Our Part 61 helicopter flight training operations are conducted solely at our Westchester Airport location, in the Robinson R44 helicopter. Whether you dream of flying for fun with friends or family, looking to become a professional helicopter pilot or already a fixed wing pilot looking to earn your add-on rating, we are a helicopter flight school in New York that you can trust, dedicated to giving you the tools, skills, and knowledge to succeed as a licensed helicopter pilot.
INTRODUCTORY HELICOPTER FLIGHT LESSONS (DISCOVERY FLIGHTS)
If you have no prior flying experience, the recommended first step is to take an introductory flight lesson (discovery flight). Your first helicopter flight lesson begins with ground briefing covering helicopter flight controls, flying techniques and safety procedures.
You will then join one of our professional flight instructors for an exciting 30- or 60-minute one-on-one flight. Once airborne, you will get to take the controls of one of our Robinson helicopters while taking in stunning views of Westchester County, the New York/Connecticut coastline and the Hudson River. Introductory flight lessons are not permitted in New York City airspace. Bring up to two friends to ride along as passengers for additional fee (subject to weight limitations).
Roundtrip hotel transfers are available between Manhattan and Westchester for additional fee. Our Westchester location can also be reached by the Metro-North train from Grand Central Terminal to White Plains station then a quick taxi ride.
Total travel time approximately 45-60 minutes. Train schedules here.
General availability for discovery flights:
- Monday – Sunday 8 AM – 2 PM
FLIGHT TRAINING PROGRAMS WE OFFER
Private Pilot Program
The Private Pilot Program is an exciting opportunity for those with no flying experience to start flying for business or pleasure. This is also the first step toward a career as a professional pilot.
The federal requirement for the Private Pilot License is 40 hours of flight. The estimated minimum cost is $30,000 based on using only Robinson R44 helicopters for training.
Commercial Pilot Program
The Commercial Pilot Program is designed to prepare student pilots for the practical demands of professional flying. The federal requirement for the Commercial Pilot License is 150 hours of flight including the hours from the Private Pilot Program. The estimated minimum cost for the CPL is $82,500 based on using only Robinson R44 helicopters for training.
Helicopter Add-On
Pilots who already hold Private, Commercial, ATP or CFI Ratings on fixed wing aircraft can earn an “Add-On” rating in a helicopter. Those pilots are not required to take the FAA Private Helicopter written exam and the federal requirement is reduced to 30 hours.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Program
The majority of professional civilian pilots start their aviation careers as flight instructors. To become a flight instructor, you must possess an FAA Commercial Pilot License and pass the CFI Practical Exam. The federal requirement for the CFI License is an additional 50 hours after the Commercial Pilot License.
Scholarships and Grants Available for Flight Training
The Ultimate Flying Experience
We have a saying here, “if you can fly in New York, you can fly anywhere.” Westchester County and the surrounding areas offer students a challenging yet rewarding environment for helicopter flight training. Our New York helicopter flying lessons given in diverse weather conditions, high air traffic volumes, and a complex airspace system prepare students to fly under even the most demanding conditions. Whether you’re in an NYC helicopter navigating your way above the city along local routes or flying out east on a cross-country adventure, you can count on receiving the flying experience of a lifetime with us.
Superior Helicopters
The Robinson R44 Raven II is the helicopter of choice for all our training operations. This aircraft provides many advantages over other models used for helicopter training, ensuring a safe, high-performance and versatile platform. The R44 is one of the most popular helicopters in the world, seating up to 4 people comfortably and can travel at over 100 knots. Private pilots flying for pleasure can bring along up to 3 passengers. If you are working towards becoming a commercial pilot, helicopter pilot training in the R44 will provide you with experience in one of the most widely used helicopters in the industry.
Personalized Training
As one of the top helicopter flight schools New York has to offer, we pride ourselves on building close relationships with our students. Being a Part 61 flight school, all lessons are conducted one-on-one. This means each lesson is tailored to fit the student’s unique needs. At Wings Air Helicopters, you are more than just a customer – our instructors will always treat you as a valued member of our team.