Frequently Asked Questions

Q: IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO PREPARE FOR THE COURSE PRIOR TO STARTING THE HELICOPTER FLIGHT TRAINING COURSE?

A: It is recommended that students do a substantial amount of reading prior to starting the course. This gives the students a head start on the material required for ground school. We recommend that registered students take time to access the helicopter flight simulator prior to start date.

Q: WHEN DO THE HELICOPTER FLIGHT LESSONS START AND WHEN CAN I REGISTER?

A: Courses start every March and September. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis, so it is recommended that you register early. We invite you to stop by the hangar prior to registering so that you can see the facilities.

Q: HOW MANY STUDENTS FROM YOUR SCHOOL HAVE FOUND A FLYING POSITION IN THE INDUSTRY?

A: We have managed to assist approximately 78% of our Commercial Pilots in finding their first job in the industry as pilots. When looking for job opportunities, be cautious, a lot of aviation companies take advantage of low time pilots and hire them as general laborers, not pilots.

Q: WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF THE HELICOPTER FLIGHT SIMULATOR?

A: It has always been a timely exercise getting students to a level they can fly the helicopter because humans can only concentrate on one thing at a time. Rather than having the confusion of trying to concentrate on all three of the main controls, the simulator can bring all three controls to a skill level prior to ever getting in the helicopter. Skill level can only be accomplished through repetitive exercise and is defined as a level you reach when you don't need to concentrate on every movement. Compare this to steering your car down the highway, it is a natural control movement and no longer takes thought.

Q: ARE THERE ACCOMMODATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHAT IS THE COST?

A: There are accommodations available. We have a trailer at the hangar for our students to stay in during their training. Accommodations are FREE to students with the exception of food which the student is responsible for providing. A damage deposit of $500.00 is required which will be held until the end of the course.

Q: HOW LONG DOES THE HELICOPTER FLIGHT TRAINING TAKE TO COMPLETE?

A: The course takes approximately 10-12 weeksfor the average student to complete. It is encouraged that students do a substantial amount of reading prior to the course.

Q: WHAT IS THE TOTAL COST OF THE COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER COURSE?

A: The course itself costs $45,000 for the 100 hours required. The simulator is provided at no extra cost. There is a ground school course at a cost of $1,065.00 including books and materials. The total cost for the course is $46,065.00.

Q: ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH OBTAINING A HELICOPTER PILOT LICENCE?

A: There are additional costs of a medical exam, the flight test, a written examination, and the application for your licence. Allow a minimum of $1,000.00 for these costs.

Q: ARE YOU AN ACCREDITED INSITUTION WITH THE PRIVATE CAREER TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AGENCY (PCTIA) AND AM I ELIGIBLE FOR GOVERNMENT STUDENT LOANS?

A: We are a registered institution with PCTIA. Our courses take only 10-12 weeks to complete and to be eligible for Government student loans one of the criteria is to be enrolled at an institution for a minimum of 12 weeks! So unfortunately Government student loans are not available for our students.

Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CONVERT A LICENCE TO A CANADIAN LICENCE?

A: It takes approximately 15 hours of flight time over a period of two weeks depending on experience and/or country. For more information on conversion, please contact us at 250-963-8211 or e-mail training@techhelicopters.com.

Q: AM I REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A VISA WHILE TRAINING?

A: In most cases a student visa is not required while training because our course(s) are under 3 months in duration. Though there are certain countries and territories that do require a visa to transit Canada. For more information on who is required to hold a visa please contact us or visit the Immigration and Citizenship Canada website.