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Joint EASA-FAA Professional Pilot Program

A First-of-its-Kind Program for European Students

Offered in collaboration with our European partner Rotorsky, the Joint EASA-FAA Helicopter Professional Pilot Program is the full training program for future pilots seeking to fly for the European helicopter industry. The program includes certificates and ratings needed to meet European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations, in parallel with FAA-approved training.

Because it’s backed by our F-1 visa, the EASA-FAA program provides European students a unique opportunity to earn the additional flight hours they need — for up to 23 additional months — while being employed in the U.S.

By training for EASA and FAA ratings at the same time, European students can save considerable time and cost, without the need for additional EASA training upon return to Europe. Students are able to complete the program in 15-21 months vs. the typical 24-36 months for separate FAA and EASA training.

Courses in the Joint EASA-FAA
Professional Pilot Program

Private Pilot

Your Private Pilot Certificate lets you fly helicopters for fun and recreation—giving rides to friends and family or flying for your own transport. It’s the first step toward building the skills needed for your Commercial Pilot Certificate. You’ll be in the cockpit from day one, getting hands-on experience.

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Instrument

The Instrument Rating is becoming more prevalent in the helicopter industry as new aircraft applications are realized. Regardless of whether you fly in actual instrument conditions or not, the Instrument Rating will give you the tools and knowledge you need for a safe career as a professional pilot.

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Commercial Pilot

If you want to get paid to fly, you need your CPL. This course expands on private pilot training and introduces more advanced maneuvers and skills. This commercial helicopter pilot training teaches you to fly to higher and more precise standards to prepare you for your first commercial job.

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Certified Flight Instructor

Your first career step is likely to be working as a flight instructor. The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Rating is required if you want to instruct other pilots. Hillsboro Aero Academy takes pride in our ability to share our vast experience during the CFI course which will set you apart from the competition.

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Certified Flight Instructor Instrument

This course builds on our CFI rating by allowing you to teach instrument flight in helicopters. Since most pilots’ first job is working as a certified flight instructor, this Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) Rating provides you with additional instruction opportunities.

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ATPL Flight Theory

EASA ATPL (Air Transport Pilot License) Theory consists of self-paced online courses reinforced through rotating quarterly in-person instruction covering 14 subjects, followed by written exams in our testing center.