Helicopter flight training New York at your own pace. Whether you dream of flying for fun or looking to become a professional helicopter pilot, we are a helicopter flight school in New York that you can trust. Our experienced helicopter flight instructors will give you the tools, skills, and knowledge to succeed as a licensed helicopter pilot. Our Part 61 helicopter flight training operations are conducted at our Westchester County Airport location in Robinson R44 helicopters.
PERSONALIZED FLIGHT TRAINING
As one of the top helicopter flight schools New York has to offer, we pride ourselves on building close relationships with our students. As a Part 61 flight school, training is at your own pace, with each lesson tailored to fit your 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.
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.
FLYING IN THE NEW YORK AREA
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.
INTRODUCTORY HELICOPTER FLIGHT LESSONS
If you have no prior flying experience, the recommended first step is to take an introductory helicopter flight lesson. Your first helicopter flight lesson will start with ground instruction followed by a one-on-one flight in a Robinson R44 helicopter with a certified flight instructor. Student pilots practice basic maneuvers over Westchester County and the Hudson Valley. This experience provides valuable insight into the flight training process before committing to it, it is also a fun activity to do with your loved ones.
Flight Training Programs We Offer
Youth Helicopter Summer Program
Join us for 3-4 weeks and experience the thrill and challenge of learning to fly a Robinson R44 helicopter.
No prior flying experience required. Ages 15 and up.
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 minimum requirement for the Private Pilot License is 40 hours of flight.
Commercial Pilot Program
The Commercial Pilot Program is designed to prepare student pilots for the practical demands of professional flying. The minimum requirement for the Commercial Pilot License is 150 hours of flight including the hours from the Private Pilot Program.
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 minimum requirement for the CFI License is 200 hours of total helicopter time with at least 50 hours in Robinson helicopters.
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 minimum requirement is reduced from 40 to 30 hours.
Turbine Transition
Most helicopter pilots learn to fly in piston helicopters, however, depending on your aviation goals, or to prepare for a future career, you may benefit from training in a turbine helicopter. We offer turbine transition training on our AStar helicopters for pilots who already hold a private pilot helicopter certificate. This program is based on at least 5 hours of dual instruction + 10 hours of ground instruction.
FINANCING OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS
To help manage the high cost of flight training, we offer financing via PayPal Credit. Financing from AOPA and Pilot Finance is also available. Below is a list of third-party scholarship and grant opportunities available to aspiring pilots. We also offer the option to pre-purchase blocks of flight time at a discounted rate. Please note: we do not accept the G.I. Bill.