Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is your 2012 Course Schedule?
A: We have two starting dates for our 2012 Courses. Both our March 5th and our October 15th classes have seats available.
Q: Am I required to obtain my private helicopter licence prior to the commercial helicopter licence?
A: Unlike fixed wing, you are able to obtain your helicopter (rotary wing) commercial licence with no previous flying experience.
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 October. 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 accomdations available and what is the cost?
A: There are on site accommodations available at no extra cost! We realize the expense our students have while training so to help cut down costs we offer accommodations with all the ammenities of home. Students are required to supply their own food.
Q: How long does the helicopter flight training take to complete?
A: The course takes approximately 10-12 weeks for 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 training course?
A: The course itself costs $49,100.00 for the 100 flight hours in the R22 as well as the ground school course, books and materials. The simulator is provided at no extra cost. Commercial Flight Training is TAX FREE!
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 $1,500.00 for these costs.
Q: Are you an accredited institution with the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA), 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: Is a student visa required during 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.
Q: What is a T2202A form?
A: T2202A's are tuition tax receipts issued to all students who paid tuiton for a course they attended in the previous year. This form shows the amount of tuition paid that the student is eligible to deduct on his or her Income Tax Return. You can find out more information on the T2202A and filing your Tax Return on the Canada Revenue Agency website: Students and Income Tax or International Students in Canada.
