Trusted for our unprecedented safety record, core group of high-time directors, state-of-the-art aircraft, and professional training environment, our consummate training professionals are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience with those wishing to be the most proficient pilots in the industry. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that’s led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide. And as of 2019, we proudly serve as the only Bell Certified Training Facility in the U.S.

Full-time students who enroll in our Helicopter Pilot Career Program receive an average of two flight hours and four hours of ground training daily, transitioning from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months and on to their dream position as a career helicopter pilot in 18 to 24 months. Our proprietary syllabi, optimized to combine training under FAR Part 61 with our FAA-approved Part 141 certificates, provides students with safe, extraordinary flight and ground training on an expeditious timeline.

We operate three highly professional, state-of-the-art training facilities across the southwest, located in Texas, Arizona, and Utah. Each is managed by one high-time company-trained Director working directly beneath our CEO, Dr. Jiroux. Directors are tasked with overseeing all operations, and mentoring our students and instructors. Under the watchful eye of Dr. Jiroux and his Directors, students are paired with a single instructor and receive ongoing one-on-one time with their location’s Director for the duration of their flight and ground training. Says Dr. Jiroux, “Encouraging relationships to grow through one-on-one instruction increases the safety and quality of flight training beyond that of a classroom setting.”

At Universal Helicopters, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. We take great pride in preparing our students with all the tools necessary to excel during their long and prosperous careers in aviation. When you enter the workplace as a graduate of Universal Helicopters, it is with unsurpassed knowledge, a fierce propensity for safety, and absolute competency piloting your aircraft.

For over 40 years, Universal Helicopters Founder and CEO Dr. Gordon A. Jiroux, h.c. has set the standard for excellence in helicopter flight instruction. As part of a prolific safety team with an impeccable safety record and sterling reputation, his passion for providing exemplary flight training has led Universal Helicopters to be one of the most renowned helicopter flight schools in the world. At Universal, our reputation directly proceeds his.

Trusted for our unprecedented safety record, core group of high-time directors, state-of-the-art aircraft, and professional training environment, our consummate training professionals share in Dr. Jiroux’s passion for sharing their knowledge and experience with those wishing to be the most proficient pilots in the industry. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that’s led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide. And as of 2019, we proudly serve as the only Bell Certified Training Facility in the U.S.

Full-time students who enroll in our Helicopter Pilot Career Program receive an average of two flight hours and four hours of ground training daily, transitioning from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months and on to their dream position as a career helicopter pilot in 18 to 24 months. Our proprietary syllabi, optimized to combine training under FAR Part 61 with our FAA-approved Part 141 certificates, provides students with safe, extraordinary flight and ground training on an expeditious timeline.

We operate three highly professional, state-of-the-art training facilities across the southwest, located in Texas, Arizona, and Utah. Each is managed by one high-time company-trained Director working directly beneath our CEO, Dr. Jiroux. Directors are tasked with overseeing all operations, and mentoring our students and instructors. Under the watchful eye of Dr. Jiroux and his Directors, students are paired with a single instructor and receive ongoing one-on-one time with their location’s Director for the duration of their flight and ground training. Says Dr. Jiroux, “Encouraging relationships to grow through one-on-one instruction increases the safety and quality of flight training beyond that of a classroom setting.”

As part of our “Safety First” initiative, every operational decision at Universal Helicopters is predicated on teaching students the most effective Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) skills possible, heightening sense and proficiency through all phases of flight. A knowledgeable pilot with quality training, including practical ADM skills, should successfully carry out safe flight operations during every flight for a lifetime. Our comprehensive safety policies and procedures have earned us an exemplary safety record unmatched by any flight school in the nation based on flight hours.

At Universal Helicopters, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. We take great pride in preparing our students with all the tools necessary to excel during their long and prosperous careers in aviation. When you enter the workplace as a graduate of Universal Helicopters, it is with unsurpassed knowledge, a fierce propensity for safety, and absolute competency piloting your aircraft.

For over 40 years, Universal Helicopters Founder and CEO Dr. Gordon A. Jiroux, h.c. has set the standard for excellence in helicopter flight instruction. As part of a prolific safety team with an impeccable safety record and sterling reputation, his passion for providing exemplary flight training has led Universal Helicopters to be one of the most renowned helicopter flight schools in the world. At Universal, our reputation directly proceeds his.

Trusted for our unprecedented safety record, core group of high-time directors, state-of-the-art aircraft, and professional training environment, our consummate training professionals share in Dr. Jiroux’s passion for sharing their knowledge and experience with those wishing to be the most proficient pilots in the industry. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that’s led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide. And as of 2019, we proudly serve as the only Bell Certified Training Facility in the U.S.

Full-time students who enroll in our Helicopter Pilot Career Program receive an average of two flight hours and four hours of ground training daily, transitioning from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months and on to their dream position as a career helicopter pilot in 18 to 24 months. Our proprietary syllabi, optimized to combine training under FAR Part 61 with our FAA-approved Part 141 certificates, provides students with safe, extraordinary flight and ground training on an expeditious timeline.

We operate three highly professional, state-of-the-art training facilities across the southwest, located in Texas, Arizona, and Utah. Each is managed by one high-time company-trained Director working directly beneath our CEO, Dr. Jiroux. Directors are tasked with overseeing all operations, and mentoring our students and instructors. Under the watchful eye of Dr. Jiroux and his Directors, students are paired with a single instructor and receive ongoing one-on-one time with their location’s Director for the duration of their flight and ground training. Says Dr. Jiroux, “Encouraging relationships to grow through one-on-one instruction increases the safety and quality of flight training beyond that of a classroom setting.”

As part of our “Safety First” initiative, every operational decision at Universal Helicopters is predicated on teaching students the most effective Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) skills possible, heightening sense and proficiency through all phases of flight. A knowledgeable pilot with quality training, including practical ADM skills, should successfully carry out safe flight operations during every flight for a lifetime. Our comprehensive safety policies and procedures have earned us an exemplary safety record unmatched by any flight school in the nation based on flight hours.

At Universal Helicopters, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. We take great pride in preparing our students with all the tools necessary to excel during their long and prosperous careers in aviation. When you enter the workplace as a graduate of Universal Helicopters, it is with unsurpassed knowledge, a fierce propensity for safety, and absolute competency piloting your aircraft.

PART 141

FAA-Certified with optimized, career-oriented curriculum

SAFETY IS #1

Top Safety Record of any
Flight School in the Nation

1500+

1500+ Employed Graduates Worldwide

FINANCING

Financing Available OAC

CAREER SUPPORT

Job Placement Assistance
Post-Graduate Interview

STATE-OF-THE-ART AIRCRAFT

All-Glass Cockpits
Immaculately Maintained

STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES

Airline-Quality Dispatch
FAA Level 5 Flight Training Devices

HIGH-TIME PERSONNEL

FAA Designated Pilot Examiners
and High-Time Directors on site

VISA / IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE

M-1 Foreign Student Visas
and TSA Applications

CAREER PILOT POSITION IN 2 YEARS

Zero-Time to Career Helicopter
Pilot in 18-24 months

PART 141

FAA-Certified with optimized, career-oriented curriculum

SAFETY IS #1

Industry-Leading Safety Record

1500+

1500+ Employed Graduates Worldwide

CAREER PILOT in 2 YEARS

Zero-Time to Airline or Career Heli Pilot in 18-24 Months

CAREER SUPPORT

Job Placement / Regional Cadet Programs

MODERN AIRCRAFT

All-Glass Cockpits
Immaculately Maintained

PROFESSIONAL FACILITIES

FAA Level 5 Simulators

HIGH-TIME PERSONNEL

FAA DPEs and Directors on Site

IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE

M-1 Student Visas and TSA Applications

PART 141

FAA-Certified with optimized, career-oriented curriculum

SAFETY IS #1

Industry-Leading Safety Record

1500+

1500+ Employed Graduates Worldwide

FINANCING

Financing Available OAC

CAREER SUPPORT

Job Placement and Regional Cadet Program Assistance

MODERN AIRCRAFT

All-Glass Cockpits
Immaculately Maintained

PROFESSIONAL FACILITIES

Airline-Quality Dispatch
FAA Level 5 Flight Training Devices

HIGH-TIME PERSONNEL

FAA Designated Pilot Examiners
and High-Time Directors on site

IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE

M-1 Foreign Student Visas
and TSA Applications

CAREER POSITION IN 2 YEARS

Zero-Time to Airline Pilot / Career Heli Pilot in 18-24 Months

The Universal Advantage:

Industry-Leading Safety Record

Part 141 Certified Flight School

20+ Years in Operation

1-on-1 Instruction

High-Time Directors on Site

Career-Oriented Syllabus

State-of-the-Art Aircraft

Professional Training Facilities

Optimized Curriculum

On-site FAA DPEs

One to Two Daily Flights

Expeditious Timeline

Airline-Quality Scheduling/Dispatch

1500+ Employed Graduates

Job Placement Assistance

Turbine Transition Course

Night Vision Goggles (NVG) Courses

Bell Certified Training Facility

Transparent Pricing

Financing Available OAC

Part 61 Training Available

VISA & Immigration Assistance

Part 145 Repair Station

Guaranteed Interview Post Graduation

Why Universal

The Universal Advantage:

Leading Safety Record

Part 141 Certified School

20+ Years in Operation

1-on-1 Instruction

Directors on Site

Career-Oriented Syllabus

State-of-the-Art Aircraft

Professional Facilities

Optimized Curriculum

On-site FAA DPEs

One to Two Daily Flights

Expeditious Timeline

Airline-Quality Dispatch

1500+ Employed Graduates

Job Placement Assistance

Turbine Transition

Night Vision Courses

Bell-Certified Training

Transparent Pricing

Financing OAC

Part 61 Training Available

Immigration Assistance

Part 145 Repair Station

Post Grad. CFI Interview

The Universal Advantage:

Leading Safety Record

Part 141 Certified

20+ Years Operation

1-on-1 Instruction

Directors on Site

Career Oriented

Modern Aircraft

Professional Facilities

Optimized Syllabus

On-site FAA DPEs

Fly Every Day

Expeditious Timeline

Professional Dispatch

1500+ Graduates

Job Placement

Turbine Course

Night Vision Course

Bell-Certified

Transparent Costs

Financing OAC

Part 61 Training Avail.

Immigration Assist

145 Repair Station

Post-Grad Interview

BECOME A CAREER HELICOPTER PILOT
IN 18-24 MONTHS.

BECOME A CAREER
HELICOPTER PILOT
IN 18-24 MONTHS.

BECOME A CAREER
HELICOPTER PILOT
IN 18-24 MONTHS.

Students who enroll in Helicopter Pilot Career Program transition from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months, and on to their dream position at a helicopter operator in 18 to 24 months.

Students who enroll in Helicopter Pilot Career Program transition from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months, and on to their dream position at a helicopter operator in 18 to 24 months.

Students who enroll in Helicopter Pilot Career Program transition from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor
in as little as six months, and on to their dream position at a helicopter operator in 18 to 24 months.

Helicopter Operators Currently Employing our Graduates:

Helicopter Operators Currently Employing our Graduates:

Helicopter Operators Currently Employing our Graduates:

Cadet Programs and Job Placement

The Only Bell Certified Training Facility (CTF) in the U.S. for the Bell 505 and 206 Series Helicopters

Bell 505 TRAINING
Bell 206 TRAINING

The Only Bell Certified Training Facility (CTF) in
the U.S. for the Bell 505 and 206 Series Helicopters

Bell 505 TRAINING
Bell 206 TRAINING

The Only Bell Certified Training Facility (CTF) in
the U.S. for the Bell 505 and 206 Series Helicopters

Bell 505 TRAINING
Bell 206 TRAINING

100+

2021-2022 Graduates

1500+

Employed Graduates Worldwide

7500+

Pilot Certificates Issued

As of 10/1/22

At Universal Flight Concepts, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that has led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide.

1500+

Employed Graduates Worldwide

As of 10/1/22

At Universal Flight Concepts, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that has led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide.

100+

2021-2022 Graduates

1500+

Employed Graduates Worldwide

As of 10/1/22

At Universal Flight Concepts, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that has led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide.

From Our Oustanding Graduates:

“Universal Helicopters was enjoyable and the instructors I trained with were exceptional! I received all of the instruction I needed to be a professional within the aviation industry.

I enjoyed Universal so much, and after graduation felt very fortunate when they offered me a position as a flight instructor. I spent a little over two years continuing my education as I provided one to new students.

I was made the Assistant Chief Pilot for Classic Air Medical and shortly thereafter accepted the role as Director of Operations.

I am grateful for the kickstart Universal Helicopters gave me. I have never regretted my decision to become a helicopter pilot.”

Kory H.

Universal Career Program Graduate
Director of Operations, Classic Helicopter Group

“The flight training I received, followed by the opportunity to instruct for Universal paved the way for my success in the helicopter industry. Universal held very high training standards, and was very dedicated to quality education.

The graduates from Universal are beyond well-equipped to enter the commercial helicopter industry and succeed. I know a number of Universal grads who are chief pilots, lead pilots, and training directors.

Having built my own utility helicopter operation, I always favor Universal graduates when I look to fill positions. They fly with a greater sense of situational awareness, and better touch, with greater confidence inside and outside of the cockpit.”

Kaden T.

Universal Career Program Graduate
Chief Pilot, KIT Helicopter Operations

“While I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Universal, it was not until I moved on in my career that I realized how fine of a school it is. The level of training was beyond comparison.

The hours spent in Matt’s Hewlett’s office preparing for a checkride, the unbelievable, advanced flight training I received from Danny Mackenzie during CFI training, as well as stellar instruction from the whole cadre, set me up for a successful career. They taught me how to learn, how to be an aviator and how to come home safely to my wife and children.

I am extremely grateful to have attended Universal Helicopters. I owe all the success I’ve had in aviation to the solid foundation Universal provided me.”

Keith S.

Universal Career Program Graduate
Pilot, Petroleum Helicopters International

testimonials

From Our Oustanding Graduates:

“Universal Helicopters was enjoyable and the instructors I trained with were exceptional! I received all of the instruction I needed to be a professional within the aviation industry.

I enjoyed Universal so much, and after graduation felt very fortunate when they offered me a position as a flight instructor. I spent a little over two years continuing my education as I provided one to new students.

I was made the Assistant Chief Pilot for Classic Air Medical and shortly thereafter accepted the role as Director of Operations.

I am grateful for the kickstart Universal Helicopters gave me. I have never regretted my decision to become a helicopter pilot.”

Kory H.

Universal Career Program Graduate
Director of Operations, Classic Helicopter Group

“The flight training I received, followed by the opportunity to instruct for Universal paved the way for my success in the helicopter industry. Universal held very high training standards, and was very dedicated to quality education.

The graduates from Universal are beyond well-equipped to enter the commercial helicopter industry and succeed. I know a number of Universal grads who are chief pilots, lead pilots, and training directors.

Having built my own utility helicopter operation, I always favor Universal graduates when I look to fill positions. They fly with a greater sense of situational awareness, and better touch, with greater confidence inside and outside of the cockpit.”

Kaden T.

Universal Career Program Graduate
Chief Pilot, KIT Helicopter Operations

“While I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Universal, it was not until I moved on in my career that I realized how fine of a school it is. The level of training was beyond comparison.

The hours spent in Matt’s Hewlett’s office preparing for a checkride, the unbelievable, advanced flight training I received from Danny Mackenzie during CFI training, as well as stellar instruction from the whole cadre, set me up for a successful career. They taught me how to learn, how to be an aviator and how to come home safely to my wife and children.

I am extremely grateful to have attended Universal Helicopters. I owe all the success I’ve had in aviation to the solid foundation Universal provided me.”

Keith S.

Universal Career Program Graduate
Pilot, Petroleum Helicopters International

testimonials

From Our Oustanding Graduates:

“Universal Helicopters was enjoyable and the instructors I trained with were exceptional! I received all of the instruction I needed to be a professional within the aviation industry.

I enjoyed Universal so much, and after graduation felt very fortunate when they offered me a position as a flight instructor. I spent a little over two years continuing my education as I provided one to new students.

I was made the Assistant Chief Pilot for Classic Air Medical and shortly thereafter accepted the role as Director of Operations.

I am grateful for the kickstart Universal Helicopters gave me. I have never regretted my decision to become a helicopter pilot.”

Kory H.

Universal Career Program Graduate
Director of Operations, Classic Helicopter Group

“The flight training I received, followed by the opportunity to instruct for Universal paved the way for my success in the helicopter industry. Universal held very high training standards, and was very dedicated to quality education.

The graduates from Universal are beyond well-equipped to enter the commercial helicopter industry and succeed. I know a number of Universal grads who are chief pilots, lead pilots, and training directors.

Having built my own utility helicopter operation, I always favor Universal graduates when I look to fill positions. They fly with a greater sense of situational awareness, and better touch, with greater confidence inside and outside of the cockpit.”

Kaden T.

Universal Career Program Graduate
Chief Pilot, KIT Helicopter Operations

“While I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Universal, it was not until I moved on in my career that I realized how fine of a school it is. The level of training was beyond comparison.

The hours spent in Matt’s Hewlett’s office preparing for a checkride, the unbelievable, advanced flight training I received from Danny Mackenzie during CFI training, as well as stellar instruction from the whole cadre, set me up for a successful career. They taught me how to learn, how to be an aviator and how to come home safely to my wife and children.

I am extremely grateful to have attended Universal Helicopters. I owe all the success I’ve had in aviation to the solid foundation Universal provided me.”

Keith S.

Universal Career Program Graduate
Pilot, Petroleum Helicopters International

testimonials

For more details about our Helicopter Pilot Career Program, including per-certificate breakdowns, duration of training, and prerequisites for enrollment, please return to this page on your desktop or laptop computer.

THREE PHASES OF YOUR CAREER:

CERTIFICATE/RATING BREAKDOWN:

The following outline is for students who join our program with zero previous flight training. It is representative of our combined 14 CFR Part 61 and 14 CFR Part 141 proprietary curriculum, optimized to provide students with safe, extraordinary flight training on an expeditious timeline. Most certificates and ratings are available as a single course or add-on. Please contact us for more information.

PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE

Conducted under FAR Part 61 unless otherwise requested or advised

FAA REQUIRED MINIMUMS:

  • Must be 17 years of age
  • Must hold a current FAA Student Pilot Certificate
  • Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language
  • Hold a Class 3 Medical Certificate*
  • Obtain 40 hours total flight training
  • Pre/Post-flight briefings
  • Pass the FAA-required knowledge test
  • Pass a practical test conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner

EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:

  • Can be completed in 4 to 6 weeks
    (Dependent on student’s availability, ability, and study habits)

COMPLETION:

  • You will meet all eligibility requirements and gain all necessary experience, proficiency and endorsements to successfully pass your FAA-required knowledge and practical exams. Your Private Pilot Helicopter Certificate will grant you all of the privileges of a Private Helicopter Pilot as outlined in FAR Part 61.113.

*We recommend obtaining a Class 2 Medical Certificate before beginning our Helicopter Pilot Career Program. It is required for your Commercial Certificate. Please contact us for more information.

COMMERCIAL CERTIFICATE WITH INSTRUMENT RATING SPECIAL CURRICULUM

Conducted under Universal’s FAA-approved Part 141 special curriculum certificate unless otherwise requested or advised

UNIVERSAL FAA-APPROVED PART 141 SPECIAL CURRICULUM CERTIFICATE MINIMUMS:

  • Must hold a current Private Pilot Helicopter Certificate
  • Must be 17 years of age to begin training
  • Must be 17 years of age to obtain an Instrument Pilot Helicopter Rating
  • Must be 18 years of age to obtain a Commercial Pilot Helicopter Certificate
  • Hold a Class 3 Medical Certificate (Instrument Rating)
  • Hold a Class 2 Medical Certificate (Commercial Certificate)
  • Obtain 120 hours total flight training
  • Obtain 143 hours total ground training
  • Pre/post-flight briefings
  • Pass the FAA-required knowledge test for both Instrument Pilot Helicopter Rating and Commercial Pilot Helicopter Certificate
  • Pass practical tests conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner for both Instrument Pilot Helicopter Rating and Commercial Pilot Helicopter Certificate

EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:

  • Can be completed in 8 to 12 weeks
    (Dependent on student’s availability, ability, and study habits)

COMPLETION:

  • You will meet all eligibility requirements and gain all necessary experience, proficiency and endorsements to successfully pass your FAA-required knowledge and practical exams. Your Instrument Pilot Helicopter Rating will allow you to operate as pilot-in-command under instrument flight rules or weather conditions less than prescribed for visual flight rules. Your Commercial Pilot Helicopter Certificate will grant you all of the privileges of a Commercial Helicopter Pilot as outlined in FAR Part 61.133.

CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE

Conducted under FAR Part 61 unless otherwise requested or advised

FAA REQUIRED MINIMUMS:

  • Must hold a current Commercial Pilot Helicopter Certificate
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Obtain all dual flight instruction and ground training necessary to demonstrate required proficiency on the applicable areas outlined in FAR Parts 61.185 and 61.187*
  • Pre/Post-flight briefings
  • Pass the FAA-required knowledge test on the Fundamentals of Instructing as outlined in FAR Part 61.185(a)(1)
  • Pass the FAA-required knowledge test on Aeronautical Knowledge as outlined in FAR Part 61.185(a)(2)
  • Pass a practical test conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner

EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:

  • Can be completed in 2 to 4 weeks
    (Dependent on student’s availability, ability, and study habits)

COMPLETION:

  • You will meet all eligibility requirements and gain all necessary experience, proficiency and endorsements to successfully pass your FAA-required knowledge and practical exams. Your Certified Flight Instructor Helicopter Certificate will grant you all of the privileges of a Certified Flight Instructor of Helicopters as outlined in FAR Part 61.193.

*The FAA has no minimum required flight or ground training times. However, the FAR Part 61 SFAR 73 requires pilots to have 200 hours total helicopter flight time with 50 hours flight time in Robinson helicopters prior to their practical test.

CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
INSTRUMENT RATING

Conducted under FAR Part 61 unless otherwise requested or advised

FAA REQUIRED MINIMUMS:

  • Must hold a current Commercial Pilot Helicopter Certificate
  • Must hold a current Instrument Pilot Helicopter Rating
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Obtain all dual flight instruction and ground training necessary to demonstrate required proficiency on the applicable areas outlined in FAR Parts 61.185 and 61.187*
  • Pre/Post-flight briefings
  • Pass the FAA-required knowledge test on the Fundamentals of Instructing as outlined in FAR Part 61.185(a)(1)**
  • Pass the FAA-required knowledge test on Aeronautical Knowledge as outlined in FAR Part 61.185(a)(3)
  • Pass a practical test conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner

EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:

  • Can be completed in 2 to 3 weeks
    (Dependent on student’s availability, ability, and study habits)

COMPLETION:

  • You will meet all eligibility requirements and gain all necessary experience, proficiency and endorsements to successfully pass your FAA-required knowledge and practical exams. Your Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter Rating will grant you all of the privileges of a Certified Flight Instructor of Helicopters rated to train and issue endorsements for Instrument Ratings as outlined in FAR Part 61.193.

*The FAA has no minimum required flight or ground training times. However, the FAR Part 61 SFAR 73 requires pilots to have 200 hours total helicopter flight time with 50 hours flight time in Robinson helicopters prior to their practical test.

**Applicants who already hold a Certified Flight Instructor Certificate need not receive and log ground training on FAR Parts 61.185(a)(1) or pass the FAA knowledge test on the Fundamentals of Instructing.

Gordon Jiroux

Dr. Gordon A. Jiroux, h.c.

CEO | President

Gordon is widely considered to be one of the most knowledgeable and skilled professionals in the flight training industry. His extraordinary career began in 1981 when at just 25 years old, he earned his Private, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor helicopter certificates in Long Beach, California. Gordon was a stand-out flight instructor who quickly became friends with Robinson Helicopter Company Founder, Frank Robinson, who asked Gordon to open a helicopter flight school in the small desert town of Scottsdale, Arizona. Gordon purchased an R22 (Serial #4!) and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, to open his flight school — and his legacy began.

By 1983, at the age of 27, the FAA designated Gordon the position of Pilot Examiner in the Robinson R22. Gordon’s dedication to quality and safety made him the obvious choice in 1983, when the Robinson Helicopter Company issued him the Dealership/Service Center Designation for Arizona. By 1990 his company was the largest helicopter flight school in the world, with 18 Robinson R22s and three Bell 206 Jet Rangers flying 8+ hours a day.

Today after nearly 40 years of flying and 10,000+ hours of flight instruction given, Gordon continues to define the standard for excellence in helicopter flight training. As part of a prolific safety team with an impeccable safety record and sterling reputation, his passion for providing exemplary flight training has led Universal Flight Concepts to be one of the most renowned flight schools in the world.

Gordon received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Aviation Science with all rights, honors, privileges, and responsibilities on May 4, 2013. Jiroux was awarded this designation in appreciation of his outstanding contributions to the flight training industry, extraordinary aviation knowledge, and dedication to the global aviation industry.

In 2014, now Dr. Jiroux, Gordon was awarded Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) Flight Instructor of the Year Award.

After all these years, Gordon remains intimately involved with all operations at Universal Flight Concepts, mentoring and passing his knowledge and expertise on to our flight instructors.

back to top
Gordon Jiroux

Dr. Gordon A. Jiroux, h.c.

CEO | President

Gordon is widely considered to be one of the most knowledgeable and skilled professionals in the flight training industry. His extraordinary career began in 1981 when at just 25 years old, he earned his Private, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor helicopter certificates in Long Beach, California. Gordon was a stand-out flight instructor who quickly became friends with Robinson Helicopter Company Founder, Frank Robinson, who asked Gordon to open a helicopter flight school in the small desert town of Scottsdale, Arizona. Gordon purchased an R22 (Serial #4!) and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, to open his flight school — and his legacy began.

By 1983, at the age of 27, the FAA designated Gordon the position of Pilot Examiner in the Robinson R22. Gordon’s dedication to quality and safety made him the obvious choice in 1983, when the Robinson Helicopter Company issued him the Dealership/Service Center Designation for Arizona. By 1990 his company was the largest helicopter flight school in the world, with 18 Robinson R22s and three Bell 206 Jet Rangers flying 8+ hours a day.

Today after nearly 40 years of flying and 10,000+ hours of flight instruction given, Gordon continues to define the standard for excellence in helicopter flight training. As part of a prolific safety team with an impeccable safety record and sterling reputation, his passion for providing exemplary flight training has led Universal Flight Concepts to be one of the most renowned flight schools in the world.

Gordon received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Aviation Science with all rights, honors, privileges, and responsibilities on May 4, 2013. Jiroux was awarded this designation in appreciation of his outstanding contributions to the flight training industry, extraordinary aviation knowledge, and dedication to the global aviation industry.

In 2014, now Dr. Jiroux, Gordon was awarded Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) Flight Instructor of the Year Award.

After all these years, Gordon remains intimately involved with all operations at Universal Flight Concepts, mentoring and passing his knowledge and expertise on to our flight instructors.

back to top

Start Your Aviation Career Today!

Start Your Aviation Career Today!