Ontario Tuition Grant
Search Programs
Helicopter Flight Training
Program at a glance
The unique partnership between Canadore and Essential Helicopters provides students with the benefit of a structured college education combined with in-depth practical training. From building log helicopter pads in the bush to landing under the control of Air Traffic Control, students receive flight training in a variety of real-world situations. The intensive ground school covers all aspects of helicopter operations, and the school’s fleet of well-equipped aircraft and certified instrument training simulators will help you hone your skills.
Note: All ground school and flight training is provided by Transport Canada-certified flight instructors and all Transport Canada flight tests and written examinations will be administered by Transport Canada or a designee. Graduates will receive a Canadore College Professional Pilot Preparedness Certificate, a Transport Canada Commercial Helicopter Licence, and industry-recognized courses.
A student must pass a Category 1 Aviation Examination administered by a Canadian Aviation Medical Examiner.
Do I Have What I Need?
Applicant must be 18 years of age at course completion
Program Prerequisites
Physics, Math, English, and Geography
Application requests are to be made directly through Essential Helicopters Flight School.
Medical Examination
A student must pass a Category 1 Aviation Examination by a Canadian Aviation Medical Examiner
Note: A campus tour is required. This is an opportunity for prospective students to receive one on one time with a student coordinator and have all their questions answered.
The following is a general outline of the Commercial Pilot Flight Training Program. Operational courses are subject to change. Additional programs may be included but not listed at this time.
Initial Preparation for Flight - 2 weeks Passenger safety around helicopters, ELT operation, airport procedures, helicopter start up and shutdown procedures, ground handling and hangar procedures, daily inspection of aircraft, and aircraft servicing.
Ground School - over 100 hours Formal classroom lectures presented by Essential Helicopters flight instructors. Topics covered include; Canadian Aviation Regulations, aerodynamics and the theory of flight, navigation, meteorology, aircraft flight instruments, human factors and decision making, radio and electronic theory, aircraft engines, airframes and systems, commercial flight operations, and licensing requirements.
Rolls-Royce 250 C-20 Turbine Engine Course An advanced course on the inner workings of the engine in the Bell 206 Jet ranger.
Bell 206 Airframe Course - 1 semester Presented by Canadore College Aviation Maintenance professors.
Winter Survival Training Course Week-long training session includes one day in the classroom and four days in the wilderness. Practical hands-on experience in shelter construction, food gathering, and signal fires.
Underwater Escape and Sea Survival Course ½ day in the pool and ½ day ground school learning underwater escape techniques.
First Aid and CPR Course - 2 days Presented by Certified Instructors for Basic First Aid and CPR skills.
Chainsaw Safety and Felling Techniques Emphasis on personal and worksite safety. Program includes chainsaw inspection and maintenance, chainsaw handling and operation, and safe felling and bucking techniques.
Pilot Preparedness Program - 2 semesters Presented by Canadore College Finance and English professors. Certificate awarded.
- Flight training
- Ground school
- Turbine engine course
- Airframe course
- Winter survival training
- Underwater escape and sea survival
- Chainsaw safety and felling techniques
- Pilot preparedness
