EASA R44 Type Rating Conversion

*********************************************************************Code of Federal Aviation Regulations 14 CFR Part 61.127(b)(3) details the areas of operation in which training must be received for the issue of a Commercial Pilot Certificate - Rotorcraft Category, Helicopter Class Rating, and 14 CFR Part 61.129(c) details the minimum training requirements for the issue of a certificate

If you already hold a commercial pilot certificate in another category of aircraft, you can add the Rotorcraft Category, Helicopter Class rating to your existing pilot certificate. The benefits of doing an additional rating are that you are not required to take another FAA knowledge test, and the total helicopter time required is only 55 hours - 20 hours of dual instruction and 35 hours of solo/PIC flight time, provided you have the minimum hours required for the certificate in other categories of aircraft

Commercial Pilot Certificate Additional Rating - minimum eligibility requirements :

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language to at least ICAO level 4 (minimum operational level)
• Hold an FAA second class medical certificate
• Complete 20 hours of dual instruction on the areas of operation in 14 CFR Part 61.127(b)(3) - included in the 150 hours total time requirement
• Complete a minimum of 150 hours of total flight time, of which 50 hours must be in helicopters
• Complete 100 hours of PIC time, of which 35 hours must be in helicopters
• Pass a practical test with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner – the test comprises an oral exam and a flight test

The course is based on the minimum requirements of 20 hours of dual instruction and 35 hours of solo/PIC flight time in helicopters, as some very experienced pilots will be able to meet the standards of proficiency in the minimum times

However, some students may need more than the minimums dependent on their overall aviation experience in different categories of aircraft