Training Costs

Specific costs depend on the flight hours required for an individual student to complete course requirements. Typically, these costs fall into the following ranges.

• Private Pilot License - $16,000 to $18,000
• Basic Professional Program - $49,000 to $54,000
• Full Professional Program - $70,000 to $85,000

Financial Aid

The majority of High Desert graduates have completed their education using several financial aid resources including government and private education loans. A High Desert Helicopters admissions representative will help you understand which loan programs best suit your needs and, if you wish, help you fill out and submit the required paperwork. You should expect to either have a strong credit history or a strong, credit worthy co-borrower to obtain the loans needed to finish your education.

Our Financial Policy

Any student money paid to High Desert Helicopters in advance of training is placed into an escrow account that is managed by an independent escrow company. High Desert Helicopters only withdraws from your escrow account on a weekly basis those amounts that you incurred and approved during your weeks training. This guarantees that your money is safe and should you decide to withdraw from the academy your escrow money is promptly refunded. In addition, you are given a monthly detailed statement of your account and should you need access to your information it will be provided to you at any time you wish to review it.

High Desert Helicopters Aviator Scholarships

These scholarships were created to attract new talent to the civilian helicopter industry. Several scholarships are awarded annually to prospective students demonstrating interest, determination and aptitude required to become a successful helicopter pilot.

High Desert Helicopters will award one $5,000 and two $1,000 Aviator scholarships annually. For more information, please visit the scholarships page.