Why?
New regulations from the Veterans Benefits Administration require flight schools to have an annual GAAP accounting audit that will cost our flight school a large sum each year. Without this audit, they will terminate our VA renewal application.
Unfortunately, we are one of the first schools to be affected by the new regulations. All flight schools in the United States will have this same requirement upon their renewal date. Very few of them can afford this extensive audit that must be carried out by CPA’s and attorneys.
What can you do?
If you are a prospective VA student, we encourage you to contact your Congressman about this issue and ask them to remove this requirement or ask for it to be reduced to a more reasonable Certified Audit instead. You can also contact the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Phil Roe.
Keep in mind, the new regulations limit your choice in schools and you may have to move out of the state to use your benefits.
We are proud to have trained many veterans and we have hired some of our best veteran students after training them. We wish you the best of luck in pursuing your flying career.
The following is the original content of this page. It is provided for historical purposes:
Information & qualification requirements
The GI Bill is an excellent way to earn your helicopter pilot’s license.
You’ve earned your benefits.
The Post 9/11 GI Bill may be used for vocational training.
Veterans who have opted to receive the Montgomery GI Bill may use those benefits for vocational training as well.
Read the information below, as well as the flight training information on the US Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information about benefits and flight training.
Contact us for more information.
Qualification Requirements
Prior to enrolling, a student will need:
- A Private Pilot’s License
- A valid Second Class Medical Certificate
- Certificate of Eligibility of Benefits
- Apply and Enroll in the appropriate GI Bill program through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Note: The GI Bill does not specify any category/class of aircraft, therefore students can be enrolled directly into the Commercial & Instrument training programs. Fixed wing Private Pilot’s License suffices the VA requirement.
Post 9/11 GI Bill
Those who have served on active duty after September 11th, 2001 may be eligible for Chapter 33 benefits. The Post 9/11 GI Bill offers to pay the actual net costs for tuition and fees, or $10,970; whichever is less, per academic year. Any costs accrued over the approved amount will not be reimbursed. Since Corporate Helicopters is not associated with an institute of higher learning, veterans will not receive a housing allowance or the books and supplies stipend. Once the veteran elects to receive the Post 9/11 GI Bill they may not convert back to the Montgomery GI Bill. Initially, payments must initially be provided by the veteran. Once the appropriate forms are processed, the veteran will be reimbursed.
Montgomery GI Bill
Those who have not elected for Chapter 33 benefits and have paid the initial $1,200 may be eligible for Chapter 31 benefits. The Montgomery GI Bill offers to pay 60% of approved charges for training. Under the MGIB, veterans are not eligible to receive a housing allowance or the books and supplies stipend. Payments must initially be provided by the veteran and once the appropriate forms are processed the veteran will be reimbursed.
Obtaining Benefits
If you wish to use your VA benefits to attend flight school, you should first apply or call the Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Customer Service Hotline at (888) 442-4551. After you complete the online steps, your Certificate of Eligibility will be mailed to you.
Currently, Corporate Helicopters is not associated with any institutes of higher learning or degree seeking programs.
Testimonials
Greg Simons
I want to send my sincerest thanks and gratitude to Ivor Shier, Garner Sheperd, and the Corporate Helicopters team. Their dedication and efforts, as well as their encouragement, helped me to fulfill my dream of flying helicopters! I will always cherish the time I spent as a student at Corporate Helicopters, and would highly recommend…
Jim Hannemann
I was smiling for the entire flight, so much so that my face hurt… I was hooked immediately. I set out to earn my helicopter rating.
Josh Young, Flight Student
“Corporate Helicopters has given me the opportunity to receive a higher caliber of professional flight training in a great location that gives us experience in busy airspace and sunny days year round to keep training moving quickly. Their large fleet of well maintained air craft and knowledgeable friendly personnel make flight training at Corporate Helicopters…
Dave Cloutier, Flight Student
“From my first intro flight, the flight instructors at Corporate Helicopters have been professional and extremely flexible to fit my training in between my busy travel schedule. They have continued to make flight training truly enjoyable.”
Daniel Mosquera, Flight Student
“I have been coming to Corporate Helicopters for the past two months to earn my Private Pilot License. It has been a great experience from day one. They have great staff members and very experienced, knowledgeable pilots to train you and get you where you want to be. Their helicopters are very well maintained, which…
Vince Carter, Private Pilot
My experience from initial enrollment to completion of my training, Corporate Helicopters has been nothing short of absolute excellence. The atmosphere and environment provided by the staff and CFI’s consistently maintained the utmost level of professionalism, always keeping safety a top priority. Lessons were concise and well integrated into the current publications for Helicopter/Rotorcraft Aviation.…
I had the most amazing experience with my first introductory flight lesson today! Vince Carter was the pilot/instructor and even though I was feeling a little nervous, he made me feel very comfortable. I got a thorough introduction of the controls, how they maneuver the helicopters, and how sensitive they are. Thank you for an…
Took introductory class today. Thank you Corporate Helicopters for such a great experience. My instructor, Jose, was excellent. Patient, calm, clear and funny. A complete professional. I can’t wait for my next lesson!
I got my private pilots license here and am currently going through instrument and commercial instruction. If you want to fly helicopters this is the place to learn.
I did an introductory lesson with William today and it was spectacular. Good instruction, good equipment and can’t find a better setting than coastal San Diego.
