Helicopter to Fixed Wing

Airplane Pilot
Add-On.

If you are a helicopter pilot and would like an airplane certificate, you do not need to take a written test for the Private, Commercial, Instrument, or CFI/CFII add-on. The flight training hour requirements are less, and since you are already a pilot, less ground school is needed.

I'm Ready to Fly Try a Discovery Flight
Overview

How the add-on works.

Private Pilot Airplane Add-On

Pilots will not be required to take an additional written exam for the private pilot airplane add-on. International pilots who have never taken an FAA written exam will be required to do so, or a restriction will be placed on their FAA license.

To be eligible for a fixed-wing instrument airplane add-on, a person must:

  • Complete ground school (approximately 10 hours)
  • Pass FAA practical examination
  • Complete the training and have the applicable aeronautical experience
  • Have a logbook or training record endorsement from an authorized instructor attesting that you were found competent in the appropriate aeronautical knowledge areas and proficient in the appropriate areas of operation
  • Pass the practical test (written not applicable, unless license expired)
  • Need not take any additional knowledge test, provided the applicant holds an airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, weight-shift-control aircraft, powered parachute, or airship rating at that pilot certificate level

The training specified as must do in FAR/AIM 61.109 to accomplish the additional fixed-wing aircraft category rating from FAR/AIM 61.63 designates the FAA minimum as described below:

  • 3 hours of cross country
  • 3 hours of flight training on the control and maneuvering of the single-engine aircraft
  • 3 hours flight training by authorized instructor
  • 10 hours of solo cross-country time
  • At least 5 hours include solo cross-country time:
    • One solo to include 150 nautical miles with full-stop landings at three points
    • Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop involving flight in the traffic pattern at an airport with an operating tower
Ready?

Your journey starts with
a conversation.

Come see the facility, meet the team, and discover which path fits you. No pressure, no obligation—just a genuine conversation about your aviation goals.

Schedule a Consultation Try a Discovery Flight