No worries, we got you! We will walk you through the very basic steps all the way to get your license.

I've trained hundreds of students over my career and I'm excited to share with you what I know.

Our Helicopter ground school covers a variety of subjects including:

• Aerodynamic Basics

• Aerodynamic Hazards

• Flight Controls

• Weather Theory

• Weather Information

• Navigation

• Weight and Balance

• Flight Planning

• Aviation Regulations

• Helicopter Systems

• Instruments

• Emergency Procedures

• Airport Markings

• Aeromedical Information

• Aeronautical Decision Making

• Maneuvers

Recommended study materials include:

• FAA's Helicopter Flying Handbook

• Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

• Helicopter Oral Exam Guide (written by me)

• Helicopter Maneuvers Manual (written by me)

• FAA FAR/AIM

• ACS (Aircrew Certification Standards)

• Principles of Helicopter Flight

Preparation for the FAA written exam involves studying the relevant materials, taking practice tests, and attending our ground school.

ASA produces an online Private Pilot Test Prep book that is perfect for studying for the FAA written test, they also offer an online version so you can study on the go.

Utilizing online resources, study guides, and test prep books can also help solidify your knowledge.

Learning to fly a helicopter can be challenging due to the need to simultaneously control multiple inputs: the cyclic (stick), collective (lever), and anti-torque pedals.

I equate it to learning how to drive a manual transmission car while talking on a cell phone. I wouldn't expect my 15 year old son to learn that way, first I'll have him drive an automatic vehicle, with just the gas and the brakes. Then we'll work on turning and backing up, then we'll switch to a manual, then we'll add the cell phone... (ok not really but you get the idea).

Just like when you learned how to drive you first start out with the a single control (usually the cyclic), then add in the other controls, then add in Radio calls.

It may seem overwhelming at first but in no time the helicopter will become an extension of you.

There are a number of factors in answering this question but generally it costs between $16,000-$23,000 for your private license. To become a professional pilot it may cost between $75k-$95k depending mostly on the cost of the helicopter you're using to learn on.

Don't let those numbers scare you away, there are a bunch of creative ways to help pay for flight school. You can start by saving thousands learning through our ground school before you even show up to fly a helicopter.

I understand, paying for flight school is one of the most expensive things I've had to do in my life, even this Facebook poll said over 48% said this was their biggest challenge to learning how to fly helicopters.

Fear not, I have a course for that!

It really depends on you. The quickest student that I've ever trained obtained their license in 28 days having never flown before.

On average it takes 3 months but it does depend on how much you study and how often you can fly.

Best advice, study for a minimum of 30 minutes every day and show up prepared for every lesson and you'll have done everything you can for success.

The career outlook for helicopter pilots is very positive, with strong demand projected over the next decade and beyond.

Here are the key points about the job outlook for helicopter pilots:

• Growing demand: The helicopter pilot job market is expected to grow 6% from 2018 to 2028. This translates to about 7,700 new helicopter pilot jobs projected over the next decade.

• Significant shortage predicted: Boeing estimates there will be a shortage of 59,000 helicopter pilots worldwide through 2037. This indicates long-term job security and opportunities for qualified pilots.

• Multiple factors driving demand:

  - Expansion of helicopter use across industries like medical, entertainment, utility, corporate, and service sectors

  - More pilots retiring than entering the field, creating vacancies

  - Growth of the overall aviation industry

• Salary trends: Helicopter pilot salaries have increased 21% over the last 5 years. The average annual salary for helicopter pilots is around $89,418 to $102,244, which is well above the national average wage.

• Job availability: As of 2021, there were 4,945 helicopter pilots employed in the United States, with 4,054 active job openings. This indicates a strong job market with numerous opportunities.

• Geographic opportunities: While jobs are available nationwide, some states like Alaska, New York, Louisiana and Texas have higher concentrations of helicopter pilot jobs relative to their populations.

The highest-paying jobs for helicopter pilots are:

• Corporate Pilot: This role offers one of the highest salaries, with an average annual income of approximately $130,000. Corporate pilots transport executives and VIPs in private helicopters or airplanes.

• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Pilot: EMS pilots provide medical care during air transport missions. Salaries in this sector typically range between $75,000 and $135,000 annually.

• Search & Rescue Pilot: These pilots play a crucial role in emergency situations and earn an average of between $62,000 and $128,000 annually, depending on location and experience.

• Firefighting Pilot: These specialized pilots are involved in aerial firefighting operations. Their salaries typically range between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on location and experience. It's worth noting that the 'fire season' varies from year to year and location to location.

• Offshore Oil Support: Depending on the experience and the company off-shore pilots could earn anywhere between $70,000 and $190,000 with bonuses.

• External Load Operations: This is another high-paying specialty in the helicopter industry, pilots could earn anywhere between $60,000 and $210,000 with bonuses.

  It's worth noting that salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience, and employer. Some sources indicate that the highest-paid helicopter pilots can earn up to $305,000 per year, though this appears to be at the very top end of the salary range

To become a helicopter pilot:

• Obtain your student pilot certificate and Medical certificate

• Complete ground school for theoretical knowledge (this is where we help)

• Flight school for practical training (flying a helicopter)

• Pass the FAA Written, Oral, and Practical exams. (we help with the written and oral portion of the exam)

Yes, we have a community for our students on FaceBook where you can connect, share experiences, ask questions, and support each other.

You'll gain access as soon as you're a student in our course.

The '3G' comes from the term 'Give God the Glory' as a way to put God first in everything that I do.  The 'Heli Prep' is just a fun way to say 'Helicopter Preparedness'.  I built this company to honor God and to help people learn how to fly helicopters.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." ~ John 3:16-18