MASTER FIXED-WING & HELICOPTER FLIGHT IN ONE PROGRAM
Launch your aviation career with unmatched flexibility and long-term security through our innovative Combined Professional Pilot Training Program. This integrated curriculum provides advanced training in both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, giving you full command of horizontal and vertical flight capabilities. With dual qualifications, you gain access to a wide range of aviation career paths, including air ambulance services, corporate transport, agricultural aviation, and search-and-rescue missions. Become a highly adaptable aviation professional who stands out in a competitive industry and is prepared for diverse mission demands.
DUAL PROFESSIONAL PILOT PROGRAM
Train Once. Qualify Twice. Teach Both. We’re proud to be the first flight school in the LA area to offer a fully integrated program for both fixed-wing and helicopter training—designed to take you from zero experience to certified flight instructor in both categories. Whether you dream of flying jets, helicopters, or both, our Dual Professional Pilot Program gives you the skills, ratings, and flexibility to launch your career in any cockpit.
CHOOSE YOUR PATHWAY
Explore three proven routes to becoming a dual-rated instructor:
Sequential Route
Start with airplanes, then transition to helicopters. Build strong cross-country and IFR skills before mastering rotorcraft. Ideal for students who want to begin with fixed-wing fundamentals.
Parallel Route
Train in both categories simultaneously. Alternate lessons between airplane and helicopter to balance exposure. Graduate with dual ratings and instructor certificates in both.
Rotorcraft-Focused Route
Start with helicopters, then add airplanes. Perfect for students targeting rotorcraft careers but wanting fixed-wing flexibility. Gain hover control and rotorcraft finesse early on.
DUAL PROFESSIONAL PILOT PROGRAM
STEP 1: PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATES
- Airplane (Part 61: 40 hrs / Part 141: 35 hrs)
- Helicopter (Part 61: 40 hrs / Part 141: 35 hrs)
- Note: Students can start in one category and transition, or train in parallel.
Prior aeronautical experience in one category reduces required hours in the other.
STEP 2: INSTRUMENT RATING
- Airplane Instrument Rating (Part 61: 40 hrs instrument + 50 PIC cross‑country / Part 141: 35 hrs instrument)
- Helicopter Instrument Rating (optional, but highly recommended for career pilots)
- Note: Most students complete the airplane instrument first, since it builds strong IFR and cross‑country skills.
Helicopter instrument can be added later for advanced career paths.
STEP 3: COMMERCIAL PILOT CERTIFICATES
- Airplane Commercial (Part 61: 250 hrs / Part 141: 190 hrs)
- Helicopter Commercial (Part 61: 150 hrs total rotorcraft time / Part 141: 115 hrs)
- Note: FAA allows credit for prior flight time, so students don’t need to duplicate all hours.
Structured planning ensures both certificates are achieved efficiently.
STEP 4: FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES (CFI)
- CFI – Airplane
- CFI – Helicopter
- Note: By this stage, students are qualified to instruct in both categories.
This doubles employment opportunities and makes them highly marketable in the LA area.
STEP 5: OPTIONAL ADD‑ONS
- CFII (Instrument Instructor) – available in both airplane and helicopter.
- MEI (Multi‑Engine Instructor) – for airplane students who want to expand further.
PROGRAM ROUTES
Route A: Sequential (Airplane → Helicopter)
- Build strong IFR and cross‑country skills first.
- Transition into helicopter training with reduced hour requirements.
- Graduate with dual CFI ratings.
Route B: Parallel (Airplane + Helicopter Together)
- Train in both categories simultaneously.
- Balanced exposure from day one.
- Requires careful scheduling but produces versatile pilots quickly.
Route C: Rotorcraft‑Focused (Helicopter → Airplane)
- Specialize in helicopters first.
- Add airplane training later for IFR and cross‑country depth.
- Ideal for students targeting rotorcraft careers but wanting dual qualification.
WHY THIS PROGRAM IS UNIQUE
- First in LA to offer combined helicopter + fixed‑wing training.
- Dual Instructor Ratings = double employment opportunities.
- FAA Credit for Prior Experience reduces redundant hours.
- Career Flexibility: graduates can teach in both categories, opening doors in airlines, charter, EMS, and corporate aviation.
FAA-CERTIFIED TRAINING
Our program meets all FAA requirements under Part 61 and Part 141, including:
- Private Pilot – Airplane & Helicopter
- Instrument Rating – Airplane (Helicopter optional)
- Commercial Pilot – Airplane & Helicopter
- CFI – Dual Instructor Ratings
- Optional Add-ons: CFII (Instrument Instructor), MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor)
WHY DUAL TRAINING MATTERS
- Double your job opportunities
- Teach in both categories
- FAA credit for prior experience reduces total hours
- Career flexibility: charter, EMS, corporate, airline, and more
- Opodern fleet including our new Cessna 172 TAA and advanced helicopters
READY TO TAKE OFF?
Start your journey toward becoming a dual-rated flight instructor today.
Schedule a discovery flight
Speak with an admissions advisor
Enroll in our next class