Flight Training

    Whether you are just starting flight training, or already have a Private or a Commercial Certificate, if you have had some training in reciprocating engine helicopters (i.e. Robinson, Schweizer, Enstrom, Bell 47), we can help develop or expand your skills with advanced flight training in turbine powered helicopters at Bussmann Aviation. You will be introduced to the theory and practical care of the Rolls-Royce Allison turbine engine and learn to fly a Hughes 500 Series Turbine Helicopter, considered by many to be the "Ferrari" of rotorcraft. Learn to fly the basic as well as advanced maneuvers, including NVG instruction,  in a larger, more powerful aircraft at an unbeatable price. 

    In order to receive flight instruction you must either a). be a US citizen or b). have received approval from the TSA to receive flight instruction (background check) if you are a non-US citizen.

    Before starting your flight instruction program you will need to pass a physical exam given by a FAA authorized physician, to locate the nearest Aviation Medical Examiner click here.

    We are not a large, impersonal company and, because of that fact, have the ability to tailor a program to a students specific needs in both scheduling and pace of instruction. We make every effort to make the learning experience enjoyable and cost effective.

    Demonstration flights are available for as little as $250...you'll get a chance to pre-flight and fly the aircraft on your very first trip to the field and determine if learning to fly a helicopter is right for you!

    Private Pilot Certificate Requirements
    • Be at least 17 years of age
    • Read, write, and speak the English language
    • Hold at least a 3rd class medical certificate
    • Logged instruction on flight proficiency as indicated in FAR part 61
    • Logged at least 20 hours of ground instruction on aeronautical knowledge as indicated in FAR part 61
    • Flight time as indicated in FAR part 61, which is 40 hours of flight instruction and solo flight time, including at least:
      • 20 hours of dual flight instruction
        • 3 hours of cross country dual flight instruction
        • 3 hours of dual night instruction
          • 1 night flight of 50 NM
          • 10 takeoffs & landings
        • 3 hours of instruction within 60 days of check ride
      • 10 hours of solo flight
        • 3 hours of cross country with 1 three legged flight of 75 NM
        • 3 takeoffs and landings at controlled airport
    • Pass a written, oral, and practical flight test given by an FAA examiner or designee

    Add-On Private Helicopter Rating (for rated pilots)

    • Hold at least a private rating
    • Flight time as indicated in FAR part 61:
      • 20 hours of dual flight instruction
        • 3 hours of cross country dual flight instruction
        • 3 hours of dual night instruction
          • 1 night flight of 50 NM
          • 10 takeoffs & landings
        • 3 hours of instruction within 60 days of check ride
      • 10 hours of solo in a helicopter
        • 3 hours of cross country with 1 three legged flight of 75 NM
        • 3 takeoffs and landings at controlled airport
    • No written exam is required
    • Check ride is required

    Although these are the minimum requirements, a more realistic number is 40 hours of dual instruction and 20 hours of solo time.

    Turbine Transition & Recurrent Training

    • Hold at least a Private Pilot rotorcraft certificate
    • 10 hours of ground instruction
    • 5 hours of flight training

    Commercial Pilot Certificate

    • Hold private license
    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Be able to read, write, and speak the English language
    • Hold at least a 2nd class medical certificate
    • Logged ground instruction
    • Flight time as indicated in FAR part 61, which is:
      • 150 hours of flight time
        • 100 hours in powered aircraft
        • 50 hours of which must be in helicopters
      • 100 hours of PIC
        • 35 hours PIC helicopters
        • 10 hours of PIC cross-country time in helicopters
      • 20 hours of dual instruction
        • 10 hours of instrument training in aircraft
        • One 2 hour cross-country over 50 NM day VFR
        • One 2 hour cross-country over 50 NM night VFR
        • 3 hours of dual instruction within 60 days of check ride
      • 10 hours of solo flight
        • 1 three legged helicopter cross country with one 50 NM leg
        • 5 hours night solo VFR with 10 T/O & landings
    • Pass a written, oral, and practical flight test given by an FAA examiner or designee

    Add-on Commercial Helicopter Rating

    • Hold a commercial rating
    • 35 hours PIC helicopter
    • 10 hours solo helicopter
    • 50 hours helicopter
    • 8 hours dual helicopter instruction
    • 3 hours dual instruction within 60 days of check ride
    • No written exam is required
    • Check ride is required

    Flight Instructor Certificate

    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Be able to read, write, and converse fluently in the English language
    • Hold a commercial pilot or airline transport certificate
    • Logged ground instruction on aeronautical knowledge as indicated in FAR part 61
    • Logged instruction on flight proficiency as noted on FAR part 61
    • Pass a written, oral, and practical flight test given by an FAA examiner
  
 
Email us for more information.