Thank you for your inquiry regarding our company. 

Helicopter Experts, Inc. has been established in San Antonio since February of 1994. Our services are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to provide unscheduled helicopter charter and air taxi services under Federal Aviation Regulations Part 135, Certificate # H2ES481K, helicopter flight training in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations Part 141 Certificate #H2ES481K , External load operations Far Part 133 for Class A, B, & C Loads Certificate #H2EL481K, Commercial Agricultural Operator Certificate #H2EG481K, and Helicopter Maintenance under our Federal Aviation Regulations Part 145, Repair Station Certificate #H2ER481K. Our reputation for professionalism and quality charter, maintenance, and flight training is proven by our excellent safety record, happy customer clientele and our successful passing rate on flight tests leading to the issuance of pilot certificates. Helicopter Experts, Inc. is a factory approved service center and our FAA Repair Station includes maintenance for the Robinson R-22 and R-44 & R66 helicopters and the Schweizer 269 series helicopters. We also routinely maintain the Bell 206 Jet Ranges, McDonnell Douglas 500 series and Bell 47 series aircraft. Our specialties include flight training, FAR Part 135 air taxi operations, photography-both still & video, law enforcement, aerial surveys & pipeline patrol, traffic reporting, newsgathering, aircraft maintenance, and sales of helicopter and aircraft parts. Helicopter Experts, Inc. is an authorized Robinson Helicopter Dealer for the Model R66, R-44 and R-22 and from time to time flies helicopters to and from various locations including the Robinsonfactory in California. Student pilots may schedule these flights, with an instructor, at reduced rates, and achieve valuable cross-country hours.

COMPANY FACILITIES

Helicopter Experts, Inc. offices are located at the Bulverde Airpark; 29640 Bulverde Lane, Bulverde, TX 78163. The classroom and offices are located in a two story complex within our 50 X 100 foot Hanger with street side parking in front along Bulverde Lane. The aircraft are hangared and maintained in a 50 X 100 foot hanger.  All student facilities are well lighted and the temperature is thermostatically controlled. Each room is well ventilated and conforms to local building, sanitation and health codes. The rooms are laid out so as to prevent distraction from general airport operations.

PILOTS-INSTRUCTORS AND MECHANICS

All Helicopter Experts, Inc. employees are highly experienced, hold the FAA required certificates and ratings, and are included in a random FAA Approved Drug & Alcohol testing program. Our pilots are all FAA certified helicopter flight instructors that teach flight and ground lessons, meet the requirements of SFAR 73 and have completed a Robinson Helicopter Company flight instructor safety course. Additionally, prior to employment they have been tested on their training skills and teaching abilities.

SCHEDULING AND BUSINESS HOURS

Normal business office hours are 6 Days/Week, 7:300 am-6:00 pm Monday -Saturday. However, helicopter flights and aerial photography may be accomplished at any time to suit your needs due to weather or otherwise. All pilot training is scheduled by appointment at any time or day of the week. All flight instruction is accomplished on a one-on-one basis and you may schedule helicopter flight or ground lessons during your spare time since the schedule is arranged to suit your needs. We are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Easter Sunday, and New Years Day.

HOURLY RATES 

Prices and fees published in this information package are correct at the time of this printing and are subject to change. Please call.

** Block Rate Discounts Apply if 10 Hours are Paid for in full with CashCheck/ACH and are Non Refundable and must be fully utilized within Six Months. 

** 5 hour daily Flight minimum applies if a Helicopter is Reserved for the entire day of more than 8 hours.

TRAINING AND CHARTER AIRCRAFT:

BELL 47 G2 – STANDARD THREE SEATER: The Standard BH47G2 is powered by the reliable Lycoming VO-435 series engine. The 6 cylinder, air cooled engine produces 265 horsepower and derated to 200 (MCP). The BH47 is ideal for helicopter photography and flight training since the aircraft has ample visibility and is stabile and easy to fly. It will carry one pilot and two passengers all three occupants side by side in a standard Bell 47 cabin at a peed of about 80 MPH or with a full load of passengers and maximum fuel the BH47 will cruise at an average speed of 75 MPH for 2 hours. All passengers can talk to each other through a voice activated intercom system with individual headsets and at your option music will be provided for your enjoyment. We will remove your door at your request for an unobstructed photo. Our BH47 G2 is equipped with a standard VFR panel for primary flight training with GPS. Maximum cabin weight 550 pounds. Our Recommended Maximum seat weight for Flight Training is 220 pounds.

BELL 47 G4A – HIGH PERFORMANCE THREE SEATER: The High Performance BH47G4A is powered by the reliable Lycoming VO-540 series engine. The 6 cylinder, air cooled engine produces 280 horsepower and derated to 220 (MCP). The BH47 is ideal for helicopter photography and flight training since the aircraft has ample visibility and is stabile and easy to fly. It will carry one pilot and two passengers all three occupants side by side in our wide cabin G4A at a peed of about 80 MPH or with a full load of passengers and maximum fuel the BH47 will cruise at an average speed of 75 MPH for 2.5 hours. All passengers can talk to each other through a voice activated intercom system with Bose headsets and at your option music will be provided for your enjoyment. We will remove your door at your request for an unobstructed photo. Our BH47 G4A is equipped with a standard VFR panel for primary flight training with GPS. Maximum cabin weight 550 pounds with no weight limit for an individual person.

ROBINSON R44 RAVEN II - FOUR SEATER: The Air conditioned R-44 is powered by the reliable Lycoming IO-540 series engine. The 6 cylinder, air cooled engine produces 260 horsepower but is derated to 205 (MCP). The R-44 is ideal for helicopter charter since the aircraft can carry one pilot and three passengers in quiet comfort at a maximum speed of 130 Knots (140 MPH) or with a full load of passengers and maximum fuel the R-44 will cruise at an average speed of 115 Knots (132 MPH) for 2.5 hours. All passengers can talk to each other through a voice activated intercom system and at your option music will be provided for your enjoyment. We will remove your door at your request for an unobstructed photo. Our R-44 Raven II is equipped with a full panel for instrument flight training and a factory installed Auto Pilot Maximum seat weight per person is 300 pounds.

ROBINSON R22 TWO SEATER: The Robinson R-22 helicopter is ideal for helicopter charter and pilot training. The R-22 is a two-seat modern helicopter that will carry two passengers with a proven record of reliability and speed that has resulted in it being the largest produced helicopter in the world. The reliable Lycoming O-320 series engine powers the R-22. The 4 cylinder, air cooled engine produces 160 horsepower but is derated to 124 (MCP). The R-22 has a maximum speed of 102 Knots (118 MPH) and with adequate fuel and two people will cruise at 85 Knots (100 MPH) for about 2.5 hours. It is ideal for charter and photography with a perfect view; we will remove your door at your request for an unobstructed photo. This aircraft is our primary choice for pilot training since the console is easy for both the student and instructor to access. Being a small piston powered helicopter the student must become familiar with the operation of the throttle for R.P.M. control which increases the skill required to operate helicopters of other type designs. The R-22 is very sensitive on the control touch and pilot control input skills are quickly acquired resulting in increased piloting abilities, which greatly aid during the transition to other make and models of helicopters. Maximum seat weight per passenger is 220 pounds.

FLYIT PROFESSIONAL HELICOPTER SIMULATOR: The FLYIT Professional Helicopter Simulator is a two place, side-by-side seating cockpit with dual controls providing hands-on instruction for hovering and all flight maneuvering. A complete instrument panel is provided for visual and instrument training. Instrumentation is displayed full size on an LCD display monitor. All switches and controls are hard mounted and replicate size, shape, color and location of those in the real aircraft. 

DIRECTIONS TO HELICOPTER EXPERTS, INC.

1. From the Northside San Antonio Intersection of highway 281 North & Loop 1604 North in San Antonio: Proceed north from this intersection 9 miles to the highway 1863 exit in Bulverde; take this exit to the highway 1863 stop sign. Turn left westbound on highway 1863, 1.1 miles. You will come to a shopping center on the left called Bulverde center, turn left at this intersection on Bulverde lane, and continue .5 miles. We are the last hanger on the left.
2. From highway 281 north of Bulverde, Texas: Proceed south on 281 to the highway 1863 exit in Bulverde; take this exit to the highway 1863 stop sign. Turn right westbound on highway 1863, 1.1 miles. You will come to a shopping center on the left called Bulverde center, turn left at this intersection on Bulverde lane, and continue .5 miles. We are the last hanger on the left.
3. From Austin: Proceed south on Interstate 35 for approximately 47 miles outside of Austin until you come to exit number 186, which is Walnut Avenue in New Braunfels. Turn right onto South Walnut Avenue; after approximately three miles Walnut Avenue turns into Hwy 46. After approximately 1.5 miles make a slight left onto FM 1863. Stay on FM 1863 for about 18 miles until you come to Bulverde Lane. You will come to a shopping center on the left called Bulverde center, turn left at this intersection on Bulverde lane, and continue .5 miles. We are the last hanger on the left.
4. Fly in: Helicopter Experts, Inc. is located on S.W. Corner of the airfield; 1T8.
   

GENERAL RULES FOR PILOT TRAINING

You must be a private pilot before you may proceed to commercial. It does not matter if you are an airplane pilot or helicopter pilot but you must have a private. You must be a commercial helicopter pilot before you can become a flight instructor. The courses with the word “additional” in front of the course title are for applicants that already have an airplane pilot’s certificate. You will be required to sign a rental agreement prior to solo and pay an Annual Helicopter Rental Fee; appropriate to the model you are flying.

Upon successful completion of a course, the student will be presented with a framed graduation certificate.

Prepayment for pilot training is not required or requested; however, if a student has placed funds on account, he will be refunded only the amount on account after the course of enrollment is completed and a graduation certificate has been issued. The purchase of a discounted, block of flight time is not refundable and must be fully utitized within six months.

A written record of any previous flight training will be maintained in the student’s file. The Chief Flight Instructor will evaluate previous training and credit will be granted where appropriate. A logbook, or some other acceptable record, must be available to verify all previous flight experience. Students transferring from a 141 approved flight training school may be issued a credit based on a flight and written examination by our chief light instructor.

Helicopter Experts, Inc. will arrange for you to take your knowledge exams locally. The test will be taken on a computer with results available immediately. FAA designated Helicopter Pilot Examiners will be made available for the practical or flight test. Scheduling of these examinations can be arranged in a timely manner at the completion of your training. Payment of the knowledge exams and flight tests will be made to the specific examining agency; currently the knowledge exams are $170.00 and the flight tests are upwards from $1000.00 locally. Knowledge Testing may be scheduled at https://www.psiexams.com for questions please call The Pilot Shop, 600 Sandau, San Antonio, TX 78216. 210-524-9525.

Student progress records will be maintained by Helicopter Experts, Inc., and a copy will be provided to the student upon request.

The FAA requires that all pilots be able to read, speak, understand, and write the English language.

We require you to obtain the proper medical examination prior to your enrollment. To obtain a private pilot certificate, you must obtain a minimum of a third class medical and Student Pilot certificate. For a commercial pilot you must obtain a second class medical certificate. If you do not hold a USA pilot certificate, be sure that the medical examiner gives you a medical certificate form titled student pilot and medical certificate. Should you be unable to obtain this form in your country, bring your medical certificate to our local FAA office when you arrive in the United States and they will exchange it for the proper form. The FAA publishes a list approved medical examiners at their website, www.faa.gov ; you must complete an application at https://medxpress.faa.gov , prior to appearing for your examination. The fee charged by most medical examiners is approximately $175. Medicals can be administered locally at Saboe Aviation Medicine, www.saboeavmed.com and scheduled online. The application must be completed prior to your medical exam appointment. Saboe Aviation Medicine, 2376 Bulverde Road, STE 112, Bulverde, Texas 78163. 830-386-4236 or 210-745-1750.

INTRODUCTORY FLIGHT TRAINING LESSON

Helicopter Experts, Inc. invites you to sample helicopter flight training by scheduling our introductory lesson.  In accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration’s regulations, we are required to give awareness training prior to you manipulating the controls of the helicopter if the flight is done in a Robinson R44 or R22 Helicopter.. The Introductory flight will consist of ground training in combination with an FAA approved flight simulator and flight, which will take approximately 1.5 hours of your day. You will first receive approximately 20 minutes of dual instruction in the flight simulator and a 20-minute flight in the helicopter. The cost for an introductory lesson with flight in the Bell 47 is $250.00 or $300.00 for the RH44. If you decide to take flight training the .3 hours acquired during this lesson will be credited to your flight records.

Our flight training programs are on a pay as you go basis, therefore, we do not require that you pay for training in advance; however, you may at your convenience place funds on account and receive the balance of your account after each invoice is generated against your balance. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, traveler’s checks, MasterCard, Visa, and approved checks or money orders. Our most popular financing is the Pilot Finance Inc. www.pilotfinance.com. 

We are located in a world famous tourist attraction area, serviced by most major airlines. With downtown San Antonio only minutes away with major attractions such as the famous River Walk along the San Antonio River, and the Alamo, there are hundreds of suitable hotels ranging from $35 a night. You will need a rental car. Car rentals range from $69 to normal rates of $149 per week and include unlimited free mileage. Apartment rentals are available on a weekly or monthly basis and range from $95 per week furnished. Our staff mayl assist you in finding suitable accommodations. Apartments may be located with Spectrum Apartment Locators at (210) 564-0000. South Texas is one of the least expensive places in the United States for food, lodging, and auto rental.

There is a very high demand for pilots who have completed our commercial pilot and authorized flight instructor courses. The hours attained in our commercial and flight instructor programs are normally sufficient to meet the requirements for employment upon graduation. The more advanced positions pay higher wages, which can vary between $75,000 and $150,000 per year. Job opportunities can be found by searching on www.yahoo.com under helicopter pilot jobs. After a helicopter pilot builds flight time usually after about one year, he or she will be a likely candidate for much more advanced employment such as corporate, law enforcement, and offshore oil support, etc. 

ENROLLMENT

An appropriate medical certificate must be in possession prior to enrolling in the flight portion of any course. Students may enroll with our chief flight instructor Monday thru Saturday between the hours of 8:00 am-5:00 pm. At the time of enrollment you will be provided with a list of all required training materials, which may be purchased at the school.

(For holders of an airplane pilot certificate)

PRIVATE HELICOPTER (ADD-ON) BACKGROUND: This course is designed for the pilot who already possesses an unrestricted airplane pilots certificate and who already has some background in aviation. Quality helicopter training with a well-qualified instructor at this point is a must. This course is designed for those who will fly their own helicopter for private use. The ground-training curriculum allows flexible use of self-study as well as classroom and private tutoring techniques by the instructor to achieve the completion standards. The flight-training course advances the student logically from basic maneuvers to more advanced procedures. The student will develop the skills and judgment to safely fly the helicopter as a private pilot. Accelerated course time should take 3-8 weeks.

ADDITIONAL PRIVATE PILOT FAA REQUIREMENTS: An applicant for our FAA approved additional category (Rotorcraft); and class (Helicopter) with private privileges must: hold a current private or commercial pilot certificate, be at least 17 years old, read, speak, understand, and write the English language, hold at least a third class medical certificate, and obtain a minimum of 20 hours helicopter flight training and 10 hours of ground instruction and pass a FAA required flight test.

* Total is based on 10 Hour Non Refundable Block Discounts

COURSE TITLE- ADDITIONAL COMMERCIAL ROTORCRAFT HELICOPTER

(For holders of a commercial airplane pilot certificate)

COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER (ADD-ON) BACKGROUND: This course is for the pilot that already possesses a commercial pilot certificate and wants to add helicopter to his/her existing airplane certificate. Both the flight and ground training portion of the course emphasize the development of professional pilot skills and judgment. The commercial pilot portion of the training also reviews the maneuvers learned in the private pilot course and teaches greater precision and an in-depth analysis of these, as well as other maneuvers. The entire body of aeronautical knowledge previously learned is examined in greater depth. Accelerated course time should take 3-5 weeks.

ADDITIONAL COMMERCIAL PILOT FAA REQUIREMENTS: An applicant for our FAA approved additional category (Rotorcraft); and class (Helicopter) with commercial privileges must: hold a current commercial pilot certificate, be at least 18 years of age, read, speak, write, and understand the English language, hold at least a second class medical certificate, and obtain a minimum of 30 hours of helicopter flight training and 10 hours of ground instruction and satisfactorily pass a flight test.

* Total is based on 10 Hour Non Refundable Block Discounts

*According to the rules of FAR Part 141, you may receive up to 50% credit for the dual and pilot in command experience that you have accumulated in helicopters as a private pilot. This will greatly reduce the cost of this course. The credit will be given to you based on an evaluation by our chief flight instructor. Flight and ground hours are based on the minimum requirements of the FAA. The actual cost of training will depend on the frequency of flight training, the student’s aptitude and diligence, and the successful completion of the required tests. The hours specified in this catalog fulfill the minimum FAA requirements, however, it should be noted that few people are able to learn to fly the helicopter will enough to meet FAA standards in the minimum times listed and it should not be considered unusual if they are exceeded. Good study habits, personal discipline and aptitude are all necessary ingredients for successful completion of this course in the minimum time.

COURSE TITLE- ADDITIONAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR ROTORCRAFT HELICOPTER

(For holders of an Authorized Flight Instructor Certificate)

AUTHORIZED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (ADD-ON) BACKGROUND: This course is for the certificated commercial helicopter pilot interested in becoming an authorized flight instructor. The flight portion of the course consists of learning instruction techniques and building proficiency in maneuvers to that expected of a flight instructor. Safety techniques are taught for recovering from a student errors and proficiency in touchdown autorotations is required for the instructor. The ground portion of the course consists of preparation for the two required FAA knowledge examinations and the FAA oral exam. The first portion involves learning techniques for teaching, recognizing student psychological profiles, how people learn, and how to develop lesson plans. The second portion involves learning to teach specific helicopter maneuvers and techniques with emphasis on aerodynamic knowledge and communications skills in expressing this knowledge. Previous flight experience and proficiency in the R22 may help in completing the course in less time. The FAA considers the flight instructors rating to be one of the most important ones it issues, as it is the basis of knowledge being passed along fro the more experienced pilots to the new students, hence, the oral and flight tests are more difficult than the commercial pilot tests and involve the student demonstrating the skills of the teacher. Accelerated course time should take 4-7 weeks.

AUTHORIZED HELIOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR FAA REQUIREMENTS: An applicant choosing to add-on rotorcraft helicopter instructor must: possess a commercial rotorcraft helicopter pilot certificate, a current authorized flight instructor certificate, be at least 18 years of age, read, speak, write, and understand the English language, and hold at least a second class medical certificate. Additionally, the applicant must obtain 20 hours of ground instruction and 25 hours of flight instruction, and pass a FAA required oral and flight exam.

* Total is based on 10 Hour Non Refundable Block Discounts

*Flight and ground hours are based on the minimum requirements of the FAA. The actual cost of training will depend on the frequency of flight training, the student’s aptitude and diligence, and the successful completion of the required tests. The hours specified in this catalog fulfill the minimum FAA requirements, however, it should be noted that few people are able to learn to fly the helicopter well enough to meet FAA standards in the minimum times listed and it should not be considered unusual if they are exceeded. Good study habits, personal discipline and aptitude are all necessary ingredients for successful completion of this course in the minimum time.

Required Books & Training Materials.all are available at Helicopter Experts.

Required Books & Training Materials. Items in bold are included in price above; all are available at Helicopter Experts.

Prices and fees published in this information package are correct at the time of this printing and are subject to change.

COURSE TITLE- ADDITIONAL INSTRUMENT RATING HELICOPTER

ADDITIONAL INSTRUMENT RATING HELICOPTER BACKGROUND: Designated of the Pilot who already holds an Instrument Rating in another category of aircraft and is working to add an Instrument Rating to their Helicopter Certificate. 

ADDITIONAL INSTRUMENT RATING FAA REQUIRMENTS: An applicant for an Instrument Ratting Add-on for helicopter must hold at least a Private Helicopter license with an Instrument Rating in either an Airplane or Powered lift, current medical, and be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. An applicant must also receive and log ground training and 15 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in a helicopter including training specific to helicopter on cross-country flight procedures; one cross-country performed under IFR at least 100 nautical miles along airways or ATC routed with different approaches at 3 different airports.

* Total is based on 10 Hour Non Refundable Block Discounts

Flight and ground hours are based on the minimum requirements of the FAA. The actual cost of training will depend on the frequency of flight training, the student’s aptitude and diligence, and the successful completion of the required tests. The hours specified in this catalog fulfill the minimum FAA requirements, however, it should be noted that few people are able to learn to fly the helicopter well enough to meet FAA standards in the minimum times listed and it should not be considered unusual if they are exceeded. Good study habits, personal discipline and aptitude are all necessary ingredients for successful completion of this course in the minimum time.

Required Books & Training Materials Available at Helicopter Experts, Inc.

COURSE TITLE- HELICOPTER EXTERNAL LOAD TRAINING COURSE

EXTERNAL LOAD OPERATOR BACKGROUND - Helicopter Experts, Inc. is experienced in external load operations in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations part 133, all pilots are required to demonstrate to the FAA or the chief pilot of the company they are working for that they can perform external load operations safely. The must also provide a letter of competency or an appropriate logbook entry that must be carried on board during external load operations.

ROTORCRAFT EXTERNAL LOAD PILOT REQUIREMENTS - an applicant choosing to perform helicopter external load operations (Carrying of equipment outside of the helicopter cabin or on a hook and suspended below the helicopter, like a water bucket for firefighting), must posses a Rotorcraft Helicopter Pilot Certificate and within the preceding twelve calendar months completed an initial or recurrent training program unless within the preceding twelve calendar moths the pilot has performed an external load operation, and hold at leas a current medical certificate. Per FAR part 141 appendix K, the applicant must obtain 10 hours of ground instruction and 15 hours of flight instruction.

Flight and ground hours are based on the minimum requirements of the FAA. The actual cost of training will depend on the frequency of flight training, the student’s aptitude and diligence, and the successful completion of the required tests. The hours specified in this catalog fulfill the minimum FAA requirements, however, it should be noted that few people are able to learn to fly the helicopter well enough to meet FAA standards in the minimum times listed and it should not be considered unusual if they are exceeded. Good study habits, personal discipline and aptitude are all necessary ingredients for successful completion of this course in the minimum time.

Required Books & Training Materials.all are available at Helicopter Experts.

Prices and fees published in this information package are correct at the time of this printing and are subject to change.

Please contact us to learn more about our Affordable $500.00/week tuition plan for any of our Helicopter Flight Courses.