ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN AVIATION STUDIES: HELICOPTER EMPHASIS

HELICOPTER FLIGHT SCHOOL: THE FAST-TRACK DEGREE
IN HELICOPTER TRAINING

In our aviation degree program with a helicopter training emphasis, you’ll learn helicopter flight fundamentals from CAU's experienced instructors on our own fleet. We know you’re ready to fly. With CAU, you can enter fast-paced, structured year-round courses, meaning you can graduate in just under two years.

As a student in the professional helicopter pilot associate’s degree program at CAU, you’ll become proficient in the areas of understanding federal regulations, weather, aerodynamics, crew resource management principles, and various aviation topics including modern aircraft technology.

Along with earning an aviation degree, students also earn four certificates and ratings in the program's helicopter pilot training emphasis, including private pilot, instrument rated pilot, commercial pilot, and certified flight instructor. These industry certifications can give you a wider range of employment options to choose from upon graduation.

The University offers financial aid to those who qualify.

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ROTORCRAFT EMPHASIS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

FLY IN THE FIRST TERM

Students begin flying and accumulating flight hours in their first term of school. With our fast-paced and structured courses, you can earn your degree in just under two years - meaning you can begin your career quicker.

INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING

At CAU, students are trained on a one-on-one, first-name basis with faculty. All instruction, both flight training and ground school, is provided by CAU faculty on our own fleet that includes Robinson aircraft, one of the world's leading training helicopter.

DIRECT PATHWAY TO CFI Positions

Graduates are guaranteed the opportunity to interview for certified flight instructor positions upon graduation. All students are also eligible for graduate services and can benefit from the University's strong industry partnerships.

FINANCIAL AID & TUITION REDUCTION

As an accredited institution and helicopter pilot school, CAU offers financial aid and tuition reduction programs to those who qualify.

This program is for you if...

You're looking to make a career out of flying
You want to earn a college degree

This program is NOT for you if...

You want to fly helicopters as a hobby
You want to obtain only a flight certificate

ASAS DEGREE COURSE LIST | HELICOPTER TRAINING EMPHASIS

Introduction to Rotorcraft
Aviation Concepts
Rotorcraft Private Pilot
Advanced Aviation
Rotorcraft Commercial Pilot Flight
Rotorcraft Certified Flight Instructor
Cockpit Information Resources
Advanced Aviation Weather
High Performance Aerodynamics
General Education Courses
And much more. See catalog for full course list here.

NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO APPLY!

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HELICOPTER PILOT TRAINING EMPHASIS

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

INTRODUCTION TO ROTORCRAFT SYSTEMS

This course will enhance, at a deeper level, the understanding and theoretical knowledge necessary to successfully complete the student’s private helicopter pilot training. This is the first step in the rotorcraft degree program at CAU. Throughout the degree, students will earn up to four certificates and ratings.

A detailed examination of the terminology and practical application of aviation weather, aviation law and regulations as it applies to 14 CFR 61.65, aviation safety, human factors, as well as a more in depth understanding of helicopter aerodynamics, performance and systems will be covered.

PRIVATE HELICOPTER PILOT TRAINING

These courses allow the student to develop basic aeronautical skills necessary to solo a helicopter, including an introduction to auto-rotations, pinnacle and confined area approaches and landings.

This instruction ensures that the student is able to analyze, evaluate, and perform helicopter weight and balance, performance and system operations; interpret instruments and system indications; exercise Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM); communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC); and execute procedures and use check-lists accurately. Students will be introduced to, and become proficient in planning cross-country flights and navigating in the National Airspace (NAS). Emphasis will be placed on emergency procedures; Crew Resource Management (CRM); human factors; and helicopter limitations. At the end of these three courses, all helicopter maneuvers will be performed to published applicable Practical Test Standards.

ROTORCRAFT INSTRUMENT PILOT FLIGHT

These courses provide the student the foundation for accurate control of the helicopter during operations in Instrument Meteorology Conditions (IMC) via use of flight instruments. The student will gain knowledge of the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual (FAR/AIM), and apply these regulations and implementations to flight in IMC.

This course develops the student’s ability to fly and put into practice IFR clearances and holding patterns, terminal procedures, and both precision and non-precision instrument approaches. In addition, the student will be expected to fully understand and demonstrate the use of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) as well as be able to explain the effects of weather and human factors on instrument flight. Students develop the ability to practice their knowledge of navigation procedures, holding procedures, terminal area operations, and instrument approaches, both precision and non-precision, and with reference to specific helicopter capabilities. At the end of these three courses, all operations will be conducted to the Instrument Rating Airman Certification Standards. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will have earned the endorsement required under Title 14 CFR 61.65 to be eligible to take the Instrument Rating-Helicopter practical test.

ADVANCED ROTORCRAFT

This course focuses on the flight environment to include advanced human factors concepts that may affect the professional pilot, navigation, and aviation weather; problems associated with flight at low altitudes specific to helicopters, advanced application of techniques of off-airport take-off and landing operations.

The student will master the concepts of Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) processes. This course ensures that students have a thorough understanding of the aeronautical knowledge required to become a certificated commercial pilot. The student will master aerodynamic principles as applied to helicopters, and considerations along with being able to predict aircraft performance by taking into account weather and weight and balance factors. A review of the commercial FARs will be covered.

COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER PILOT TRAINING

These courses will expand the scope of helicopter operations, to include the planning and execution of approaches and landings to off-airport locations such as pinnacles, confined areas, and approved heli-pads.

Emergency procedures such as auto-rotations and stuck anti-torque pedals will be practiced and night and cross-country operations will be continued, as will exercise of ADM skills. The student will demonstrate a thorough understanding of the various maneuvers and operations, and the ability to perform them all to the Commercial Rotorcraft-Helicopter Practical Test Standards.

POTENTIAL HELICOPTER PILOT CAREERS

Helicopter Tour Pilot

Explore incredible scenery giving tours from up above.

EMS Helicopter Pilot

Save lives by transporting patients from accident scenes to hospitals.

Police Helicopter Pilot*

Help keep neighborhoods safe by being the eyes in the sky for police on the ground.

Helicopter Flight Instructor

Share your love of flight with others by teaching them to fly.

_{*This is not a program to become a police officer.}

CAREER OUTLOOK

Once they complete the helicopter training and required flight hours, graduates can work for tour and charter operators, emergency medical services, agriculture, and a variety of other positions. Graduates are guaranteed the opportunity to interview for certified flight instructor positions at CAU. Additionally, all students are also eligible for graduate services and can benefit from the University's strong industry partnerships.

GET STARTED NOW!

Program Offered

*hybrid program including online courses

PHOENIX, AZ

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