Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) The only requirement for a helicopter CFI certificate is a Commercial helicopter certificate. Most helicopter pilots begin their careers by working as flight instructors. Flight instruction allows you to built time, while becoming a better pilot in the process. You'll be learning from your students while they learn from you. In order to give instruction in any aircraft, you must hold a qualification as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). It is a qualification which can make a difference throughout one's career. Most large helicopter companies have internal training departments. These instructor positions are often the most attractive and sought-after jobs in the company. 1000 hours total time is usually attainable within 12 months after obtaining a CFI certificate. Flight instructors are usually paid hourly at an industry average of $20-25/hr. Like most positions in the aviation industry, the more flexible you are with location the easier you will find it to secure a job as a CFI. If a flight instructor position is available at Summit Helicopters we always look to our students first.  We know how you fly, we know your personalities, and you know us.  Over the past 8 years more than half of our instructors started as students at Summit. Certified Flight Instructor Pilot Program Hours / Qty Price / Hour Total Schweizer 300CBi (Dual Instruction) 15 $300 $4,500 Ground School (One-on-One Instruction) 30 $50 $1,500 Total Cost (Block Rates) As of 3/1/2008 *     $6,000   Extra items required to complete course Hours / Qty Price / Hour Total Study Guides, Charts, Books, Supplies   $50 $50 FAA Written Tests (CFI & FOI) 2 $90 $180 FAA Checkride 1 $400 $400 Total Cost As of 3/1/2008     $630 * Place $5,000 on account to qualify for the block rates.  You also quality for our block rates if you use one of our finance partners.  If you want to pay for each flight as you go, there is an additional charge of $20 per hour for the aircraft.  Click here to see our Refund & Block Rate Policy