Earn your helicopter CFI certificate and start your professional flying career. A pilot's first job is almost always as an instructor — and it is one of the best ways to build flight hours, sharpen skills, and earn while you fly.
Train on the Schweizer 300C at North Perry Airport (KHWO) in South Florida. Fly year-round, teach the next generation of helicopter pilots, and launch your career.
A Certified Flight Instructor — Helicopter (CFI-H) is an FAA certificate that authorizes you to teach other pilots how to fly helicopters. You can instruct both Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot students in the aircraft and in the classroom.
The CFI certificate is issued under 14 CFR Part 61, §61.183–61.195 for the Rotorcraft-Helicopter category. It is typically the final step in a helicopter pilot's initial training path — after PPL-H, Instrument Rating, and CPL-H.
For most helicopter pilots, becoming a CFI is the first professional job. It is the fastest way to build the flight hours needed for EMS, offshore, corporate, and law enforcement positions — all while earning a salary. This is why CFI training is included in Pelican's Helicopter Professional Pilot Program.
| Certificate | CFI-H | CFII-H |
|---|---|---|
| What you teach | VFR flight training (PPL, CPL) | IFR instrument training |
| Prerequisite | Commercial Pilot Certificate (Helicopter) | CFI-H + Instrument Rating |
| FAA regulation | 14 CFR §61.183 | 14 CFR §61.183 + §61.65 |
| Career impact | Can teach PPL & CPL students | Can teach instrument students — higher demand |
| Next step | Get CFII add-on | Build hours toward EMS/corporate |
After earning your CFI-H, many pilots pursue the CFII-H add-on to expand their teaching privileges and earn more per hour.
The CFI requirements are defined by the FAA in 14 CFR §61.183. Here is everything you need to qualify as a certified flight instructor — helicopter.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 years old |
| Language | Read, speak, write, and understand English |
| Pilot Certificate | Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate — Helicopter (or ATP) |
| Medical Certificate | Current third-class FAA medical (minimum) — second-class required for commercial operations |
| Instrument Rating | Not required for initial CFI-H. Required only if you want to teach instrument students (CFII) |
| TSA (non-US citizens) | AFSP registration and background check |
CFI applicants must pass two written exams before the checkride:
Both exams require a 70% passing score. Results are valid for 24 calendar months. Pelican's 20-hour ground school prepares you for both tests.
Unlike PPL or CPL, the FAA does not specify minimum flight hours for the CFI certificate beyond what is already required for the Commercial Pilot Certificate. However, you must demonstrate:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot minimums | 150 hours total time (Part 61) or 120 hours (Part 141) — already met if you hold CPL-H |
| Flight proficiency | Must demonstrate instructional competence in all required flight maneuvers per ACS |
| Ground instruction ability | Must demonstrate ability to teach aeronautical knowledge topics |
| Spin endorsement | Not required for helicopter CFI (spin training is airplane-only per §61.183(i)) |
Key point: The CFI checkride is widely considered the most demanding FAA practical test. The examiner evaluates both your flying ability and your teaching ability — you must explain and demonstrate every maneuver as if instructing a student.
The FAA Flight Instructor — Helicopter ACS defines what you must demonstrate on the checkride:
Choosing between Part 61 and Part 141 flight instructor training affects your training structure and timeline.
| Factor | Part 61 | Part 141 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum hours | No specific CFI minimums beyond CPL | Per FAA-approved syllabus |
| Curriculum | Flexible — CFII determines content | FAA-approved structured syllabus |
| Stage checks | None required | Mandatory progress checks |
| Knowledge prep | Self-study or instructor-led | Structured ground school |
| Scheduling | Train at your own pace | Structured schedule |
| International students | Available | Preferred (visa compliance) |
| VA / GI Bill | Varies | Eligible at approved schools |
| Best for | Experienced pilots, flexible schedules | Full-time students, career-track |
Pelican's CFI-H program operates under FAA Part 61, giving students maximum flexibility. Pelican is both FAA Part 141 approved and ACCSC accredited, ensuring institutional quality standards are met regardless of the regulatory pathway.
Pelican's helicopter CFI program is designed to take commercial-rated helicopter pilots and develop them into competent, confident flight instructors. Training is conducted on the Schweizer 300C at North Perry Airport (KHWO) in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Our ground school covers both FAA knowledge tests in depth. You will study the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) — learning theory, teaching techniques, student evaluation, and human factors — plus the Flight Instructor Helicopter (FIH) exam material covering aerodynamics, regulations, and instructional procedures.
All flight training is conducted in the Schweizer 300C with a senior instructor who teaches you how to teach. You will practice demonstrating and explaining every maneuver from the instructor's seat — hover work, autorotations, confined areas, emergencies, and more. The goal is not just flying well, but teaching effectively while flying.
Pre-flight and post-flight briefings develop your lesson planning, debriefing, and student evaluation skills. You will practice building lesson plans, identifying and correcting student errors, and managing the pace of instruction.
The CFI checkride with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) is the most comprehensive practical test in aviation. It includes an extensive oral exam (often 3–4 hours) covering FOI topics and technical knowledge, followed by a flight evaluation where you teach maneuvers to the examiner as if they were a student.
The total cost of Pelican's helicopter CFI training program:
We are not asking for payments upfront. You will start paying for training when your visa is approved and you arrived in USA.
| Component | Hours | Included |
|---|---|---|
| Ground School (FOI + FIH) | 20 hours | Yes |
| Flight Briefings | 10 hours | Yes |
| Dual Instruction (Schweizer 300C) | 15 hours | Yes |
| FAA Checkride Aircraft Fee | 1.5 hours | Yes |
| Books & Materials | — | Yes |
What's not included: FAA knowledge test fees (~$175 each, two tests), DPE examiner fee (~$800–$1,200 — the CFI checkride is longer), and living expenses. See our accommodation guide for housing costs in South Florida.
| School Type | Typical CFI-H Cost |
|---|---|
| Part 61 independent instructor | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Part 141 flight school (average) | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| Pelican Flight Training (Part 61) | $9,233 |
Payment flexibility: International students do not pay upfront. Training payments begin after visa approval and arrival in the USA. View payment options.
Pelican's helicopter CFI program typically takes 4–6 weeks for full-time students. The CFI course is shorter than CPL or IFR because the focus is on teaching methodology rather than learning new flight skills.
| Training Pace | CFI-H Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (5–6 days/week) | 4–6 weeks | International students, career-track pilots |
| Part-time (2–3 days/week) | 2–3 months | Working pilots, local students |
| Step | Certificate / Rating | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Private Pilot (PPL-H) | 3–4 months | Learn to fly, solo, first checkride |
| 2 | Instrument Rating (IFR-H) | 6–8 weeks | Fly in IMC — optional but strongly recommended |
| 3 | Commercial Pilot (CPL-H) | 2–3 months | Commercial maneuvers, fly for compensation |
| 4 | Flight Instructor (CFI-H) | 4–6 weeks | This course — teach and earn while building hours |
| 5 | Instrument Instructor (CFII-H) | 2–4 weeks | Teach instrument students — higher demand, higher pay |
Want the complete pipeline? See our Helicopter Professional Pilot Program — zero to CFI in one package.
Becoming a helicopter flight instructor is not just a stepping stone — it is a career in its own right and the fastest path to building the hours needed for advanced positions.
| Experience Level | Typical Salary (USD/year) | Total Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level CFI | $30,000 – $40,000 | 200–500 |
| Experienced CFI / CFII | $40,000 – $55,000 | 500–1,500 |
| Chief Flight Instructor | $55,000 – $70,000 | 1,500+ |
According to Boeing's Pilot and Technician Outlook, over 600,000 new pilots will be needed globally by 2042. The helicopter sector faces especially acute demand in EMS, firefighting, and law enforcement. Read more on our pilot demand page.
Pelican Flight Training has been training helicopter and airplane pilots at North Perry Airport (KHWO) in Pembroke Pines since 1985. Here is why students from over 50 countries choose us for their helicopter CFI training:
See what our graduates have achieved and read student reviews.
Under 14 CFR §61.183, you need: age 18+, a Commercial Pilot Certificate (Helicopter), English proficiency, a current medical certificate, and passing scores on two FAA knowledge tests (FOI and FIH) plus the practical checkride. An instrument rating is not required for the initial CFI-H. See the full admission requirements.
Pelican's CFI-H program costs $9,233, including 20 hours ground school, 10 hours briefings, 15 hours dual instruction in Schweizer 300C, and checkride aircraft fee. Additional costs: FAA knowledge tests (~$175 each) and DPE fee (~$800–$1,200). Industry average is $8,000–$18,000. View payment options.
The CFI-H course takes 4–6 weeks full-time or 2–3 months part-time at Pelican. From zero experience to CFI, the full path (PPL → IFR → CPL → CFI) takes approximately 8–12 months full-time. See our Professional Pilot Program for the complete package.
Entry-level helicopter CFIs earn $30,000–$40,000 per year. Experienced CFI/CFIIs earn $40,000–$55,000. Chief flight instructors can earn $55,000–$70,000. The real value is rapid hour building — CFIs log 500–1,000 hours per year, quickly qualifying for higher-paying EMS ($70K–$100K) and corporate ($90K–$130K+) positions.
No. An instrument rating is not required for the initial CFI-H certificate. You only need an instrument rating to teach instrument students (CFII). However, having the IFR rating makes you a more valuable instructor and opens the door to the CFII add-on.
The CFI checkride is the most comprehensive FAA practical test. The oral exam typically lasts 3–4 hours, covering FOI topics (learning theory, teaching methods) and technical knowledge (regulations, aerodynamics, weather). The flight portion (1.5–2 hours) requires you to teach maneuvers to the examiner as if they were a student. You must demonstrate both flying proficiency and instructional competence.
Pelican uses the Schweizer 300C for all helicopter training, including CFI. This is the same aircraft your future students will learn on, so your CFI training directly prepares you for the teaching environment. View our full aircraft fleet.
Part 61 offers flexible scheduling with no FAA-mandated curriculum — your instructor tailors training to your needs. Part 141 follows a structured FAA-approved syllabus with mandatory stage checks. Pelican uses Part 61 for CFI training, giving pilots the flexibility to focus on their individual weak areas. The school is Part 141 approved and ACCSC accredited.
Yes. Pelican regularly hires its own graduates as flight instructors. Many of our current team members completed their training at Pelican and stayed on to teach. Starting as a CFI at the school where you trained means a smooth transition and immediate employment.
A full-time helicopter CFI typically logs 500–1,000 flight hours per year. In South Florida's year-round flying climate, you may reach the higher end. This means you can meet EMS minimum requirements (2,000–3,000 hours) in 2–4 years of instructing.
Most pilots add the CFII-H (Instrument Instructor) rating, which expands your teaching privileges and increases your hourly rate. After building 1,000–2,000 hours, you can transition to tour operations, law enforcement, utility, EMS, or corporate flying. See our full programs list.
Yes. Pelican welcomes students from over 50 countries. You need an M-1 or F-1 visa and TSA AFSP clearance. International CFI graduates can work at US flight schools under OPT (Optional Practical Training). Pelican issues I-20 forms directly — no university enrollment required. See our complete international student guide.
The CFI certificate expires after 24 calendar months. To renew, you can: (1) pass a CFI practical test (checkride), (2) complete an approved FIRC (Flight Instructor Refresher Course), or (3) show activity records proving you trained and endorsed at least 5 students who passed their tests. Most CFIs choose the FIRC option — available online, typically 16 hours.
Two tests: (1) Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) — 50 questions on learning theory, teaching methods, and human factors. (2) Flight Instructor Helicopter (FIH) — 50 questions on helicopter aerodynamics, regulations, and instructional procedures. Both require 70% to pass, results valid 24 months. Pelican's 20-hour ground school covers both exams.
The difficulty is comparable — both require demonstrating teaching ability alongside flight proficiency. Helicopter CFI has unique challenges: teaching hover work, autorotations, and confined area operations from the right seat. One advantage: helicopter CFIs do not need spin training (required for airplane CFI per §61.183(i)). The oral exam and FOI portions are similar for both categories.
Join pilots from over 50 countries who have trained at Pelican Flight Training since 1985. Earn your CFI, start teaching, and launch your helicopter career.
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Welcome to Pelican Flight Training, Florida's premier flight school offering one of the best training programs for pilots from around the world. We offer a structured program that will take you all the way from private pilot rank to ATP and airline readiness.
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