Save Money On Your Instrument Rating

We have discussed in some detail how you can save money on your helicopter training in the Boston area. While other schools give you free T-shirts, we save you several thousands of dollars on your ratings.

Let's talk specifically about saving money on your instrument rating. With our helicopter and fixed wing programs and dual-rated instructors, here's how we save you money:

The first stage of instrument flying is learning what is called "attitude flying". This involves the 4 fundamentals of flight you learned as a private pilot, but under a view-limiting device. Much of this stage of instrument flying can be accomplished in a fixed wing aircraft at a savings of up to $260 dollars PER FLIGHT HOUR.

The regulations state that only 15 hours of your helicopter instrument training need be in the helicopter. We will train you to fly instruments in our Cessna 172 (and you don't need to be rated in airplanes) for up to 15 hours toward your helicopter instrument rating. The principles of instrument flying at this stage transfer easily between the airplane and the helicopter.

The remainder of your instrument training will be accomplished in our Robinson R-44 instrument equipped helicopter.

Over the course of your instrument rating, this will be a savings of over $3,000! That's money which could be used toward your future ratings! We have several students training in this manner, and it works!

Cost Breakdown

Here is the breakdown of the cost savings over the course of your instrument training at North Andover Flight Academy.

Using the FAA minimums, there is over a $3,000 savings using the Cessna 172 and one of our qualified CFII's over the "other" school which utilizes the helicopter for all of the training.

Instrument Training in a Robinson R-44

Their really is no other helicopter in which to do your instrument training. Are you going to use your instrument rating flying your first job in a helicopter that cruises at 70 knots? Why train as an instrument pilot in an antiquated design that cruises at 70 knots? The R-44 is THE helicopter instrument trainer. Come to North Andover Flight Academy just north of Boston for your helicopter training.