Rotor Transition Program Comparison

If you dream of piloting commercial aircraft, you will need to earn an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification. Doing so is far easier for helicopter pilots through the Rotor Transition Program. If you’ve been performing a program comparison, we’re confident that your search will lead you to Paragon Flight.

Helicopter pilots using the Rotor Transition Program will enjoy a faster process with the quality instructors, aircraft, location, weather, and curriculum that we offer here at Paragon Flight.

We stand ready to help you in the transition from helicopter seat to airliner cockpit. Paragon Flight is in the ideal location right here in Fort Myers, FL. We also offer experienced instructors, modern and safe aircraft, housing accommodations for those who need it, diverse financing methods, and a flexible schedule.

Paying for the program won’t be a problem because we accept the GI Bill and partner with the folks at We Florida Financial. They offer a We Fly program especially designed to finance flight training.

What is the Rotor Transition Program?

The Rotor Transition Program lets helicopter pilots, both military and civilian, use their existing flight experience as a foundation for building new skills in fixed-wing aviation. When complete, these pilots will be ready to begin careers as airline pilots.

When you call or come in to Paragon Flight for a consultation, we will take into consideration your existing flight hours and previous training, and then we will create a customized training plan just for you. This plan will make it possible for you to complete the transition at your own pace without performing unnecessary hours of training.

How Can I Qualify for the Rotor Transition Program?

To take part in the Rotor Transition Program, helicopter pilots will need to meet certain standards. The R-ATP certificate allows a pilot to serve as an airline first officer before reaching the required 1,500 hours for an unrestricted ATP certificate.

For military rotor pilots, their superior training and past experience often allows them to qualify immediately. In fact, they need fewer total hours than civilian rotor pilots. The flight requirements for program entrance include:

• 500 total hours
• 100 hours across country
• 75 hours of night flight
• 75 hours of instrument monitoring time

Civilian rotor pilots need more total flight hours. Their requirements include the following:

• 1,250 hours of total flight time
• 100 hours of across country flight
• 75 hours of night flight
• 75 hours of instrument flying

Completing the program to become an unrestricted ATP pilot requires cross country flights, night flights, PIC, instruments, etc. Fixed-wing flight hours to complete the program include the following:

• Military Helicopter Pilots
  • 750 total flight hours
  • 200 hours of flight across country
  • 100 hours of night flying
  • 75 hours of instrument flight
  • 25 hours of multi-engine flight time
• Civilian Helicopter Pilots
  • 1,500 total flight hours
  • 200 hours across country flight time
  • 100 hours of night flight
  • 75 hours of instrument flight
  • 25 hours of multi-engine aircraft flight

If you’re doing a comparison of Rotor Transition Program options in the United States, think Paragon Flight. Here in sunny Southwest Florida, our students have more days to fly, the best instructors, the safest and most modern aircraft, the best curriculum, and a great location near airports and practice fields. To become a commercial airline pilot, call (239) 274-3170 to discuss where you are headed and what steps you need to take to get there.