Flight Packages
Mauna Loa Helicopters offers helicopter training for every pilot rating you’ll need to pursue a successful career in aviation. Although you can pick whichever course or courses you wish, we recommend that you consider enrolling in our Professional Pilot Program. The Professional program is a comprehensive curriculum specifically designed to help you earn five ratings and certificates (PVT, COM, IFR, CFI, and CFII) to get your future off to a flying start. Below is a brief overview of the flight packages and specialized training offered at MLH:
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Private Certificate
This is the basic rating required of all pilots. A Private certificate will allow you to carry passengers and enjoy the privileges and freedom of flight. All other ratings in the program build from this primary rating.
Commercial Certificate
A Commercial rating is required for a pilot to be employed as a professional pilot. While this is not the only rating needed to become employable, it is generally the second step in flight training.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
The CFI rating enables a pilot to teach other Private, Commercial and CFI students in the helicopter and in a classroom. We encourage students enrolled in our Professional Pilot Program to work towards their CFI rating at the same time they are preparing for their Commercial rating. A pilot’s first job flying will likely be as an instructor, which is why we include this training in the Professional Pilot Program.
Instrument Rating (IFR)
The Instrument Rating enables a pilot to fly the aircraft referencing only the instrument panel, a desirable skill to possess in clouds or any situation where visibility is impaired. In today’s job market, most employers require this rating.
Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFI-I)
Instrument Instructor rating enables the pilot to teach Instrument and CFI-I students both in the helicopter and in a classroom. 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 Mauna Loa, require this rating in order to be employed as an instructor.
The above five ratings are included in our Professional Pilot Program, these courses are also available individually. Below are additional courses and specified training that can be added to the PPP or done individually.
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
The ATP rating is the Eagle Scout Badge of the aviation world. The candidate must meet certain requirements including 1,200 hours Total Time and possess both Instrument and Commercial ratings.
External Load Training
External Load or sling line training teaches the pilot to lift and move an external load by employing a sling line attached to the helicopter. Typically this skill will help pilots when looking for work with utility operations, such as logging, emergency evacuation, and moving objects into or out of remote locations.
