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Should You Earn Your Helicopter Aviation Degree During Flight School?

While not all employers require an aviation degree, it does open the door to many exciting pilot career opportunities. It also shows a level of commitment and education greater than those without an aviation degree. 

The COCC Aviation Program provides a practical, supportive environment to start your career as a professional helicopter pilot. You’ll have the opportunity to earn private through certified flight instructor certificates, while also earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Science. Enrollment in the COCC degree program also allows students access to low-rate federal financial aid, Pell grants, and other financing options.

COCC’s program allows most students to earn their AAS along with all their flight certificates in two years. Students wishing to obtain a bachelor’s degree can transfer to either Oregon Institute of Technology or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University upon completing the COCC program. 

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Helicopter Training

Aviation Professional Pilot Helicopter Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

The Professional Pilot Helicopter Associate of Applied Science trains individuals to work as professional pilots in the air transportation industry. 

Students in the helicopter track will be eligible to earn the following FAA ratings/certificates: 

  • Private Pilot- Rotorcraft
  • Instrument – Helicopter
  • Commercial Pilot – Rotorcraft
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – Rotorcraft
  • Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument Helicopter (CFII)

You can learn more about the program’s entrance requirements, program requirements, and learning outcomes by reading the helicopter aviation degree course description in COCC’s course catalog.

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Helicopter Training Podcast Episode 1

Your complete guide to starting your journey as a helicopter pilot. Whether you’re just curious or ready to begin, we’ll walk you through:

  • The steps to earning your pilot certificates
  • How to choose the right flight school and helicopter airframe
  • Funding options, including VA benefits, scholarships, and loans
  • Free resources and tips to get started today
  • Recommended supplies and books to set you up for success

Listen to the Helicopter Training Podcast

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FEATURED STUDENT

LEVI ROGERS

COCC Leading Edge Helicopter Program Graduate

Levi Rogers chose the COCC and Leading Edge helicopter training program because of the variety of career options available to graduates. During his time at LEFA, Levi obtained his Private certificate, Instrument rating, and Commercial certificate. We went on to obtain his CFI/CFII, flying as an instructor and running Part 91 tours through the end of his training program. By the time he graduated, Levi was interested in using his experience to pursue a few different career paths. From Grand Canyon helicopter tours to working off-shore and gas or utility operations, the sky is truly the limit for COCC/LEFA graduates. 

 

“This is an inclusive program, anybody could do it. It just depends on your work ethic… It takes hard work and you’ve gotta apply yourself.” — Levi

FEATURED STUDENT

WILL LAWRENCE

Air Ambulance Pilot for Air Methods Corporation

Air Methods Corporation provides advanced air ambulance services as a flying ICU (Intensive Care Unit). The crew consists of one nurse, one paramedic, and the pilot. We respond at the request of EMS to rural scenes, and also transfer patients between hospitals. The helicopter is ready to fly 24/7 365 days-a-year, staffed by four pilots, a mechanic, and a handful of medical personnel. Our base in located in Osage Beach, Missouri. Air Methods has over 330 bases in 48 states.

The education I received from Leading Edge and COCC prepared me in all aspects of flying, from air traffic controlled environments to rural off-airport operations in the Cascade Mountain range. Flying in the mountains of Oregon prepared me perfectly to be an air ambulance pilot (now) and a bush pilot in Alaska (my previous 4 years experience). I also received an Associates degree in Aviation Sciences through COCC which makes my resume stand-out to employers.

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FEATURED STUDENT

JORDAN KUNHMUENCH

Fire & Short Haul Helicopter Pilot

Jordan works for JR Helicopters as an OAS-carded fire and short haul helicopter pilot flying AS-350b3 Astars. In that role, he fights fires and does search-and-rescue for Sequoia National Park in California. Over the winter months, he’s on-call for Part 135 commercial work. When asked about his experience at Leading Edge Flight Academy and COCC, he reports he couldn’t have asked for better training. According to Jordan, his time with LEFA prepared him to go above-and-beyond with both his flight training and knowledge-base for a career in aviation. 

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“I want to thank all the instructors and staff at Leading Edge Flight Academy for providing us with top notch pilots over the years. Some of these pilots have stayed with us long term and have been upgraded from SIC to Captain positions in the Bell 212 for our oil and gas operations here in Alaska. The high skill sets and strong work ethics they have learned at Leading Edge Flight Academy has made this partnership immensely valuable to our operations here at Hilcorp Energy.”

Captain Trevor Piersee | Hilcorp Energy

Captain Trevor Piersee | Hilcorp Energy
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“From day one of starting my flight training at Leading Edge Flight Academy, my goal has been to fly charter operations, specifically fire support and suppression.  The foundational training I received as a student as well as the continued education and mentorship as a flight instructor has truly set me up for success in the industry.  As a student pilot I appreciated the professionalism of all the instructors and how streamlined the whole pipeline was from private pilot to CFII. My time as a flight instructor for the company was very rewarding, helping students accomplish their goals and seeing them succeed was definitely the best part of the job. After instructing I moved to Las Vegas for a tour pilot position with Papillon Helicopters. After one year of flying in the Grand Canyon I will be returning to Leading Edge Aviation to work on the charter side of the company. I’m looking forward to this coming fire season and living in beautiful Central Oregon again!”

Kris Karnik

Kris Karnik
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“Leading Edge Aviation has always been a very good source of well-trained professionals that work hard and make our customers very happy. TEMSCO currently employs several Leading Edge Aviation pilots who are at various stages of experience from 1st year tour pilots to contract pilots, and we are very happy with all of them.”

Eric Eichner | Chief Pilot | TEMSCO Helicopters

Eric Eichner | Chief Pilot | TEMSCO Helicopters
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“I have recently left Maverick and got a job flying EMS with Reach Air Medical.”

Jared Skaugstad

Jared Skaugstad
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“The best part of my training for this rating was the real world experience that my instructor brought to the table and helped me understand.”

Austin Strong

Austin Strong
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“Chris was an amazing CFI and Greg also gave me some great tips on becoming an EMS pilot. He also gave me real life situations on my final check ride to make me think before taking actions. I wanted to say to you and your Team was all Outstanding and very professional at what Leading Edge Academy stands for cut above the rest!”

Dwane Means

Dwane Means
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“I’m having a great time and look forward to the rest of my time learning here!!”

Andriy Wybaczynsky

Andriy Wybaczynsky
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“Currently, I fly for Sanford Health in the EC145 (BK117C2) as a HEMS SPIFR pilot. We are a hospital-owned system with four identical helicopters serving the Upper Midwest. My base is in Bemidji, MN, and we primarily transport patients from small rural areas to larger hospitals, including Fargo, ND, and Minneapolis, MN. We transport all types of patients, from NICU newborns to the elderly, and my medical crew provides a high level of care while in flight. The helicopter is equipped with a 3-axis autopilot, making it extremely robust and stable, which makes flying IFR a breeze.”

Cole Schwerin

Cole Schwerin
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“I work for PJ Helicopters in Northern California and have been there for four years now! I started flying a Bell 407 for firefighting and have since transitioned into power line and wire work, along with Human External Cargo (HEC) operations. I enjoy the variety of work we do and hope to continue growing within the company.”

Sami Gotschall

Sami Gotschall
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“My stage check prepared me for the checkride because the ground was far more in depth. I found my weak points in my knowledge and was able to focus more on them before my checkride. The flight gave me a good example of what a checkride will feel like.”

Christopher Woerner

Christopher Woerner
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“After LEFA I spent two summers working for TEMSCO in Skagway, AK. The company utilizes AS350 B2/B3s to fly tours. I spent my time flying people from cruise ships to various glaciers and our dog camp location. I absolutely loved Alaska! The beauty is unmatched. And the flying was both challenging and rewarding. After Alaska I was looking for a change of pace. So I went back to flight instructing, but this time for the US ARMY. I currently am an Instructor Pilot at Fort Novosel, which is where all Army helicopter training takes place. We currently train in EC145s.”

Becca Voltin

Becca Voltin
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“For the past 2 years I’ve been working for Columbia Helicopters as an SIC in multiple aircraft types supporting their missions worldwide, whether that be domestic fire fighting operations or overseas part 135 work for the DOD.”

Tanner Oldenkamp

Tanner Oldenkamp
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“My instructor was very thorough during the End Of Course check. I was beyond prepared for my checkride and went into it with all the information I needed to pass.”

Josiah Stranberg

Josiah Stranberg
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“Training at Leading Edge Flight Academy was key to preparing me for a successful career flying helicopters in Alaska’s oil and gas industry. The school’s location in Bend gave me the opportunity to learn how to handle the fast-changing weather conditions typical of Alaska, with a strong focus on quick decision-making and situational awareness. The chiefs are always approachable and have their office doors open, creating a supportive learning environment. The instructors’ vast experience, combined with the school’s strong network of alumni and industry connections, played a major role in helping me land my job. I’m incredibly grateful for the skills and opportunities that Leading Edge Flight Academy provided, which set me up for success in such a demanding and dynamic environment.”

Jackson Howery

Jackson Howery
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“After attaining my 1000hrs, I took a job in the New York City region at first flying tours and charters. The off airport and cross country experience I gained at Leading Edge proved vital to help me fly in this area due to all of the right waterfront and hospital rooftop helipads we often land on as well as the random off airport pickups or drop offs we have. Following that job, I took a position with an ENG company doing the news. I’m having a great time flying!”

Robert Rodgame

Robert Rodgame
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“What would you have liked different in training? Nothing comes to mind, compared to the previous school where I did my primary training, Leading Edge is on such a higher scale of professionalism with safety a top priority, I have no complaints!”

David Cloutier

David Cloutier
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“I really enjoy the culture, professional atmosphere, and how welcoming and friendly everyone is from the top down. There is so much to learn, and I haven’t asked a question and gotten anything other than an answer or help finding one, and friendly chats and conversations are easy to come by.”

Nick Clements

Nick Clements
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“Currently, I am a pilot with Air and Marine Operations as an Air Interdiction Agent with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Leading Edge set the foundation for my career goals. The wealth of knowledge I learned while at LEFA is still with me to this day. Leading Edge Flight Academy helped me get to where I am now in many ways! First, while a student, I worked Line Service and then in Dispatch, where I learned aircraft scheduling, maintenance coordination, and the importance of ground support. Then, when hired as a flight instructor, I had great mentors who taught me the valuable information that I now use flying every day!”

Mario Armendariz

Mario Armendariz
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“Leading Edge prepared me for my career in many ways. The high standards of proficiency taught me persistence and instilled a sense of pride in giving 110 percent every day. The experience and backgrounds of each instructor and supervisor were invaluable in providing crucial insight and honesty I needed to choose the career path best for me outside of school. I felt at home at Leading Edge. There was always an open door, a listening ear, and at times a shoulder to cry on. I strongly urge that anyone interested in this program not only attend for its high standard of training but for its support and camaraderie.”

Sy Murdoch

Sy Murdoch
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Air Methods Corporation provides advanced air ambulance services as a flying ICU (Intensive Care Unit). The crew consists of one nurse, one paramedic, and the pilot. We respond at the request of EMS to rural scenes, and also transfer patients between hospitals. Our base in located in Osage Beach, Missouri. Air Methods has over 330 bases in 48 states. The education I received from Leading Edge and COCC prepared me in all aspects of flying, from air traffic-controlled environments to rural off-airport operations in the Cascade Mountain range. Flying in the mountains of Oregon prepared me perfectly to be an air ambulance pilot (now) and a bush pilot in Alaska (my previous 4 years experience). 

Will Lawrence

Will Lawrence