Foreign License Conversion - Helicopter
Private Foreign License Conversion (PPL-H)
If you hold a Private or Commercial Helicopter Licence in an ICAO country you can obtain the Canadian PPL(H) without doing a written exam or flight test as long as you meet all the Transport Canada requirements. You can contact us for direction in getting this process started. Please include the following information:
- Country of your current licence
- Medical validity
- Total Time
- PIC Time
- Cross Country (Dual)
- Cross Country (Solo)
- Instrument Time (hood or helicopter)
- Instrument Time (sim or airplane)
Commercial Foreign License Conversion (CPL-H or ATPL-H)
If you hold a valid Commercial Helicopter Pilot’s Licence in an ICAO country and meet the all of the Canadian Licence requirements you will be eligible to challenge both the Transport Canada Written Exam and Flight Test. If you meet the time requirements you are not required to do any training but it is recommended to fly with one of our instructors to ensure your skills are up to the standard required to pass the Commercial Flight Test. You will also need to complete a PSTAR exam, Restricted Radio Operator’s Certificate and Aviation Language Proficiency Demonstration. Most of this testing can be done in house, the written exam must be done at the Transport Canada Office at the Calgary International Airport.
The training and flight test can be done on any of the of the helicopters we operate: Robinson R22, Robinson R44 and Bell 206 Jet Ranger.
For more information and to get your conversion started please contact us with the following information:
- Country of your current licence
- Medical validity
- Total Time
- PIC Time
- Cross Country (Dual)
- Cross Country (Solo)
- Instrument Time (hood or helicopter)
- Instrument Time (sim or airplane)
- Your height and weight
- Current endorsements
NOTE
If you hold an FAA Licence (that was not issued based on another foreign licence) you are eligible for an abbreviated conversion process. Please review the following document and contact us if you need any clarification or direction.
http://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/reference-centre/advisory-circulars/ac-401-003.html
Approved Mountain Course
Location
Mountain View Helicopters
Springbank Airport (CYBW)
Course Length
Full - 25 Hours
Intermediate - 10 Hours
Basic - 5 Hours
Class Size
1-4 People
Cost
Please contact us for rates
Mountain flying is different
There are many reasons to fly in the mountains; scenery found only in the mountains would be justification enough. Add the challenges and rewards of attempting to fly in harmony with the forces of nature and to land in places only accessible to experienced mountain climbers and mountain goats, or even save a life. Whatever way you look at it, mountain flying is tremendously exciting and rewarding. Whether fulfilling a requirement for certain mining or government contracts, or personal interest and development, mountain flying can be done safely.
Flying in the mountains is a different experience from flying in any other environment. Even on a good day, you have to deal with more than exceptional scenery – your engine develops less power and the blades require a higher angle to produce the same lift due to the thinner air. As a pilot you may suffer from lack of available oxygen at altitudes lower than required to clear the highest peaks. Navigation can be more difficult as you may not be able to go in a straight line. Knowledge of winds and weather becomes critical as winds can be extremely strong and weather can change dramatically in minutes. It is possible to fly safely in the mountains but it requires training, knowledge and experience.
The average pilot can learn to deal with all aspects of mountain flying, but it does not happen overnight. You have to study and work at it. The best way is to benefit from training in a formal mountain course conducted by a professional mountain pilot (instructor).
About the Course
At Mountain View Helicopters this is what we aim to do; train you to give you a solid knowledge base which will carry on during your flying career. Our approved mountain course consists of a total of 25 hours of flying and associated ground school. You will learn about winds, weather and the effects of helicopter operations, as well as all the techniques required to handle basic mountain recce, ridges, crown, ledges, saddles, cirques, glaciers, pinnacles, canyons, alpine meadows and others. This 25 hour course is designed for the low experience pilot. Included in this course are 5 hours of emergencies, completed in the mountain environment as well as at the airport.
Pilots of all experience levels can benefit from this 25 hour course. Mountain training improves precision and handling skills. We also offer introductory mountain courses varying from 5 hours (basic) or 10 hours (intermediate) for those pilots who require some knowledge of mountain flying but who may not be in a position to do the full course.
For the more experienced higher time pilot we offer a 20 hour approved mountain course. Building on the pilot’s experience, the 20 hour course challenges their skills in the mountain environment. New skills, flying techniques and knowledge are developed. This option includes the same content of the 25 hour course, but takes advantage of the higher time pilot’s experience.
Training is also available on your own personal or company helicopter, by yourself, or two at a time. This option has been extremely popular with our commercial customers as each pilot benefits from 20 hours on the controls and another 20 hours in the back seat observing another pilot’s work, so each pilot in effect gets 40 hours in the air plus ground school! All at a very reasonable price.
At the end of your course, you will receive a certificate of completion “Approved Mountain Course.”
Course Syllabus
- Psychology of Mountain Flying
- Geography of Mountains and their effects on helicopter operations
- Wind and Weather
- Contour Crawl
- Standard Mountain Approach - Landing and Takeoff
- Basic Circle Recce
- High Altitude Operations
- Ridges and Crowns
- Shoulders and Ledges
- Saddles
- Cirques
- Glacier and Snowfields
- Pinnacle
- Alpine Meadows
- Canyons, Narrow Valleys and River Beds
- Gullies
- Log pads and Platforms
Course Schedule
Full Course: 25 Hours Flight Time
Intermediate Course: 10 Hours Flight Time
Basic Course: 5 Hours Flight Time
All courses require additional classroom and study time. Length will be determined by the level of previous experience held by the candidate.
IIMC Training Course - Helicopter
Location
Mountain View Helicopters
Springbank Airport (CYBW)
Course Length
5 Hours including 2.5 hours classroom and 2.5 hours simulator training
Class Size
1-4 People
Cost
$475 per person
About the Course
Entry into inadvertent IMC (IIMC) conditions is a demanding, disorienting and dangerous situation for any pilot. However by understanding avoidance and recovery techniques, pilots can become better prepared for the variables of navigating through these conditions.
At Mountain View Helicopters, we offer classroom and simulator-based training to help give pilots essential skills for enabling a safe recovery from IIMC. While using our Fly It flight training simulator, pilots learn techniques that can be useful to any helicopter make/model; avoidance techniques are also part of the curriculum.
Courses are offered for groups or on an individual basis and focus on human factors, situational awareness, communication, pilot decision making, pre-flight planning, weather and terrain avoidance, as well as recovery from an inadvertent IMC condition. By combining classroom time with simulator training, we're able to re-inforce techniques learned in the classroom with a hands-on experience in low visibility and IMC conditions.
This program meets the requirements set out in the IHST Training Factsheet - Inadvertent Entry into Meteorological Conditions (IIMC). Pilots will receive a certificate of training on completion of the course.
Course Syllabus
- Human Factors
- Situational Awareness
- Effective Communications
- Pilot Decision Making
- Pre-flight Planning
- Weather and Terrain Avoidance
- Inadvertant IMC Procedures
- Recovery Techniques from Inadvertent IMC
Course Schedule
Standard: 5 Hours including;
2.5 Hours Classroom Training
2.5 Hours Simulator Training
All training is to be completed at Mountain View Helicopters at Springbank Airport over 2-days. We can accept a maximum of 4 pilots per two day course. Course schedule can be tailored to the requirements of your company.
Book a Discovery Flight
Gift Cards
Instrument Rating
Group IV Instrument Rating Requirements
- You must complete IFR Groundschool Training
- 40 Hours Instrument Time of which; maximum 20 hours on simulator; minimum 5 hours on helicopter
- A passing grade of 70% on the Transport Canada Instrument Rating (INRAT) exam
- Pass Transport Canada Instrument Rating flight test
PREREQUISITES
- Current PPL(H), CPL(H) or ATPL(H)
- Valid medical appropriate to the license held
- 50 hours cross country (minimum 10 hours on helicopter)
KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
A passing grade (70%) on the Transport Canada Instrument Rating (INRAT) exam.
Personnel Licensing and Training
– General Flight Crew Permits, Licences and Ratings
Instrumentation, Navigation and Radio Aids
Pitot Static System
Pitot Static Instruments
Gyroscopic Systems and Instruments
Magnetic Compass
VOR, ADF, ILS
GNSS
Transponder
General Operating and Flight Rules
Interpretation
Airspace Structure, Classification and Use
Operating and Flight Rules
Operational and Emergency Equipment Requirements
Flight Preparation, Flight Plans and Flight Itineraries
Operations at or in the Vicinity of an Aerodrome
Instrument Flight Rules
Radio Communications
Aircraft Requirements
Air Traffic Services
Canadian Airspace
Route and Flight Planning
Departure Procedures
En Route Procedures
Holding Procedures
Approach Procedures
Canada Air Pilot (CAP) Definitions
Emergencies
FLIGHT EXERCISES
1. Basic Instrument Review
2. Automatic Direction Finder (ADF/NDB)
3. Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR)
4. Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
5. Holding
6. Approaches and Missed Approaches
7. Air Traffic Services (ATS)
8. Clearances/Procedures
9. IFR Cross Country
TUITION AND FEES
Please contact us for tuition fee information.
We will want to know what you currently have for instrument time, the aircraft you are currently type endorsed on, whether you have completed the INRAT and if you would like all of your flight time in the helicopter or if you are interested in a helicopter/airplane split to minimize your costs. Once we have some information from you, we will be able to give you a customized estimate of training costs.
Night Rating
Night Rating – Helicopter (Commercial and Private License)
Night ratings are completed one-on-one with an instructor, and will include everything you need to know in order to fly safely and proficiently at night. We recommend completing a night rating during the Fall/Winter/Spring months, as you won’t have to stay up quite so late to get all the flight time in.
In order to complete the Night Rating you will do 10 hours of night flight. 5 hours will be dual and must include a 2 hour cross country flight. 5 hours will be solo and must include 10 takeoffs, landings and circuits.
To register for a night rating, please call us at 403-286-7186
PREREQUISITES
- You must hold a valid Private or Commercial Helicopter Licence (to do the solo component of the Night Rating)
- Valid Category 1 or 3 Aviation Medical
- 10 hours instrument time
TUITION AND FEES
The cost for a night rating depends upon the type of aircraft flown:
Robinson R22 10 hours @ $580/hr – $5800
Robinson R44 10 hours @ $800/hr – $8000
Bell 206 10 hours @ $1200/hr – $12,000
+ $200 Briefing Fee
+ $30 Licensing Fee
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
You do not require any additional medical certificates on top of your existing Category 1 or 3 medical in order to obtain a night rating.
FLIGHT EXERCISES
No flight test is required for a night rating, however we will cover the following exercises to ensure the student is safe and proficient for night flight.
1. Takeoff and Landing
2. Circuits
3. Emergencies
4. Cross Country Flight
Private Helicopter Pilot
NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Many members of the public are more familiar with fixed-wing aviation than the helicopter industry, so those interested in a career as a helicopter pilot often don’t know where to begin. We are here to help. One common misconception is that you must get a private helicopter licence before progressing to a commercial licence. This may be true for the fixed-wing licence, but not for a helicopter licence.
Another misconception is that getting some fixed-wing experience is required before converting to helicopter training. If you choose to train as a commercial helicopter pilot you do not require any previous flying experience. In fact since flying helicopters vs. fixed-wing is quite different, fixed-wing flying may add some confusion to students at the beginning of their helicopter training.
The only formal prerequisites required to obtain a private or commercial helicopter pilot licence are:
- You must be a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant or lawfully admitted to Canada as a student.
- You must be at least 14 years of age at time of first solo flight and 17 years of age to obtain a Private Licence.
- Hold a valid Transport Canada Category 3 medical certificate.
- Training may commence before obtaining the medical exam, however we recommend this as a first step to avoid any delays.
There are no academic prerequisites, although we do suggest completion of high school. A Discovery Flight combined with a tour of our facility is a great opportunity to introduce you to the world of helicopter flight. This will provide a good understanding of what is required to become a helicopter pilot and to help you determine if it is the right choice for you.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
All private helicopter pilots in Canada are required to hold a Category 3 aviation medical certificate in order to validate their Student Pilot Permit and Private Pilot Licence. We recommend all students complete a medical prior to starting class. A medical must be received from Transport Canada prior to any solo flight.
Category 3 – medical certificate validity period is 60 months (or 24 months if over 40 years of age). Visit the Transport Canada Civil Aviation website for detailed information on what is included in the Category 3 Medical Certificate Examination at www.tc.gc.ca.
Follow this link to find a Canadian Aviation Medical Examiner near you.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
40 hours of ground school and a passing grade (60%) for the Transport Canada Private Pilot – Helicopter (PPHEL) written exam.
Ground School Subject Areas Include:
- Air Law and Procedures
- Airframes, Engines and Systems
- Theory of Flight
- Meteorology
- Instruments
- Navigation – General
- Navigation and Radio Aids
- Flight Operations
- Human Factors
RESOURCES
FLIGHT EXERCISES
1. Helicopter familiarization
2. Preparation for flight
3. Effects of controls
4. Airspeed and power changes
5. Climbs and descents
6. Turns
7. Autorotations 1 (upper air)
8. Hovering
9. Takeoff and landing
10. Hovering exercises
11. Engine failure at the hover /hover-taxi
12. Transitions
13. Autorotations 2 (landing)
14. Emergencies
15. The circuit
16. Sideways and reverse flight
17. Steep turns
18. Autorotations 3 (range variations)
19. Practice forced approaches
20. Pilot navigation
21. Rapid decelerations
22. Low level operations
23. Sloping ground
24. Advanced take-offs and landings
25. Confined areas
26. Vortex ring
27. Practical loading and maximum weight operations
28. Sling load operations
29. Type conversion
30. Instrument flying
31. Night flying – optional
RESOURCES
TUITION AND FEES
We have numerous course options depending on the aircraft types you are looking to fly during your training. All private courses meet Transport Canada flight training requirements for the Private Helicopter Pilot Licence (PPL-H). This includes a minimum of 45 hours of flight training time, 40 hours of classroom ground school and exercise briefings, required exams, flight test time and fees, licence and endorsement fees and paperwork courier fees.
If you have questions about the courses or if there is a different option you would like to see please contact us to discuss options.
If you own a helicopter or are planning to purchase one, we may be able to train you on it. Please contact us for more information.
| 45hrs R22 @ $595/hr + GST | $28,113.75 | ||
| 3hrs SIM @ $150/hr + GST | $472.50 | ||
| Book Package (including headset) | $1,298.75 | ||
| Classroom Ground School | $1,890.00 | ||
| Restricted Radio Operator’s Licence | 25.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Written Exam | $200.00 | ||
| Flight Test 1.8hrs R22 @ $595/hr + GST | $1124.55 | ||
| Flight Test Fee | $525.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Licence/Endorsement Fee | $55.00 | ||
| Administration and Courier Fees | $260.00 | ||
| TOTAL COURSE COST | $33,964.55 | ||
| 45hrs R44 @ $810/hr + GST | $38,272,50 | ||
| 3hrs SIM @ $150/hr + GST | $472.50 | ||
| Book Package | $1,298.75 | ||
| Classroom Ground School | $1,890.00 | ||
| Restricted Radio Operator’s Licence | $25.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Written Exam | $200.00 | ||
| Flight Test 1.8hrs R44 @ $810/hr + GST | $1,530.90 | ||
| Flight Test Fee | $525.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Licence/Endorsement Fee | $55.00 | ||
| Courier Fee | $260.00 | ||
| TOTAL COURSE COST | $44,529.65 | ||
Register for the Private Helicopter Pilot course
To register for course please email info@mvheli.com or call us at 403 286 7186.
PRIVATE HELICOPTER LICENCE
Love aviation? Need a new hobby? This course is for you! The Private Helicopter Licence is for someone looking to fly strictly for pleasure. Our facility offers a variety of options both full time or part time to train you to become a safe and proficient helicopter pilot.
Mountain View Helicopters prides itself on being the highest quality helicopter training school available in Canada. Our unique location on the eastern edge of the Canadian Rockies allows our students to hone their skills in a beautiful, but challenging operational environment.
At MVH we are passionate about teaching. Our main focus is flight training and our dedication to it is noticeable when you walk through our door. We are a commercial operator as well with tours and charters, but we have made our flight school our number one priority. We employ highly experienced and skilled flight instructors and hold ourselves to a high standard of training. Most of our instructors did their initial training at MVH which helps maintain our high standards and consistency in training.
About the Course
Students in our Private Helicopter Pilot course will meet and exceed the minimum requirements set out by Transport Canada of 40 hours of ground school and 45 hours of flight training time. The course is a combination of classroom ground school, exercise briefings, flight training, simulator training and hands on experience.
Both full time and part time training is available with flexible start dates and personalized scheduling.
Course Length
The Private Helicopter Pilot Course takes approximately three months of full time training. The completion date is weather dependent. The length of a part time course depends on the students schedule and availability.
Class Schedule
Full time classes run Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Students can expect flights most days, with non-fly days reserved for ground school and study time.
How to Register
Email info@mvheli.com or call us at (403) 286-7186.
Commercial Helicopter Pilot
Commercial Helicopter Pilot Training Course
Mountain View Helicopters prides itself on being the highest quality helicopter training school available in Canada. Our unique location on the eastern edge of the Canadian Rockies allows our students to hone their skills in a beautiful, but challenging operational environment.
At MVH we are passionate about teaching. Our main focus is flight training and our dedication to it is noticeable when you walk through our door. We are a commercial operator as well, with tours and charters, but we have made our flight school our number one priority. We employ highly experienced and skilled flight instructors and hold ourselves to a high standard of training. Most of our instructors did their initial training at MVH which helps maintain our high standards and consistency in training.
Our commitment to our students does not end at the completion of the course. We want to see our graduates working in the industry and boast a 75% post graduation employment rate. We run a seasonal tour operation in Drumheller, Alberta which is 100% staffed by MVH graduates. We also have numerous companies who look to us every season to provide graduates to fill entry-level positions. Please visit our Post Graduation Employment tab for more information.
About the Course
Students in our Commercial Helicopter Pilot course will meet and exceed the minimum requirements set out by Transport Canada of 80 hours of ground school and 100 hours of flight training time. The course is a combination of classroom ground school, exercise briefings, flight training, simulator training, and hands on experience.
Our commercial training program is full time with a fixed start date. Full time training courses start mid-September, mid-January and mid-May. Full time courses are eligible for student loans.
Part time training is also available with flexible start dates and personalized scheduling. This option works well for those who have a rotating schedule or are unable to commit to consecutive training days.
Course Length
The Commercial Helicopter Pilot Course takes approximately four months of full time training. The completion date is weather dependent. The length of a part time course depends on the students schedule and availability.
Upcoming Full Time Classes
May 21, 2024 (waitlist)
September 9, 2024 (waitlist)
January 20, 2025
May 20, 2025
Class Schedule
Full time classes run Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 5pm. Students can expect flights most days, with non-fly days reserved for ground school and study time.
PREREQUISITES
- You must be a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant or lawfully admitted to Canada as a student
- You must be at least 14 years of age at time of first solo flight, and 18 years of age to obtain a Commercial Licence
- Hold a valid Transport Canada medical certificate – Category 1 for a Commercial Licence. Training may commence before obtaining the medical exam, however we recommend this as a first step to your aviation career to avoid delays
No previous aviation experience required. Our course syllabus will cover everything you need to know in order to become a Commercial Helicopter Pilot.
Many members of the public are more familiar with fixed-wing aviation than the helicopter industry, so those interested in a career as a helicopter pilot often don’t know where to begin. We are here to help. One common misconception is that you must get a private helicopter licence before progressing to a commercial licence. This may be true for the fixed-wing licence, but not for a helicopter licence.
There are no academic prerequisites, although we do suggest completion of high school. A discovery flight combined with a tour of our facility is a great opportunity to introduce you to the world of helicopter flight. This will provide a good understanding of what is required to become a helicopter pilot and to help you determine if it is the career for you.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
All commercial helicopter pilots in Canada are required to hold a Category 1 aviation medical certificate from Transport Canada in order to validate their licence. To complete your medical, you need to visit an Aviation Medical Examiner who will perform an audiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG), vision test, as well as a checkup on your medical history. We recommend all students complete a medical prior to starting class.
Category 1 – medical certificate validity period is 12 months (or 6 months if over 40 years of age). Visit the Transport Canada Civil Aviation website for detailed information on what is included in the Category 1 Medical Certificate Examination at www.tc.gc.ca.
Follow this link to find a Canadian Aviation Medical Examiner near you.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our ground school classes are offered in-house, however there is also an online option available for those students that are not able to commit to a full time class. Our qualified helicopter flight instructors teach all of the in-house ground school.
Students are required to complete a minimum 80 hours of ground school and acquire a passing grade (60%) for the Transport Canada Commercial Pilot – Helicopter written exam. Students are eligible to write the written exam once they have completed 50% of the flight training time.
Ground School Subject Areas Include:
- Air Law and Procedures
- Airframes, Engines and Systems
- Theory of Flight
- Meteorology
- Instruments
- Navigation – General
- Navigation and Radio Aids
- Flight Operations
- Human Factors
RESOURCES
FLIGHT EXERCISES
During the course our flight instructors will demonstrate and allow for practice of the following exercises to get you ready for your flight test. You can find the outlines of all exercises along with in-depth descriptions through the Transport Canada Flight Training Manual.
The 100 hours of helicopter flight training time will include a minimum of 65 hours dual instruction time and 35 hours solo fight time. The dual time will cover all exercises and include a minimum of 10 hours instrument time (5 of these hours can be done in our simulator), and 5 hours of cross country time. The solo time will include most non-emergency exercises and must include a minimum of 10 hours cross country time.
Each flight will begin with a one-on-one briefing with an instructor to discuss the exercise, safety considerations, the weather, and to ensure all the proper steps and procedures are being adhered to.
1. Helicopter familiarization
2. Preparation for flight
3. Effects of controls
4. Airspeed and power changes
5. Climbs and descents
6. Turns
7. Autorotations 1 (upper air)
8. Hovering
9. Takeoff and landing
10. Hovering exercises
11. Engine failure at the hover /hover-taxi
12. Transitions
13. Autorotations 2 (landing)
14. Emergencies
15. The circuit
16. Sideways and reverse flight
17. Steep turns
18. Autorotations 3 (range variations)
19. Practice forced approaches
20. Pilot navigation
21. Rapid decelerations
22. Low level operations
23. Sloping ground
24. Advanced take-offs and landings
25. Confined areas
26. Vortex ring
27. Practical loading and maximum weight operations
28. Sling load operations
29. Type conversion
30. Instrument flying
31. Night flying – optional
RESOURCES
TUITION AND FEES
We have numerous course options depending on the aircraft types you are looking to fly during your training. All commercial courses meet Transport Canada flight training requirements for the Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence (CPL-H). This includes a minimum of 100 hours of flight training time, 80 hours of classroom ground school and exercise briefings, required exams, flight test time and fees, licence and endorsement fees and paperwork courier fees.
The following is a list of our popular Commercial Course options. These fees are based on attendance to a full time course. If you have questions about the courses, or if there is a different option you would like to see please contact us to discuss options.
OUR FLEET
Information about our fleet of helicopters can be found here. Not sure what helicopter is right for you? We’ve written a small article about the different types.
ADVANCED TRAINING
Courses that include Advanced Training have additional time set aside to include operational training that can be tailored to a students needs including mountain training, slinging, long-lining and hover exit.
| 100hrs R22 @ $580/hr | $59,500.00 | ||
| 5hrs SIM @ $150/hr | $750.00 | ||
| Book Package (including headset) | $1,298.75 | ||
| Classroom Ground School | $1,800.00 | ||
| Restricted Radio Operator’s Licence | $25.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Written Exam | $130.00 | ||
| Flight Test 1.8hrs R22 @ $595/hr | $1071.00 | ||
| Flight Test Fee | $525.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Licence/Endorsement Fee | $80.00 | ||
| Administration and Courier Fees | $260.00 | ||
| TOTAL COURSE COST | $65,439.75 | ||
| 95hrs R22 @ $595/hr | $56,525.00 | ||
| 5hrs R44 @ $825/hr | $4,125.00 | ||
| 5hrs SIM @ $150/hr | $750.00 | ||
| Book Package (including headset) | $1,298.75 | ||
| Classroom Ground School | $1,800.00 | ||
| Restricted Radio Operator’s Licence | $25.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Written Exam | $130.00 | ||
| Flight Test 1.8hrs R22 @ $595/hr | $1071.00 | ||
| Flight Test Fee | $525.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Licence/Endorsement Fee | $130.00 | ||
| Administration and Courier Fees | $260.00 | ||
| TOTAL COURSE COST | $66,619.75 | ||
| 90hrs R22 @ $595/hr | $53,550.00 | ||
| 10hrs R44 @ 825/hr | $4,125.00 | ||
| 5hrs SIM @ $150/hr | $750.00 | ||
| Book Package (including headset) | $1,298.75 | ||
| Classroom Ground School | $1,800.00 | ||
| Restricted Radio Operator’s Licence | $25.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Written Exam | $130.00 | ||
| Flight Test 1.8hrs R22 @ $595/hr | $1071.00 | ||
| Flight Test Fee | $525.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Licence/Endorsement Fee | $130.00 | ||
| Administration and Courier Fees | $260.00 | ||
| TOTAL COURSE COST | $67,769.75 | ||
| 90hrs R22 @ $595/hr | $53,550.00 | ||
| 5hrs R44 @ $825/hr | $4,125.00 | ||
| 10hrs BH06 @ $1225/hr | $12,250.00 | ||
| 5hrs SIM @ $150/hr | $750.00 | ||
| Book Package (including headset) | $1,298.75 | ||
| Classroom Ground School | $1,800.00 | ||
| Restricted Radio Operator’s Licence | $25.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Written Exam | $130.00 | ||
| Flight Test 1.8hrs R22 @ $595/hr | $1071.00 | ||
| Flight Test Fee | $525.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Licence/Endorsement Fee | $140.00 | ||
| Administration and Courier Fees | $260.00 | ||
| TOTAL COURSE COST | $75,924.75 | ||
| 100hrs R44 @ $750/hr* | $77,500.00 | ||
| 5hrs SIM @ $150/hr | $750.00 | ||
| Book Package (including headset) | $1,298.75 | ||
| Classroom Ground School | $1,800.00 | ||
| Restricted Radio Operator’s Licence | $25.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Written Exam | $130.00 | ||
| Flight Test 1.8hrs R44 @ $775/hr | $1,395.00 | ||
| Flight Test Fee | $525.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Licence/Endorsement Fee | $80.00 | ||
| Administration and Courier Fees | $260.00 | ||
| TOTAL COURSE COST | $83,763.75 | ||
| * discounted R44 rate due to number of hours flown | |||
| 90hrs R44 @ $775/hr* | $67,750.00 | ||
| 10hrs Bell 206 @ $1225/hr | $12,250.00 | ||
| 5hrs SIM @ $150/hr | $750.00 | ||
| Book Package (including headset) | $1,298.75 | ||
| Classroom Ground School | $1,800.00 | ||
| Restricted Radio Operator’s Licence | $25.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Written Exam | $130.00 | ||
| Flight Test 1.8hrs R44 @ $775/hr | $1,395.00 | ||
| Flight Test Fee | $525.00 | ||
| Transport Canada Licence/Endorsement Fee | $110.00 | ||
| Administration and Courier Fees | $260.00 | ||
| TOTAL COURSE COST | $88,293.75 | ||
| * discounted R44 rate due to number of hours flown | |||
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Mountain View Helicopters is a Designated Educational Institution. Students enrolled full time in our Commercial Helicopter Licence Course are eligible to apply for funding through Alberta Student Aid, if they live in Alberta, or through the province in which they reside. Students in our programs are also able to withdraw RESP’s if they have them and are able access funds they may have saved in RRSP’s through the Lifelong Learning Plan.
We suggest visiting the following links to explore financial aid options:
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Full time commercial students at MVH are also eligible to apply for a $2500 Scholarship through the Echoridge Educational Foundation. This scholarship is awarded to one student in each of our full time courses. Application information is provided in the first week of class.
POST GRADUATION EMPLOYMENT
Mountain View Helicopters is committed to getting our graduates working in the helicopter industry after graduation from our program. A post graduation employment rate of 75% really attests to our dedication to our graduates.
In 2003 MVH started a seasonal tour base in Drumheller, Alberta with a goal of being able to hire from our graduates each year to fly helicopter tours. This was a successful endeavor and we just celebrated our 16th season at the Horseshoe Canyon in the summer of 2018.
Heli-Source a helicopter company in Red Deer, Alberta hires low time pilots exclusively from Mountain View Helicopters. Pilots who are successful in their program often reach 1000 hours of flight time within 5 years of employment with Heli-Source.
While Drumheller and Heli-Source are great avenues for our graduates to kick-start their exciting careers they are not the only options. We have graduates each year find employment all over Canada often through contacts that our instructors have in the industry. Phoenix Heli-Flight, Ops Mobil, Forest Helicopters, Valhalla Helicopters, Buffalo Aerial Services Ltd., Alpine Helicopters, Great Slave Helicopters, Valley B Aviation, Bighorn Helicopters Inc., are some of the many companies that MVH graduates have started their careers with.
What type of helicopters do you train on?
Our main flight training helicopters are the Robinson R22 and R44. These piston engine helicopters are the most popular ab-initio training helicopter in the world, and they are often the types of helicopter that a new pilot will fly for their first job. The R22 is a cost effective way to obtain your initial helicopter pilot licence. With experience in the R22 the transition to the R44 is quick and easy. We also offer training on turbine helicopters using the Bell 206 JetRanger. Students may choose to do their entire course in the JetRanger, or just an endorsement.
Does Mountain View hire their graduates?
Mountain View Helicopters is both a flight training unit as well as a successful commercial operator. Although we cannot guarantee employment to every student, we do hire some of our graduates to operate our seasonal tour base near Drumheller, Alberta. Also, our company president, Paul Bergeron, is well known in the helicopter industry and has worked to establish relationships with operators throughout Canada to help place our graduates.
Do I require any previous flying experience?
No previous experience is required. Most people that enrol in our training program have never flown an aircraft before.
Do I need to fly airplanes before moving on to helicopters?
No fixed wing experience is required. Helicopters and airplanes fly using different principles and controls. Although the general aviation knowledge you acquire while flying airplanes may prove useful in your helicopter training, some fixed-wing habits actually make learning to fly helicopters more difficult.
How old do I have to be to get a pilot's license?
You can begin training at any age, but you have to be 16 years old before you can fly solo. You must be 17 to be issued a private helicopter pilot licence, and you have to be 18 years old to get a commercial helicopter pilot licence.
Do I need perfect eyesight?
No. You only need vision that is correctable to 20/30 with glasses or contact lenses.
What is a Category 1 Medical Certificate?
Students enrolled in the Commercial Helicopter Pilot program will need a Category 1 Medical Certificate completed before their first solo flight. The exam begins with an approved Civil Aviation Medical Examiner filling out a Transport Canada application/medical history form. You will be required to have an ECG as well as an audiogram to complete the Category 1 Medical requirements. The validity period is 12 months if you are under 40 years of age and 6 months if you are over 40 years old. For a list of Civil Aviation Medical Examiners near you contact our office, or visit the Transport Canada Civil Aviation website.
What factors should I consider when choosing a helicopter flight training school?
Location? Flight Instructor experience? Reputation: is the school well known and respected within the helicopter industry? Number of helicopters and variety of types? Is there in-house maintenance? What are the facilities (classrooms, simulator, common areas, etc.) like? Possibility of employment after graduation?
How long is the helicopter pilot program?
The Commercial Helicopter Pilot course takes approximately 4 months full time. The Private Helicopter Pilot course takes approximately 3 months full time. The completion date is weather dependent. If the training is done part time the course will take more time and this depends on both the weather and the students schedule.
How do I get started?
The best way to get started is to contact us to discuss the training options that are right for you. You may wish to tour our facilities or schedule a Discovery Flight to learn more about our training program. You will need to complete an enrollment form and return it to us with a deposit to hold a place in one of our courses. Although you can begin training before you obtain a Category 1 Medical Certificate, we recommend starting the process prior to your course start date. This will ensure any issues that arise can be dealt with ahead of time. Then arrive on your scheduled start date, and take it from there.
Do you require the full tuition up front?
No, and you should be wary of any school that requests full tuition at the start of the course. At Mountain View Helicopters we request instalments for your training in increments throughout the program. As you fly, your account balance decreases. When your account gets low, we ask for another instalment. The frequency of the instalments increases as the course progresses due to the student flying more hours per day than at the beginning of the program.
Is financial assistance available?
Mountain View Helicopters does not provide financing, but is approved by Alberta Advanced Education as a Private Vocational Institute, Student Aid BC, and by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) as an Educational Institution. Our facility is approved for RESP use. Student Loans, grants and other bursaries are available to the students that qualify for them. Alberta Students can check online through www.alis.alberta.ca. Student funding is also available for some people through EI, HRDC, and WCB for flight training. The Government of Canada provides a ‘Lifelong Learning Plan’ where students may withdraw up to $10,000.00 per calendar year from their RRSPs to fund their education. The funds are paid back over several years, which helps to ease the financial burden. Many students have used their savings from working as well as other funding to obtain their helicopter pilot licence. The bank that you have been dealing with for your other financial needs is also a good option if you are looking for funding.
Register for the Commercial Helicopter Pilot course
Register over the phone by calling (403) 286-7186
Discovery Flights
WHAT IS A DISCOVERY FLIGHT?
Whether you are hoping to pursue a lifelong career in aviation or simply want to cross something off your bucket list, the hands-on Discovery Flight at Mountain View Helicopters is a great first step into the exciting world of aviation. Let one of our experienced flight instructors become your guide in the sky as you take the controls of a helicopter for the first time. Consider this your very first flight lesson.
The Discovery Flight is an exciting way to truly experience what flying a helicopter is all about. Each Discovery Flight begins with a 30 minute ground briefing, covering topics such as helicopter controls and aircraft pre-flight inspection. Once ground training is done, you will hop into the Pilot-In-Command seat for 30 minutes with one of our experienced flight instructors.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Tour of our facility
- One-on-one ground instruction to introduce you to the helicopter controls and pre-flight briefing
- 30 minute flight in a Robinson R22, R44 or Bell 206 helicopter
- An opportunity to sit down with a flight instructor to discuss any questions you may have about a career in aviation
COST
Robinson R22 Helicopter : $325 + GST
Robinson R44 Helicopter : $450 + GST
Bell 206 Helicopter : $625 + GST
* Weight Restrictions Apply