Testimonial

"Having joined BOATPIX/HelicopterAcademy was the best career decision I have ever made. I went to another school and didn't get a job.  I did the 100 hours internship at HelicopterAcademy.com and got a job with them. It gave me the opportunity to learn the basics of a commercial operation, hands-on. I am grateful for this experience, which proves to be the basis for my success - to this day.  Years later I still remember the good times at BOATPIX. If you are looking for a place to boost your career and have a lot of fun at the same time, look no further!"

Capt. Schmied Adolf
Chief Pilot Dhillon Aviation

For about $70,000 we'll  take you from zero to 300 hours and your commercial helicopter license as you pay for the first hours at $275/hour until you pass your private license and the remaining hours at  $200/hr.  You can complete your private pilot rating in as little as 35 hours.  After the private helicopter license you'll do almost exclusively photo and will learn this skill that is valuable to our photo contract and making you a valuable pilot to us.    You'll need to opt for the instructors rating (CFI) for $5000 and we'll  give you a job like we have to every graduate since our founding in January 1986.  We have been in seamless operation with the same owner and manager and now have a large fleet of properly maintained helicopters.    We  also have  M-1 Visas at our FAR Part 141 school and free housing in  South Florida where you can fly every day of the year!

You can pay by cash, loan or credit card.  If you have equity in your home and it's thriftier to get a home equity loan that a flight training loan.  If you have $70,000 available call us to enroll at 561-346-2816 and prepare to make payments in four monthly payments.   We'll also recommend that you should get your Instrument Rating which is another $10,000 but you don't need this for a job with us.  You'll need some money to pay to others for books, a simple medical exam and some examinations with the FAA, too.   Figure about another $3000 for these "other" items such as $100 to pay a medical doctor for a physical exam, several payments of about $500 each to an  examiner from the FAA that certifies you to fly for each  license and about $300 for books and computer programs to help you take grounds school at home.  Click here for financial aid.

Helicopter training is one of the MOST expensive educations and is financially rewarding because few have the  necessary funds for the training.  You can pay hourly for training but we need to see folks that are financially prepared.    Perhaps your family has a college fund for you?  Colleges offer aviation programs but this generally puts the money to the college rather than to the helicopter hours you need to meet the insurance requirements of a job.

Our recent graduates that have accumulated about 1200 hours helicopter "pilot in command" time have been receiving offers at $52,000 a year to fly to oil rigs.  They build about 600 hours a year in this "offshore" work and at about 3,000 hours they're reporting salaries of $85,000 a year.  A pilot that flew for us ten years ago reported he's currently making $120,000 a year but has to travel and live out of a suitcase.  If you seek the highest salary and don't mind being away from your family you will probably top $150,000 a year.   We have placed graduates throughout the industry and the world.  The highest paying jobs are outside of the United States or in remote areas or both.

Click here for financial aid.