Do you already possess an airplane rating? You may “add-on” a helicopter rating with fewer hours of training than required of pilots without certification in another category of aircraft. Havens Aviation has extensive experience working with pilots who are familiar with airplanes and how to best utilize a fixed wing pilot’s skills to make the transition to helicopters. Though we specialize in helicopter flight training at Havens Aviation, all of our instructors have experience in airplanes and can appreciate the specific differences between the types of skills required to pilot both categories of aircraft. We have worked with numerous pilots who have transitioned from airplanes to helicopters and will build on your current aeronautical knowledge while developing the skills needed to become a safe and confident helicopter pilot.

Many airplane pilots ask if it is typical to earn the Add-On Rating in the minimum number of FAA required flight hours. In our experience, we have found that it largely depends on the individual’s type and amount of flight experience prior to beginning helicopter flight instruction. For example, we find pilots who have earned their Instrument Rating in airplanes typically transition more quickly to helicopters because of the refined “touch” required of that type of operation. That being said, we’ve had a number of pilots earn their add-on ratings at or very near the minimum experience required.

Eligibility Requirements for a Private Pilot Add-On Rating
The FAA has laid out a minimum set of requirements for individuals to be eligible to earn an Add-On Private Pilot Helicopter Rating:

• Hold a Current Private Pilot License

• You must hold at least a 3rd Class Medical Certificate

Experience Minimum Requirements:

• 30 Hours of Total Flight Time in Helicopters, Including:

  • 20 Hours Dual Flight Time with a Certified Flight Instructor

  • 10 Hours Solo Flight Time, including:

    • 3 Hours of Solo Cross-Country Flight Time

  • 3 Hours Cross-Country Flight

  • 3 Hours Night Flight

  • Pass Oral and Practical Exams (You are not required to take a written exam)

Eligibility Requirements for a Commercial Pilot Add-On Rating
The FAA has laid out a minimum set of requirements for individuals to be eligible to earn an Add-On Commercial Pilot Helicopter Rating:

• Hold a Current Commercial Pilot Helicopter License

• You must hold at least a 3rd Class Medical Certificate

Experience Minimum Requirements:

• 150 hours of total flight time, including:

  • 100 hours in a powered aircraft of which 50 hours must be helicopters

  • 100 hours of Pilot-in-Command time, including:

    • 35 hours in helicopters

    • 10 hours of cross-country flying in helicopters

    • 20 hours of Dual flight time, including:

  • 5 hours on the control and maneuvering of a helicopter solely by reference to instruments

  • 2 hours of day cross-country of 50+ nautical miles from departure

  • 2 hours of night cross-country of 50+ nautical miles from departure

  • 3 hours within 60 days of FAA-administered check-ride

• 10 Hours of Solo Flight Time, including:

  • 5 hours night flight

  • 1 cross-country with landings of a minimum of 3 points, with 1 segment of at least 50 nautical miles from departure

  • If you already hold a Commercial Airplane License or ATP, you do NOT need to take the Helicopter written knowledge exam. If you do not hold one of these ratings, you will need to take the Helicopter written exam.

  • Pass Oral and Practical Exams

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