Kind Reader, if you are a veteran looking to pursue a career as a helicopter pilot, you may be eligible to use your GI Bill benefits to cover the cost of your training. Fortunately, there are several helicopter pilot schools that accept GI Bill benefits, making it easier for you to achieve your dream of flying.
What is GI Bill?
The GI Bill is a law created to provide educational benefits and housing assistance to U.S. military veterans. The law was first introduced in 1944 and has undergone several revisions over the years to improve its benefits. One of the most significant benefits of the GI Bill is that it provides financial assistance to veterans who wish to pursue higher education or training programs after serving in the military. This makes it an excellent opportunity for veterans who want to become a helicopter pilot and are looking for helicopter pilot schools that accept GI Bill.
Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the latest version of the law and provides the most comprehensive education benefits to veterans. The benefits provided by this bill include tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and an annual books and supplies stipend. The amount of benefits you receive depends on the length of your active-duty service after September 11, 2001, and the amount of tuition and fees at your chosen school.
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
The VBA is responsible for administering the GI Bill benefits. The agency is responsible for processing applications, approving benefits, and disbursing funds to eligible veterans and their schools. If you are a veteran looking for information about the GI Bill, you can contact the VBA for help.
The Best Helicopter Pilot Schools that Accept GI Bill
If you’re looking for helicopter pilot schools that accept GI Bill, there are several options available. Here are some of the best helicopter pilot schools that accept GI Bill that you should consider:
1. Hillsboro Aero Academy
Hillsboro Aero Academy is a part-141 flight school located in Oregon. They offer helicopter pilot training programs that are fully covered by the GI Bill. Their program includes both flight and ground school training, and they have a fleet of Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters for flight training.
2. Quantum Helicopters
Quantum Helicopters is a part-141 flight school located in Arizona. They offer helicopter pilot training programs that are approved for GI Bill benefits. Their program includes both flight and ground school training, and they have a fleet of Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters for flight training.
3. Leading Edge Aviation
Leading Edge Aviation is a part-141 flight school located in Oregon. They offer helicopter pilot training programs that are approved for GI Bill benefits. Their program includes both flight and ground school training, and they have a fleet of Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters for flight training.
4. Guidance Aviation
Guidance Aviation is a part-141 flight school located in Arizona. They offer helicopter pilot training programs that are approved for GI Bill benefits. Their program includes both flight and ground school training, and they have a fleet of Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters for flight training.
5. Bristow Academy
Bristow Academy is a part-141 flight school located in Florida. They offer helicopter pilot training programs that are approved for GI Bill benefits. Their program includes both flight and ground school training, and they have a fleet of Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters for flight training.
6. Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology is a part-141 flight school located in Oklahoma. They offer helicopter pilot training programs that are approved for GI Bill benefits. Their program includes both flight and ground school training, and they have a fleet of Bell 206 and R44 helicopters for flight training.
7. FlightSafety Academy
FlightSafety Academy is a part-141 flight school located in Florida. They offer helicopter pilot training programs that are approved for GI Bill benefits. Their program includes both flight and ground school training, and they have a fleet of Bell 206 helicopters for flight training.
| No | LSI Keywords |
|---|---|
| 1 | flight school |
| 2 | pilot training |
| 3 | veterans |
| 4 | education |
| 5 | bachelor degree |
| 6 | housing assistance |
| 7 | financial assistance |
List of Helicopter Pilot Schools that Accept GI Bill
If you are a veteran or currently serving in the military and are interested in becoming a helicopter pilot, you may be able to use your GI Bill benefits to pay for your training. Many helicopter pilot schools across the country accept the GI Bill, making it more accessible for military personnel to achieve their dreams of becoming a helicopter pilot. Here is a list of helicopter pilot schools that accept the GI Bill:
1. Hillsboro Heli Academy
Hillsboro Heli Academy is a helicopter flight school located in Hillsboro, Oregon. The school offers a variety of training programs, including private pilot, commercial pilot, and external load operations. It is an FAA-approved Part 141 flight school and is approved to accept GI Bill benefits.
2. Universal Helicopters
Universal Helicopters is a helicopter flight school with locations in Arizona, Utah, and Texas. The school offers a range of training programs, including private pilot, commercial pilot, and flight instructor. Universal Helicopters is also an FAA-approved Part 141 flight school and is approved to accept GI Bill benefits.
3. Guidance Aviation
Guidance Aviation is a helicopter flight school with locations in Arizona, Louisiana, and Nevada. The school offers training programs, including private pilot, commercial pilot, and flight instructor. It is an FAA-approved Part 141 flight school and is approved to accept GI Bill benefits.
4. Upper Limit Aviation
Upper Limit Aviation is a helicopter flight school with locations in Utah, Arizona, and California. The school offers a range of training programs, including private pilot, commercial pilot, and flight instructor. It is an FAA-approved Part 141 flight school and is approved to accept GI Bill benefits.
5. Bristow Academy
Bristow Academy is a helicopter flight school located in Titusville, Florida, and New Iberia, Louisiana. The school offers a variety of training programs, including private pilot, commercial pilot, and flight instructor. Bristow Academy is also an FAA-approved Part 141 flight school and is approved to accept GI Bill benefits.
6. Hillsborough Community College
Hillsborough Community College located in Florida and is a two-year college that offers an Associates of Science degree in Professional Pilot Technology with Helicopter Operations Concentration. They offer FAA approved training courses and are approved for GI Bill benefits.
7. Middle Georgia State University
Middle Georgia State University located in Georgia offers a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Science and Management Helicopter Concentration. Their flight school is in Macon and they offer FAA approved courses and are approved for GI Bill benefits.
| No | School Name | Location | Program Offered | GI Bill Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hillsboro Aero Academy | Hillsboro, OR | Private and Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, Flight Instructor, and more | Yes |
| 2 | Upper Limit Aviation | Mesa, AZ | Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, and more | Yes |
| 3 | Silverhawk Aviation Academy | Caldwell, ID | Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, and more | Yes |
| 4 | Leading Edge Aviation | Bend, OR | Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, and more | Yes |
| 5 | Universal Helicopters | Various Locations Nationwide | Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, and more | Yes |
Requirements for Using GI Bill Benefits for Helicopter Pilot Schools
In order to use your GI Bill benefits for helicopter pilot schools, you must meet the following requirements:
Active Duty Members
If you are currently on active duty, you may be eligible to use your GI Bill benefits for flight school. You must have served for at least 90 days and have received an honorable discharge in order to be eligible.
Veterans
If you are a veteran, you must have received an honorable discharge in order to be eligible for GI Bill benefits for flight school. You may also be required to meet certain academic requirements, such as a minimum GPA.
Reservists and National Guard Members
If you are a member of the Reserves or National Guard, you may be eligible for GI Bill benefits for flight school if you have completed at least 90 days of active duty service after September 10, 2001, and have received an honorable discharge. You may also be required to meet certain academic requirements.
Top Helicopter Pilot Schools that Accept GI Bill Benefits
If you are a veteran looking to use your GI Bill benefits to attend helicopter pilot school, there are many schools to choose from. Here are some of the top helicopter pilot schools that accept GI Bill benefits:
1. Hillsboro Aero Academy
Hillsboro Aero Academy is a flight school located in Oregon that is approved for GI Bill benefits. They offer both helicopter and fixed-wing training programs and have a fleet of over 90 aircraft.
2. Bristow Academy
Bristow Academy is located in Florida and is one of the largest helicopter flight schools in the world. They offer GI Bill benefits for their helicopter training programs.
3. Guidance Aviation
Guidance Aviation has locations in Arizona and Louisiana and offers helicopter flight training programs that are approved for GI Bill benefits.
4. Upper Limit Aviation
Upper Limit Aviation is located in Utah and offers helicopter flight training programs that are approved for GI Bill benefits.
5. Leading Edge Aviation
Leading Edge Aviation offers helicopter flight training programs that are approved for GI Bill benefits and is located in Oregon.
6. Mauna Loa Helicopters
Mauna Loa Helicopters is located in Hawaii and offers helicopter flight training programs that are approved for GI Bill benefits.
7. Precision Aviation Training Academy
Precision Aviation Training Academy is located in Texas and offers both helicopter and fixed-wing training programs that are approved for GI Bill benefits.
Cost of Attendance for Helicopter Pilot Schools
The cost of attending helicopter pilot schools can be quite expensive, which can make it difficult for some veterans to choose a school that accepts the GI Bill. Even though the GI Bill covers the cost of tuition, some schools may have additional fees or expenses that are not covered.
Tuition
The GI Bill covers up to 100% of tuition and fees for eligible veterans attending an accredited school. The amount of coverage depends on the location of the school and the type of degree being sought. It’s important to note that some flight schools may be classified as vocational schools, which means that the amount of coverage may be different than for traditional academic programs.
Additional Fees and Expenses
Flight schools have additional fees and expenses that are not covered by the GI Bill, such as books, flight fees, and living expenses. Flight fees can cost anywhere from $50-$200 per hour, depending on the type of helicopter being used and location. Living expenses can vary depending on location and can include housing, food, and transportation.
It’s important for veterans to research all costs associated with attending helicopter pilot schools and to choose a school that fits within their budget.
Financial Aid for Helicopter Pilot Schools
There are several financial aid options available to veterans who want to attend helicopter pilot schools that accept the GI Bill. These options can help veterans cover additional expenses that are not covered by the GI Bill.
Private Scholarships
Many organizations, including veterans’ groups and aviation companies, offer scholarships specifically for veterans who want to become helicopter pilots. These scholarships can help cover additional expenses not covered by the GI Bill, such as flight fees and living expenses.
Student Loans
Some veterans may choose to take out student loans to cover additional expenses not covered by the GI Bill. It’s important to note that student loans typically have interest rates and will need to be repaid after graduation.
Before taking out any student loans or private scholarships, veterans should research all options available and make sure they understand the terms and conditions of each option.
Flight Safety International
Flight Safety International is a certified flight training school that helps veterans with GI Bills earn a private pilot’s license for a helicopter. This flight school provides intensive training to its students, as well as an immersive hands-on experience to help pilots be confident inside and outside of the cockpit. They also provide job placement training to their graduates to help with finding employment upon completion of the course.
Flight Safety International’s GI Bill Program
This program covers the cost of ratings for eligible student veterans, and the school is approved up to Instrument rating for helicopter training. Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover up to $13,528.44 per academic year.
Flight School Training Programs
Flight Safety International provides several helicopter training programs, including:
| No | Programs |
|---|---|
| 1 | Private Pilot License for Helicopter |
| 2 | Commercial Pilot License for Helicopter |
| 3 | Recurrent Training for Helicopter |
Requirements for Using GI Bill in Helicopter Pilot Schools
To be able to use GI Bill in helicopter pilot schools, veterans need to meet certain requirements. The following are the general qualifications:
Active-duty service
GI Bill is available to veterans who have served on active duty for at least 36 months or more.
Character of discharge
Veterans who were discharged for honorable reasons, as well as those discharged due to a disability incurred or aggravated during active duty, are eligible to use GI Bill.
Accepted programs
Helicopter pilot schools that accept GI Bill should offer programs that have been approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is crucial to ensure that the helicopter pilot school of your choice has VA approval.
Flight training requirements
For veterans to use their GI Bill for flight training, they must possess a private pilot’s license before starting their VA-approved flight training program. Also, veterans are required to undertake a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate from an FAA medical examiner.
Requirements for Veterans to Use GI Bill Benefits for Helicopter Pilot School
To be eligible for the GI Bill benefits for helicopter pilot school, there are certain requirements that veterans must meet:
1. Minimum service requirement
To be eligible for the GI Bill, the veteran needs to have completed at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day after September 10, 2001.
2. Flight school requirements
The veteran needs to attend a school that is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), also known as Part 141 certified schools. Otherwise, they need to ensure the helicopter pilot school is approved by the VA as a non-college degree program.
| No | FAA-Approved Helicopter Pilot Schools That Accept GI Bill |
|---|---|
| 1 | Southern Utah University |
| 2 | Hillsboro Aero Academy |
| 3 | Sierra Academy of Aeronautics |
| 4 | Advanced Helicopter Concepts |
| 5 | American Helicopters |
These FAA-approved helicopter pilot schools provide a comprehensive training program that includes ground school, flight training, and flight instruction by experienced flight instructors.
FAQ: Helicopter Pilot Schools that Accept GI Bill
If you are a veteran or current service member looking to pursue a career as a helicopter pilot and want to use your GI bill benefits, you might have several questions and concerns. Here are some frequently asked questions about helicopter pilot schools that accept the GI bill:
1. What is the GI bill?
It is a law that provides education and training benefits to eligible veterans, service members, and their dependents.
2. Can I use my GI bill benefits to become a helicopter pilot?
Yes, you can use your GI bill benefits to pay for helicopter pilot training at approved schools.
3. What are the requirements to use the GI bill for helicopter pilot training?
You must be eligible for GI bill benefits and enroll in an approved helicopter pilot school that accepts the GI bill.
4. How do I find a helicopter pilot school that accepts the GI bill?
You can search for approved schools on the VA website, or contact the VA Education Call Center for assistance.
5. What types of helicopter pilot programs are eligible for the GI bill?
Flight training programs that lead to a private or commercial helicopter pilot certificate or rating are usually eligible.
6. Does the GI bill cover all the costs of helicopter pilot training?
No, the GI bill has a cap on tuition and fees, and you might have to pay for other expenses out of pocket.
7. Can I use the GI bill for flight hours and training materials?
No, the GI bill does not cover flight hours, fuel, flight equipment, or other supplies.
8. Can I use the GI bill for helicopter pilot training if I already have a pilot’s license?
It depends on the school’s policies and the specific requirements for the GI bill benefits. Some schools might offer advanced or accelerated programs that take into account your previous experience.
9. How long does it take to complete helicopter pilot training with the GI bill?
It varies depending on the program and your schedule. Some programs can be completed in six months to a year, while others take longer.
10. Do I have to pay back the GI bill benefits if I do not complete the helicopter pilot training?
It depends on the circumstances of your enrollment and withdrawal. You might have to pay back a portion or all of the benefits if you withdraw before completing the program or fail to meet other criteria.
11. What happens if the helicopter pilot school closes or loses its accreditation?
You might lose your GI bill benefits if the school is not approved anymore. You should contact the VA as soon as possible to explore your options.
12. Can I transfer my GI bill benefits to my spouse or children if I become a helicopter pilot?
Yes, you might be able to transfer some or all of your unused benefits to your dependents if you meet certain requirements.
13. Can I use the GI bill for helicopter pilot training if I am still on active duty?
Yes, you can use the GI bill while still on active duty, but you might have to meet additional requirements and restrictions.
14. Will using the GI bill for helicopter pilot training affect my other VA benefits?
No, using the GI bill for education and training will not affect your other VA benefits, such as disability compensation or healthcare.
15. Who can I contact for more information and assistance?
You can contact the VA Education Call Center or visit the VA website for more information on GI bill benefits for helicopter pilot training.
For veterans interested in becoming a helicopter pilot, there are several schools that accept the GI Bill for payment of tuition and other educational expenses.
Thank You for Being a Kind Reader!
We hope this article has provided valuable information for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a helicopter pilot using their GI bill benefits. Remember that there are a variety of excellent schools across the country that accept the GI bill, each with unique program offerings and training experiences. Whether you choose to attend one of the schools we’ve highlighted or not, we wish you the best of luck in your career endeavors. Keep an eye out for more helpful articles on our website and visit us again soon!
