Helicopter Instrument Instructor Rating (Non Vocational)
A Federal Aviation Administration Part 61 Program – CPT & OPT
Instrument Instructor rating enables the pilot to teach instrument flight in helicopters. Although employers are not necessarily looking for CFI-I applicants, the rating adds depth to a pilot’s skills and is attractive to potential employers. Also, many schools, including Pelican, require this rating in order to be employed as an instructor.
For Helicopter Programs:
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CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Up to 6 months of paid instructor work authorized after completing CFII (Helicopter Instrument Instructor Rating).
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OPT (Optional Practical Training): Up to 12 months of paid work authorization anywhere in the U.S.
NOTES
The number of hours to obtain this rating will depend on your instrument proficiency.
Eligibility For Enrollment
- Hold at least Helicopter Certified Flight Instructor Certificate
What included
- 10 hoursin-class ground school
- 2,5 hoursFlight Briefings
- 5 hoursdual in a Schweizer 300C
- 1,5 hoursFAA Exam (Aircraft fee)
Aircraft Flown
We are not asking for payments upfront. You will start paying for training when your visa is approved and you arrived in USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need a current CFI-H certificate and a helicopter instrument rating before you can add CFII-H. You then pass the Flight Instructor Instrument knowledge test and a practical checkride focused on teaching instrument procedures. Pelican runs the rating on the Schweizer 300C with instrument training devices for the procedural work.
CFII-H is $5,956, which makes it the least expensive rating in our helicopter instructor track. For comparison, CFI-H is $9,233 and the helicopter instrument rating itself is $16,300. All three are included in the bundled Professional Helicopter Program H at $75,380.
Instrument instruction is where the hours are. Helicopter students working toward EMS, offshore or corporate roles all need instrument training, and a CFI-H who cannot teach it hands those hours to someone else. Adding CFII-H typically raises both your hourly rate and how quickly you fill your schedule.
Most instructors complete the rating in two to four weeks of focused training, since you already hold the underlying instrument rating and instructor certificate. The work is mainly about teaching technique and the instrument lesson plans rather than new flying skills. Florida weather means very few cancelled sessions, so the schedule holds.
Yes. Pelican is SEVP certified and issues Form I-20 for F-1 and M-1 student visas, and we are one of only four FAA Part 141 helicopter-accredited schools in the United States. International students on F-1 can also work as instructors in the US under OPT after graduation. Start with the international students page.
No, the instructor instrument rating is category specific, so an airplane CFII does not let you teach helicopter instrument students. You do keep the knowledge and the teaching experience, which shortens the preparation considerably. If you already hold an airplane CFII, talk to admissions about combining the helicopter add-on and CFII-H in one block.
Helicopter Programs in Miami, Florida, USA
Professional Pilot Program "H"Private Pilot
Instrument Rating
Commercial Pilot
Certified Flight Instructor
Pelican Flight School, based in South Florida, offers one of the most comprehensive flight training programs in the region, taking full advantage of the state’s favorable weather conditions. Operating out of North Perry Airport, the school benefits from the consistent winds and clear skies, ensuring that students maximize their flying hours year-round. Florida’s location also offers a unique learning environment, with proximity to major airports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Opa-Locka, giving students invaluable experience in navigating busy airspaces. With over 30 years of experience, Pelican Flight School is recognized for its focus on safety, high-quality instruction, and personalized training programs for both beginners and seasoned pilots. Whether you are converting a foreign license or starting from zero hours, our Florida-based flight school provides everything you need to succeed in aviation.
FAA Flight training programs
FROM ZERO TO AIRLINE PILOT Commercial Pilot License in 10-15 months / Price $68,310 – Pay after visa approval
- FAA 141 approved & ACCSC accredited
- 35+ years of experience
Get Commercial Pilot License based on 2 types of training visas M1/F1:
- M1 Visa programs – Flexible course combinations
- F1 Visa program – Train, work, and build hours in the USA
Foreign Pilot Conversion build 1500 hours of flight experience
Convert your ICAO / EASA license to FAA and take CFIs courses.
- Get paid to fly and earn back up $54,000 as a certified flight instructor, , and continue building the required hours for airline pilot training at our FAA approved pilot training school.
- Join US regional airline for 1 year and be sponsored for the Type Rating
Become a CFI and build your flight expirience
Build 1500 hours airline hiring minimums.
- Get paid to fly and earn back up $54,000
- Join US regional airline for 1 year and be sponsored for the Type Rating
- FAA 141 approved & ACCSC accredited
Visa option: F1 – train, work, and gain experience in the USA
Learn more Start Flying
FROM PPL HOLDERS Commercial Pilot License in 10-15 months / Price $58,207 – pay after visa approval
Get Commercial Pilot License based on F1 Visa
- FAA 141 approved & ACCSC accredited
- F1 Visa – Train, work, and build 1,500 hours in the USA
- M1 Visa – Flexible training, return home after completion
- Multi-Engine Add-on and Instructor Ratings available
All Programs airlane and helicopter programs
- FAA part 141 & ACCSC accredited
- Since 1985 – 35+ years of excellence
- From zero experience to airline career
- airplane & helicopter courses for all Levels
- International student visa options (M1/F1)
Need help?
Get free consultation with our school officer about your aviation career and find the best path to your goals.
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Welcome to Pelican Flight Training, Florida's premier flight school offering one of the best training programs for pilots from around the world. We offer a structured program that will take you all the way from private pilot rank to ATP and airline readiness.
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