FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions...

How old do I need to be to attend training? The Federal Aviation Regulations
states that you must be at least 16 years of age to be a student pilot and be at
least 17 years of age to be eligible for a Private Pilot Certificate. You must
also be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for a Commercial Pilot Certificate.

What training or education do I need before learning to fly helicopters? There
is no requirement for any level of education. However, one should have a
good grasp on basic mathematics and science. Math knowledge is used in
flight planning and navigation and science skills is used in the study of
aerodynamics and weather.

If it takes nine months to complete the training full-time, what is the time that
it will take me to finish if I go part-time? The length of time required will be
dependant on how many times a week you are able to fly. The more you fly,
the less time it will take. If you fly only once a week, you can plan on it taking
close to two years to complete your training.

Will I be able to do once I finish training? You will have everything that you
need to be hired as a flight instructor, which is typically the first job that one
gets in their aviation career. Where you go from there will depend on the
number of flight hours that you have and what is required for a specific job.

I wanted to fly for the military, but was told no because I take medications.
What does the FAA say about this? The military is very strict on the physical
conditions of pilots, while the FAA takes a more lenient stance. You should
pass a Class II Flight Physical prior to starting training, especially if you have
a medical condition that you take medication for. While the FAA has a long
list of medications that you are allowed to take, the time required to get your
medical approved can at times be lengthy. Passing the physical prior to
starting your training can keep from having to delay your training after you
start. You can get a list of approved physicians on the FAA website.

I have a DUI on my record, will that keep me from attending training? Not
usually, but depending on the recency of the event, it may delay the start of
your training. The FAA is pretty strict on such infractions, but as long as
alcohol or drug abuse is not a part of your current lifestyle, it should not keep
you from realizing your dreams of being a pilot.

Do I need to know how to fly airplanes before I learn to fly helicopters? No. In
fact, for most low time pilots it is best if you do not have any fixed-wing time.
This way there is no airplane habits that you need to unlearn when you learn
to fly helicopters. However, don't let having some fixed-wing time keep you
from learning to fly helicopters as a quality flight instructor can get you
around this issue.

Do I need a medical?
Yes, only a class 3 FAA medical is needed which we will arrange for you with
a medical examiner.

My vision is not 20/20, does that matter?
No, as along as your vision is corrected to 20/20 then that's ok. So glasses
and contact lenses are both accepted.

When can I start my training?
Here at American Helicopters we do not have "set dates" on which to start
your training, unlike some other flight schools you start and schedule at your
convenience.

Which helicopter will I be flying?
Most of our flying is conducted in the most popular flight-training helicopter
in the world, the Robinson R-22.

Will American Helicopters hire me as an instructor when I finish training?
While we can not offer all of our graduates a position as a flight instructor, we
do give our degree graduates positions as instructors so they may continue
their degree program.

Does American Helicopters offer financing for the training? We have
financing available through lending companies and are working to make
additional sources available so that you can choose a loan that best suits
your needs.

WHAT IS THE GLOBAL AVIATION DEGREE PROGRAM?

It is the distance-learning provider for the Utah Valley State College (UVSC).
It is an accredited college degree program, which allows you to complete all
of your courses on-line after you receive your flight training.
AMERICAN HELICOPTERS provides your Helicopter Flight Training.
G.A.D.P has Regional Accreditation.
Students that are part of the UVSC Global Aviation Degree Program will have
the same access to student services as students attending classes at the
Utah campus. This includes job placement, recommendations, career
counseling, graduation assistance and financial aid.

HOW DOES THE G.A.D.P. WORK?
First you will complete all of your flight training.(within 6 - 7 months) Private,
Instrument, Commercial, Instructor ratings.
Next, you may begin working as a professional helicopter pilot while
completing your remaining courses on-line.
Your helicopter ratings apply towards your total credit hours.
100% STUDENT FINANCING IS AVAILABLE - NO INCOME OR JOB
REQUIRED - DEFERRED PAYMENTS
VA Benefits can be used through Utah Valley State College. Financial
assistance is also available through this college to be used towards flight
training.

The following is a list of available degrees:
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Aviation Science (73 Credits)
Associate in Science Degree in Aviation Science Emphasis (63 credits)
Bachelor of Science in Aviation Professional Pilot (120 credits)

FINANCING
If required, 100% financing is available through Student Education Loan
programs. Upon enrollment, American Helicopters will provide applicants
with all essential financing documents and will personally assist by phone or
in person throughout the application process. Living expenses (housing, car
rental and other personal costs) incurred during the flight instruction portion
of the program may also be included in the Student Loan.
Eligibility
Even part-time UVSC Global Aviation Degree students are eligible for the
Student Education Loan programs. You may also be eligible for the Gap
Education Loan without prior credit history.

Fees
There are no loan application or loan origination fees. The only fee for
Student Education Loan programs is a reserve fee. The fee may be as low as
4% for students or their co-signers with a good credit history. The reserve
fee is deducted after all disbursements are made.

Borrowing Limits
The annual limit for borrowers approved at the 4% interest rate is the student’
s cost of attendance, minus financial aid received. Minimum loan size is
$1,000. The total amount you may borrow from the Student Education Loan
programs is $100,000 including debt from all other student loan programs.

Interest Rates
Interest rates begin at 4% and vary based on individual circumstances.

Repayment Terms
Repayment on the Student Education Loan programs begins six months
after graduation or withdrawing from the UVSC/Global Aviation Degree
Program. The minimum monthly payment is $50; the maximum repayment
term is 20 years.

Application and Information
For loan applications, or more information about the loan programs, please
contact American Helicopters at 559-233-4411

What can I do to get answers to other questions?
You can call us at 559-233-4411 or drop us an email at
nypilot6@yahoo.com.