Add On Rating

I have an existing fixed-winged commercial rating. Can I add a commercial helicopter rating without getting a private helicopter rating first?

Yes. You can add a commercial helicopter rating without getting a private helicopter rating first. As 14 CFR 61.123 points out, you must have at least a private rating (any category) to obtain a commercial rating. It does not state the category or class. However, there is some benefit to obtaining a private helicopter rating prior to a commercial rating. One of the requirements to obtain a commercial rating in the helicopter is to have 35 hours of pilot-in-command time. Without a rating in the category, the pilot cannot log all 35 hours of PIC time unless they are the sole occupant of the aircraft. If the pilot has a rotorcraft–helicopter rating, they can receive training and count that time as PIC. As such, the pilot can perform more advanced maneuvers during these 35 hours and often become a better pilot than pilots that just fly solo. The pilots that fly solo for 35 hours often tend to get bad habits, or they don’t do much other than cross-country flight or those with little or no challenges.

Also, when training in a Robinson R44, you are required to have a minimum of 20 hours of dual instruction and an endorsement from a certified flight instructor prior to operating it in a solo flight.

Helicopter Pro instructors will help you accomplish specific flight requirements, such as cross-country, night flights, and more.