3G Heli Prep

Meet Ryan Dale

If you're trying to figure out whether becoming a helicopter pilot is actually realistic for you, you're in the right place. I've been answering that question for a long time. Here's a little about how I got here.

I spent 20+ years as a flight instructor, including 4 years teaching Army 95-1 standards as an instructor pilot.

Bio / origin story

I didn't have a straight path to aviation. I graduated high school with a 2.88 GPA, went to the University of Montana and dropped out (I was skiing more than studying), then moved back to Bellevue, Washington, and got a job at Home Depot. Pretty aimless, if I'm being honest.

Then my dad did something that changed everything. For my birthday in 2000, he bought me a 30-minute intro flight at Boeing Field. When that helicopter lifted off the ground, something clicked. I was hooked.

September 11 happened the next year and slowed things down. But it didn't kill the passion. It took me a year and three months to earn my private certificate. I spent over $3,500 on private ground school alone. Then about $4,000 more in Part 141 ground instruction for my instrument, commercial and CFI ratings — $7,500+ total. I wasn't rich. I just wouldn't quit.

Eventually I earned my CFI and started teaching. Once I was on the other side of it, I could see exactly what students needed that most ground schools weren't providing. So I started writing.

I've trained more than 250 people in person plus thousands more through my books. 3G Heli Prep is the most direct version of what I do: no hourly rate, no scheduling conflicts, just the knowledge you need to pass your checkride and earn your license.

Hear the story from Ryan

2000First intro flight at Boeing Field

$7,500+Spent on ground school alone

250+Students trained in person, plus thousands through my books

"I built this company to share my passion for helicopters with you!"

— Ryan

Credentials & experience

Chief flight instructor at a helicopter flight school

Part 141 program development at two flight schools

Former Senior Certified Aircraft Appraiser (NAAA)

4 years teaching Army 95-1 standards as an instructor pilot

252 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan

Previously flew King Airs overseas as a contractor

ATP multi-engine (King Air 300 type rating) and Commercial helicopter

Over 2,100 hours of dual instruction given

Supporting women in helicopters

For the last two years, 3G Heli Prep has sponsored Whirly-Girls Scholarship Fund scholarships — three women helicopter pilots each year (six total).

Books I've written

Here's what that means for you: I wrote the Helicopter Oral Exam Guide and the Helicopter Maneuvers Manual, published by ASA, and I bring that same attention to detail here. When I teach you something in this course, it's not an opinion. It's what the FAA expects you to know.

Checkride prep

Helicopter Oral Exam Guide

ASA's Oral Exam Guide Series is an excellent study tool for students and instructors alike. Arranged in a question-and-answer format, this comprehensive guide lists the questions most likely to be asked by examiners and provides succinct, ready responses.

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Flight maneuvers

Helicopter Maneuvers Manual

An excellent resource for students and flight instructors alike, the Helicopter Maneuvers Manual helps pilots acquire a mental picture of each phase of flight. With this comprehensive visual guide, author Ryan Dale has captured his countless hours spent at the whiteboard in full-color illustrations that show exactly what to do or expect in each part of a maneuver.