Flight Training

Age – 18 years +
Flying experience – None
Medical – Must pass a class 1 aviation medical exam

Requirements

  1. English proficiency test
  2. Category 1 Canadian Medical Examination
  3. 100 hours flight training
  4. 65 hours dual
  5. 35 hours pilot in command
  6. 80 hours of Ground School
  7. At least 60% on written exam
  8. Successful completion of flight test

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Courses

Foothills Helicopter Training Academy offers industry led, real world commercial pilot training, accelerating your career progression with our graduate mentoring program.

Private License

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Commercial Licence

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Flex Training

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Mountain

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External Load

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Why Choose Us

  1. Train on commercial helicopters currently used in industry – Robinson R22, Robinson R44 or the AS350.
  2. Train with highly qualified and industry experienced instructors.
  3. Challenging geographical location – altitude, mountains and confined areas all available within minutes from our modern base.
  4. Surrounding airspace providing a variety of uncontrolled and controlled environments.
  5. A training environment that provides access to a working commercial helicopter operation and not simply a training unit.
  6. Structured course which allows you to complete your training, on average, within five months.
  7. Full ground school and exam preparation – average ground school will be 200 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

This all depends on the type of machine you do your training on. For the Robinson fleet, you are looking at anywhere from $62k to $78K depending on the hours you fly on each.

Training for your commercial helicopter pilots license can take an average of 4-6 months.

We do our best to set each and every student up for success, but passing your written exam and flight test comes back onto the student themselves.

Our operating classroom hours are Monday to Friday 0800 – 1700.

If you don’t pass your flight test or your written exam you are allowed a retake.

As we are a registered educational academy, you are able to apply for Alberta student aid to help cover the cost of your tuition.

Not to worry, if something comes up and you can’t make it to class just let us know and we will catch you up the following day when you come in.

We supply all the text books and tools that you will need for your training.

This depends on how much of your training you have completed. You may get a refund of 25% – 100%

We are located at the airport in Okotoks Alberta.

Testimonials

Here’s what our happy graduates have to say about our services:

I began my training at Foothills Heli in October 2020 and finished in March 2021.

Thanks to the great instructors and foothills operational connections I landed a job right after I graduated.

Shane, AAA - Heli Pilot

I’m so thankful that I went to FHTA for my CHPL. The small class size makes for a personalized learning experience where everyone truly wants you to succeed. From trying out long-lining, night flying and landing on mountain tops, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience

Andrea, Access Heli Pilot

I could not have wished for a better experience than what I had at Foothills Helicopter Training Academy. FHTA provided thorough flight training, an intimate classroom setting, competent ground/flight instructors and a friendly, supportive environment. The program provides a comprehensive, bridged version of the heavily, loaded subject of helicopter flying.

Stephanie, Access Heli Pilot

I always felt that I was a top priority to all of the instructors and staff, the environment at Foothills Helicopter Training Academy made it a breeze to get into my dream career!

Chase, Commercial Heli Pilot

Start Flying Today

Give us a call to schedule your first flying lesson