Helicopter flight school can be expensive, but it is an investment that can pay off in the long run.
Commercial helicopter pilots are in high demand, and they can earn a good salary. However, the cost of flight school can be a barrier for some people.
There are a number of ways to pay for helicopter flight school. Here are some of the most common options:
1. Save up money.Â
This is the best way to avoid debt, but it can also be the most challenging. If you can, try to save up as much money as possible before you start training. This will give you more flexibility and allow you to choose the best flight school for your needs.
2. Loans and financing options.Â
There are a number of loan and financing options available for helicopter flight training students. Some popular options include Sallie Mae flight training loans, Pilot Finance loans, and AOPA flight training loans. Be sure to compare interest rates and terms before choosing a loan.
3. Scholarships.Â
There are a number of scholarships available for helicopter flight training students. Some scholarships are offered by aviation organizations, while others are offered by universities and flight schools. You can find a list of scholarships on the AOPA website and the Vertical Reference Academy website.
4. Work at a flight school.Â
Many flight schools will give their employees a discounted rate on their training. This is a great way to save money on your training and get some experience working in the aviation industry.
5. Find a job that pays for flight training.Â
Some companies, such as law enforcement agencies and air ambulance companies, offer tuition reimbursement for helicopter flight training. If you can find a job that offers this benefit, you can save a lot of money on your training.
6. Grants.Â
There are a number of grants available for helicopter flight training students. Some grants are offered by the federal government, while others are offered by state and local governments. You can find a list of grants on the Federal Student Aid website.
7. Crowdfunding.Â
Crowdfunding is a way to raise money from a large number of people. There are a number of crowdfunding websites, such as GoFundMe and Indiegogo, where you can create a campaign to raise money for your flight training.
8. Get sponsored.Â
Some companies and organizations sponsor helicopter flight training students. If you can find a sponsor, they will pay for some or all of your flight training in exchange for you working for them after you graduate.
9. Pay-as-you-go.Â
Some flight schools offer a pay-as-you-go option. This means that you pay for your training on a monthly basis. This can be a good option for students who don't have a lot of money saved up upfront.
10. Work-study.Â
Some universities and flight schools offer work-study programs for helicopter flight training students. This means that you work part-time for the school in exchange for reduced tuition costs.
Tips for saving money on helicopter flight training:
Shop around for the best flight school deal. Compare prices, training programs, and instructor qualifications.
Take advantage of discounts offered by flight schools. Many schools offer discounts for military veterans, students, and employees.
Fly with a friend. You can save money by splitting the cost of flight lessons and fuel with a friend.
Use a flight simulator. Flight simulators are a great way to practice flying without having to pay for an airplane.
Get your private pilot license first. Once you have your private pilot license, you can start flying with a certified flight instructor (CFI) to get your commercial pilot license and certified helicopter instructor rating. This will save you money because you will be able to fly more hours with a CFI than with a helicopter flight instructor.
Conclusion
Paying for helicopter flight school can be a challenge, but there are a number of ways to make it more affordable. By doing your research and planning ahead, you can make your dream of becoming a helicopter pilot a reality.
