Rotor Transition Program

If you’re ready to take the step of transitioning from military or commercial helicopter pilot to an airline pilot, choose the Rotor Transition Program at Paragon Flight.

This transition program makes it easier for military and civilian helicopter pilots with instrument privileges to become airline pilots. It allows you to save time and money by using your existing knowledge to progress toward the next step of your career.

Paragon Flight is an FAA Part 141 and FAA Part 61 approved training program. Here, you’ll find the best additional training in the country, allowing you to complete your professional preparation and become an ATP or R-ATP Certified airline pilot.

We offer the best professional training staff, equipment, proximity to airports, and perfect flying weather. All of our aircraft are the newest, technically advanced planes available and are outfitted with glass cockpit technology. The area around Fort Myers is the flying hub of Southwest Florida, and we enjoy over 350 days of incredible sunshine annually.

When you enter the Rotor Transition Program with Paragon Flight, the training plan will delineate the timetable and expenses involved. We don’t over-promise and under-deliver, nor will we increase prices unnecessarily or after you’ve already begun your training program.

Program Requirements

To participate, a pilot should be 21 years old, licensed as a commercial helicopter pilot with instrument privileges, and have a minimum of 500 hours of flight time under his or her belt.

To begin the process of applying for the Rotor Transition Program, you should complete an application at airlineapps.com. You’ll then interview with the airline. When successful, you will work with us to design your customized training plan.

The requirements for the Rotor Transition Program differ for military and civilian helicopter pilots.

Military helicopter pilots require total flight times of 750 hours with 250 of those hours being fixed-wing PIC time (100 must be cross country and 25 must be night hours). In addition, they must complete 200 hours cross country, 100 or 75 hours at night, with a minimum of 25 landings at night, 75 hours of instrument time, and 25 hours of multi-engine time.

Civilian helicopter pilots require more total flight time. They must fly for 1,500 total hours. Within these hours, 250 must be fixed-wing time, with 100 of those being cross country and 25 at night. The total time should still include 200 hours of cross-country hours, 100 or 75 of night hours with 25 night landings, 75 hours of instrument time, and 25 hours of multi-engine time.

Often, military aviators will have the total required hours and only need the fixed-wing and instrument training sessions. Paragon Flight welcomes you to speak with our Chief Flight Instructor to discuss your specific situation, establish any training deficits, and work out a schedule and cost estimation.

Paragon Flight is friendly to veterans. We accept the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill because of our partnership with Liberty University.

We also partner with We Florida Financial and their We Fly program to help finance your pilot education. The money side of the equation doesn’t have to hinder your flying dreams.

To explore the Rotor Transition Program here at Paragon Flight, call us today: (239) 274-3170! Allow us to provide the next phase of training you need to transform your existing experience into a strong career.