FI(H)
Helicopter Flight Instructor
Become a certified helicopter flight instructor (FI(H)) with RotorSky and share your passion. Our comprehensive training program optimally prepares you to train aspiring helicopter pilots. We value professionalism , trust , and practical training that meets the highest European standards of the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency).
Training objectives
The main goal of our FI(H) training is to train you to become a qualified and competent helicopter flight instructor. You will learn the necessary didactic and methodological skills to guide student pilots safely and effectively through their training. This includes imparting sound theoretical knowledge as well as providing guidance during practical flight training. Our focus is on developing teaching skills and fostering a deep understanding of flight safety.
Requirements / Prior knowledge
Requirements
The following criteria must be met for admission to flight instructor training:
The minimum age for obtaining a pilot's license is 18 years.
Positive medical fitness examination Class 1 or 2 (depending on license CPL/H or PPL/H)
Valid Austrian PPL/H with valid Type Rating or valid CPL/H
Proof of at least 250 total flight hours on helicopters
• At least 100 as PIC (pilot in command) if the candidate holds a CPL/H or an ATPL/H
• At least 200 as PIC (pilot in command) if the candidate holds a PPL/H
• Practical entrance exam (approx. 1.5 hours flight time)
• At least 10 hours of instrument flight training (IFR)
• At least 20 flight hours as pilot in command (PIC) on cross-country flights
• PPL/H instructors must demonstrate CPL/H level (verification by the ATO (Approved Training Organisation)) but do not need to possess a CPL/H license.
Prior knowledge
If the instructor candidate holds an FI/A license (Flight Instructor - Fixed-Range Aircraft), only theory credits will be credited. The amount of:
25 hours of “teaching and learning”
55 hours of the required 100 hours of the second part of the theoretical training
Theoretical training
The theory block consists of at least 125 hours and is divided into two sections. The first, comprising 25 hours, is called "Teaching and Learning" and covers methodology and didactics. The second part deals with the proper design and use of lectures. For training purposes, student teachers must give lectures and courses, which are supervised by the trainers.
010 Air Law and ATC Procedures
021 Aircraft General Knowledge
022 Instrumentation
031 Mass & Balance
034 Performance Helicopters
033 Flight Planning and Monitoring
040 Human Performance
050 Meteorology
061 General Navigation
062 Radio Navigation
070 Operational Procedures
082 Principles of Flight
091 VFR Communications
practical training
The practical part is divided into two phases:
Visual flight training (minimum 25 hours)
"Mutual Training" (minimum 5 hours)
Total flight hours: at least 30 hours
The total of 30 flight hours are conducted with the school's two most experienced flight instructors. The flight instructor candidate sits at the instructor's controls, while the flight instructor takes on the student role. All procedures are practiced and training exercises are simulated. The candidate is perfectly prepared for their future career and thoroughly trained to handle all potential hazards. In the "Mutual Training" phase, two instructor candidates fly together, alternating between the instructor and student roles. This phase lasts at least 5 flight hours.