WHY CHOOSE HELICOPTER EXPERTS, INC.

Learn why the FAA and local law enforcement agencies choose Helicopter Experts, Inc. for their flight training, helicopters, maintenance work, and other needs:

1. Helicopter Experts, Inc. was established in 1994. We are the oldest flight school in South Texas.
2. We have been an FAA-approved Part 141 flight school since 1996.
3. We train helicopter pilots only. We believe it is best for a flight school to dedicate its time, equipment, and employees toward the expertise of either rotor wing pilot training or fixed-wing pilot training, but not both.
4. Our purpose is to provide quality and safe helicopter flight operation, including flight training, tours, and charters, as well as maintenance.
5. Our employees are full-time pilots, flight instructors, and mechanics.
6. We own all of the helicopters we fly. Many schools rent helicopters from owners when a flight is scheduled, so you can never be certain of the condition the helicopter is in and if it requires maintenance. We keep all of our helicopters in perfect condition, so you can rest assured you're in good hands when flying with us.
   

Flight schools come in two flavors, Part 61 and Part 141, which refer to the parts of the FARs under which they operate. What differentiates the two is structure and accountability. Part 141 schools are periodically audited by the FAA and must have detailed, FAA-approved course outlines and meet student performance rates. Part 61 schools do not have the same paperwork and accountability requirements. Only Part 141 schools can qualify for VA-reimbursed training. Another less important distinction between them is the minimum flight time required for the private certificate - 40 hours (10 of which must be solo) under Part 61, and 35 hours (five of which must be solo) under Part 141. Considering that the national average for earning a private certificate is 60 to 75 hours (how long you'll take will depend on your ability and flying frequency), this difference isn't important for initial training. However, it does make a difference to commercial pilot applicants. Part 61 requires 100 hours of pilot in-command time and Part 141 requires 15 hours of pilot in-command time.