanced maneuvers and emergency procedures to proficiency. When you are ready to step up to the plate with the FAA pilot examiner, you will be a competent and capable pilot ready to safely operate a helicopter without supervision.