Commercial Add-On
Meeting the requirements set forth by the FAA can be tricky at times, the Commercial Add-On is no different. The FAA requires the following:
150 hours of flight time as a pilot that consists of at least:
100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in helicopters.
100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least --
- 35 hours PIC in helicopters; and
- 10 hours in cross-country flight in helicopters.
20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in §61.127(b)(3) of this part that includes at least
10 hours of instrument training in an aircraft;
- One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a helicopter in day VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure;
- One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a helicopter in night VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
- 3 hours in a helicopter in preparation for the practical test within the 60-day period preceding the date of the test.
10 hours of solo flight in a helicopter on the areas of operation listed in §61.127(b)(3) of this part, which includes at least --
- One cross-country flight with landings at a minimum of three points, with one segment consisting of a
straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and - 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing involving a
flight in the traffic pattern).
As a result of the regulations we believe the cheapest way to obtain your commercial add on is start with the private add on, then get the commercial add-on. The reasoning behind this is because of the 50 hours in helicopter requirements and the 35 PIC hour requirements.
After obtaining the private add-on:
Minimum Required Amount:
10 Solo - $2350
15 Dual - $4125
Estimated Amount
10 Solo - $2350
25 Dual - $6875
Books/Supplies - $150
Examiner Fee - $400
Total Estimated Cost - $10,000 (In addition to Private Add-On)
Of course there are some who wish to go directly for the Commercial add-on rather than completing their private add on first, please contact our staff and we would be happy to review your logbook and determine a personalized estimated cost.