Situated at 3,460 feet above sea level, Bend offers ideal conditions for comprehensive helicopter pilot training. Our unique location provides an unparalleled training environment with 300+ days of sunshine and four distinct seasons, allowing students to train year-round in diverse conditions.
At Leading Edge Flight Academy, helicopter students gain firsthand experience with:
Very few helicopter pilot training schools offer this level of diversity in training conditions. Our graduates develop exceptional piloting skills that prepare them for any flying environment they may encounter in their professional careers.
Our helicopter pilot training programs are specifically designed to launch and advance professional aviation careers, with a clear certification pathway that builds the skills demanded by industry employers:
Each certification strategically builds upon the previous, creating a seamless professional progression toward your career objectives in the helicopter industry. While our professional focus prepares pilots for lucrative aviation careers, recreational pilots seeking personal development can also benefit from our industry-leading training standards and facilities.
Our team of experienced helicopter flight instructors brings thousands of flight hours and real-world expertise to your training experience. Many have backgrounds in military, emergency medical services, firefighting, and other specialized helicopter operations.
Here’s the updated “Training Fleet” section incorporating the feedback about R22 and R44 employment eligibility:
Training Fleet
Our strategically composed helicopter fleet is specifically selected to maximize your future employment opportunities:
Industry Advantage: By training in both Robinson R22s and R44s, our graduates gain a significant competitive edge in the job market. Most entry-level helicopter positions in tour operations, flight instruction, and private charters utilize one or both of these industry-standard airframes. Employers specifically seek pilots with documented experience in these aircraft.
We also provide access to additional specialized training aircraft for specific certifications and advanced courses as your career progresses.
Each aircraft in our fleet undergoes rigorous maintenance protocols exceeding FAA requirements, ensuring the highest safety standards for our students and instructors.
OUR INSTRUCTORS AND FLEETAttention Veterans: Our partnership with Central Oregon Community College (COCC) enables 100% of your helicopter pilot training to be covered by your Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits—including your Private Pilot License, all advanced ratings, AND a monthly housing allowance.
Complete Financial Coverage for Eligible Veterans:
This comprehensive coverage makes our program the most financially advantageous pathway for veterans pursuing a helicopter pilot career. While other schools may require significant out-of-pocket expenses or limit GI Bill® coverage to select ratings, our COCC partnership ensures your entire professional training path is covered.
Career-Ready Advantages:
Already a helicopter pilot? Elevate your skills with our specialized advanced helicopter courses:
Our advanced helicopter courses provide the additional training needed to elevate your skills and advance your aviation career in specialized fields.
ADVANCED HELICOPTER COURSESA helicopter pilot license opens doors to diverse and exciting career opportunities:
Leading Edge Flight Academy graduates who become LEFA instructors are recognized industry-wide for their talent and skill. We work with our extensive industry partner network to provide job placement opportunities matching your interests and abilities.
HELICOPTER PILOT CAREER PATHSInvesting in helicopter pilot training is a significant decision. At Leading Edge Flight Academy, we’re committed to transparency in our pricing and helping students find financing solutions.
A reasonable starting estimate for complete helicopter pilot training is approximately $100,000, though costs vary depending on individual progression and specific program requirements.
We offer various financing pathways to help make your helicopter pilot training accessible:
Becoming a helicopter pilot requires meeting several requirements:
Beyond these requirements, successful helicopter pilots typically possess strong spatial awareness, excellent hand-eye coordination, calm decision-making abilities, and dedication to continuous learning.
For a private helicopter pilot license, students typically require 50-60 hours of flight time, which can be completed in 3-6 months with regular training.
A complete professional training program, including Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, and CFII ratings, typically takes 18-30 months of dedicated training. This timeline assumes:
Individual timelines vary based on weather conditions, student aptitude, and training frequency.
Comprehensive helicopter pilot training includes:
To maximize your success in our helicopter pilot training programs:
1. Plan to be available at least five days per week for optimal scheduling
2. Complete at least three training events weekly for skill retention and progression
3. Dedicate time for self-study in assigned subject areas
4. Prepare adequately for all flight, ground, and simulator training events
5. Understand that program completion typically takes 18-30 months of dedicated training, depending on individual progression
Contact our admissions team today to begin your journey to becoming a professional helicopter pilot at Central Oregon’s premier helicopter pilot training school.
