Welcome to one of the country’s top helicopter training schools.

From our inception, the focus has been to guide our student pilots on a path to career success. Mauna Loa Helicopters gives you the training you need to become a confident and competent professional, prepared to work anywhere in the world.

Mauna Loa Helicopters offers helicopter training for every pilot rating you’ll need to pursue a successful career in aviation. Although you can pick whichever course or courses you wish, we recommend that you consider enrolling in our Professional Pilot Program. The Professional program is a comprehensive curriculum specifically designed to help you earn five ratings and get your future off to a flying start.

The Importance of Part 141
One of the first choices you will make in your flight training career is whether or not to seek out and attend a flight school that is an FAA certified Part 141 School. But what is Part 141 and why is it important? What’s the difference between a Part 141 school and a Part 61 school? Briefly, a Part 141 school adheres to much more stringent standards than one operating under Part 61. A flight school operating under Part 141 must follow a syllabus approved by the FAA.

Private Certificate – This is the basic rating required of all pilots. A Private certificate will allow you to carry passengers and enjoy the privileges and freedom of flight. All other ratings in the program build from this primary rating.

Commercial Certificate – Your Commercial rating is one that you will need to be paid as a professional pilot. While this is not the only rating you will need to become employable, it is generally the second step in your flight training.

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – We encourage students enrolled in our Professional Pilot Program to work towards their CFI rating at the same time they are preparing for their Commercial rating. The CFI rating will enable you to teach other Private, Commercial and CFI students in the helicopter and in a classroom. Your first flying job flying will likely be as an instructor, which is why we include this training in the Professional Pilot Program.

External Load Training* – External Load or sling line training teaches the pilot to lift and move an external load by employing a sling line attached to the helicopter. Typically this skill will help you when looking for work with utility operations, such as logging, emergency evacuation, and moving objects into or out of remote locations.

Helicopter pilot training is an expensive undertaking and getting your financing can be tricky, but do not be discouraged, we will do everything we can to help. We don´t require payment in full prior to your training. You can pay as you go or set up an account. However, we do strongly recommend that you have your finances secured before starting school. We work with several organizations to provide funding for students who qualify. Here are some avenues to consider:

Your Financing Options
At Mauna Loa Helicopters we try to be very up front about cost. We believe that it is beneficial to the student if they know the real costs in advance and are not surprised later.

* Federal Student Loans
* Sallie Mae Financial
* Sallie Mae Scholarships
* AOPA Pilot Finance, Inc.
* Utah Valley University
* Alaska Advantage Program
* Helicopter Foundation International
* Approved for Veterans Benefits

F-1 Visa for International Students
Mauna Loa Helicopters, one of the country’s oldest and largest helicopter training programs, has received authorization from the Department of Homeland Security to issue I-20 applications for F-1 visas to international students enrolling in the Professional Pilot Program.

The school actively assists career-minded students in finding that all-important first job. We have been fortunate in that the school’s reputation has been built over the years by virtue of the competence and professionalism of our graduate instructors. The helicopter industry is relatively small and employers have taken note of our track record.

Mauna Loa Helicopters conducts its training programs on an individual basis, and as your schedule permits. We are open seven days a week and you may train as quickly or leisurely as you wish. Call us with any questions you may have. Enrolling in a flight training program is a big step and we’re happy to help you sort out what makes the most sense for you.

Mauna Loa Helicopters is an accredited training institution. To see the full accreditation, please visit - http://www.maunaloahelicopters.com/helicopter_training_school_accreditation.html