How to prepare & get started.

This guide is your first step toward becoming a professional helicopter pilot.

Welcome to your future

If you’re interested in becoming a professional or private helicopter pilot, this page will guide you through the first steps.

Let’s get started.

An overview of Corporate Helicopters Flight Training Academy

Students at Corporate Helicopters Flight Training Academy are exposed to diverse day-to-day commercial operations at San Diego’s Montgomery Field. This allows for a very unique training environment.

The objective of the school is to provide exceptional instruction and direction to help you achieve your aviation goals.

During training, you will be given personal, individual attention. You can also enjoy competitive pricing without compromising safety or quality.

Instruction is offered for private, commercial, instrument, CFI, CFII and ATP ratings. Training is performed in the Robinson R22, Robinson R44, Bell 206B, Bell 206L, AS350 B2, as well as a state-of-the-art helicopter flight simulator.

Our helicopter flight simulator allows for various scenarios including weather variations, emergency procedures, and locations.

If you are purchasing a helicopter, Corporate Helicopters Flight Training Academy can provide you with training specific to your helicopter. See our current inventory of helicopters for sale.

Take a (free) tour of the training facility

You’re always invited to visit and meet with an instructor for a tour of our facility.

Call (858) 505-5650 or email us to arrange a tour.

Take an introductory flight lesson

Potential students are highly advised to schedule an introductory flight lesson.

This is a great way to get some actual “hands on” flight experience by taking over the controls during a flight – in a controlled, safe manner.

This lesson allows you to see if flying a helicopter is something you like, before making a big time and financial commitment.

Call (858) 505-5650 or email us to schedule your lesson.

Visit the school web site.

We recently launched a web site dedicated to the student experience at Corporate Helicopter Flight Training Academy.

Please review this web site thoroughly. It provides an overview of the school, courses and requirements, the enrollment process, and answers most common questions asked by potential students.

Visit the CHTFA web site

Enrollment

The enrollment process is easy and straightforward.

Simply follow these steps based on what type of student you are:

Enrollment

Ground school

Here’s everything you need to know about ground school:

Ground School FAQ

Recommended training material

Here’s the current list of recommended study materials:

Recommended study materials

Minimum flight requirements

Here are the minimum requirements for a Private Pilot License:

Minimum flight requirements

Certified Medical Examiners

We have prepared a list of certified medical examiners in the San Diego area:

Certified medical examiners in San Diego

Testimonials

I moved to San Diego 3 months ago with the intention of doing a discovery flight with Corporate Helicopters. I absolutely loved it and want to pursue learning to fly helicopters. My instructor Josh was amazing and has great techniques of teaching. He described concepts in the correct terminology but can easily convey to someone who is just learning and relate to other aspects in order for the student to understand what he is teaching. He was very positive and loves what he does. Corporate Helicopters is great, very nice and enthusiastic staff and is in a great location. I go there sometimes just to hang out and gaze at the helicopters. Thanks a lot Corporate Helicopters, I loved my experience and hope there will be more in the near future!

Jennifer D.

I took the Introductory Helicopter Flight Lesson, and if possible I would have rated it 6 out of 5 stars. My instructor Will was awesome and despite the fact that I’ve never flown a real helicopter before I was fully in control of the helicopter within about 10 minutes! It was a HUGE amount of fun and was the best part of the trip to San Diego. If you’re thinking about giving this a try, stop thinking and just sign up right now! It’s absolutely worth it!

Bobby H.

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.

Paul F.

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.

Jeff G.

As a producer, I’ve relied on the bulletproof team at Corporate Helicopters for very challenging shoots. Ivor and his team have always delivered above and beyond the call of duty. They are my go-to team for film production, and if you’re looking for a fun ride, even for tourism or a special date, these are your guys. Absolutely five-star in every way. You get what you pay for, believe me, and safety/professionalism are key with this stellar team.

Alisa E.

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!

Zara D.

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 awesome experience!

Karly J.

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. Corporate Helicopters provided me with a knowledge base and pilot skillset that when carried into my FAA Check Ride, my FAA Examiner (Robinson Helicopters Chief Test Pilot!) was inclined to comment that my Oral Exam was excellent, that I was in fact very well prepared, further stating that my Practical Test was of Commercial Pilot quality. He then complemented my CFI Bryan Pederson as well as Corporate Helicopters for producing an excellent addition to the General Aviation community. Bryan accompanied me to the Check Ride and while initially nervous of my CFI being present it was a confidence building experience, many of which Bryan has provided throughout my training. I highly recommend Corporate Helicopters for anyone seeking Flight Instruction.

Vince Carter, Private Pilot

“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 says a lot when you are going up in the air with them.”

Daniel Mosquera, 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.”

Dave Cloutier, 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 a win-win situation.”

Josh Young, Flight Student

The hosts and crew thank you for your involvement in the “Human Catapult” episode with athlete Scott Smith in Perris, CA. The Wescam shots were a great addition to the show!