Universal Helicopters is the only Bell Certified Training Facility (CTF) in the United States, and the only flight school in the U.S. authorized to utilize Bell’s proprietary training software for the Bell 505 helicopter, offering unsurpassed coverage of the Bell 505’s operating limitations, normal and emergency procedures, performance characteristics, and systems.
Our mission, under contract with Bell, is to provide extraordinary flight and ground training in the safest possible environment and in accordance with Bell’s own syllabi to include their completion standards and qualifications. Under the watchful eye of Bell’s personnel, our experienced staff of Bell Factory-Certified Instructors operates in complete alignment with Bell’s in-house policies and procedures to provide the most advanced, comprehensive flight and ground training available in the Bell 505 helicopter. We take great pride in passing on our exceptional operational and systematic understanding of the Bell 505 helicopter so that every owner/operator leaves with unsurpassed knowledge and absolute competency piloting their 505.
At the Universal Helicopters Bell Certified Training Facility, we’ll create a training experience tailored to your needs and accommodate your demanding schedule. We offer single-certificate training from zero-time through CFII under FAR Part 61 or our FAA-Approved 141 certificates, a Turbine Transition Course, advanced training by the hour in the Bell 505 helicopter, and a pinch-hitter course designed to teach your loved ones the basic skills necessary to land your aircraft in the event an emergency. We also offer Night Vision Goggles (NVG) training (initial/recurrent/instructor) and advanced training by the hour in Bell 505 and Bell 206B-3 helicopters. Training can be conducted at our location or yours!
Our curriculum is predicated on teaching owners and operators the most effective Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) skills possible, heightening sense and proficiency through all phases of flight. Once you’ve acquired your desired pilot certificate(s), we offer training at your home location so we may help you gain proficiency and confidence operating in the environment you plan on flying your new 505 helicopter. We are confident this extra training will increase your probability of carrying out safe flight operations.
Since 1982 our company CEO, Dr. Gordon Jiroux, h.c. and his flight instructors have helped set the standard for excellence in helicopter flight instruction, teaching students from all over the United States and abroad. With an unprecedented safety record, and impeccable reputation, we have no doubt your time spent with Universal Helicopters will greatly enhance your level of competency, knowledge and overall confidence. Please enjoy your time with Universal Helicopters!
For additional questions, please contact our CEO, Dr. Gordon Jiroux, h.c. or our COO, Danny Mackenzie directly:
gaj@universalheli.com | danny.mackenzie@universalheli.com
+1 (602) 469-2258 | +1 (480) 266-8577
Looking for our Bell 505 Recurrent Course?
Click HERE.
Universal Helicopters is the only Bell Certified Training Facility (CTF) in the United States, and the only flight school in the U.S. authorized to utilize Bell’s proprietary training software for the Bell 505 helicopter, offering unsurpassed coverage of the Bell 505’s operating limitations, normal and emergency procedures, performance characteristics, and systems.
Our mission, under contract with Bell, is to provide extraordinary flight and ground training in the safest possible environment and in accordance with Bell’s own syllabi to include their completion standards and qualifications. Under the watchful eye of Bell’s personnel, our experienced staff of Bell Factory-Certified Instructors operates in complete alignment with Bell’s in-house policies and procedures to provide the most advanced, comprehensive flight and ground training available in the Bell 505 helicopter. We take great pride in passing on our exceptional operational and systematic understanding of the Bell 505 helicopter so that every owner/operator leaves with unsurpassed knowledge and absolute competency piloting their 505.
At the Universal Helicopters Bell Certified Training Facility, we’ll create a training experience tailored to your needs and accommodate your demanding schedule. We offer single-certificate training from zero-time through CFII under FAR Part 61 or our FAA-Approved 141 certificates, a Turbine Transition Course, advanced training by the hour in the Bell 505 helicopter, and a pinch-hitter course designed to teach your loved ones the basic skills necessary to land your aircraft in the event an emergency. We also offer Night Vision Goggles (NVG) training (initial/recurrent/instructor) and advanced training by the hour in Bell 505 and Bell 206B-3 helicopters. Training can be conducted at our location or yours!
Our curriculum is predicated on teaching owners and operators the most effective Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) skills possible, heightening sense and proficiency through all phases of flight. Once you’ve acquired your desired pilot certificate(s), we offer training at your home location so we may help you gain proficiency and confidence operating in the environment you plan on flying your new 505 helicopter. We are confident this extra training will increase your probability of carrying out safe flight operations.
Since 1982 our company CEO, Dr. Gordon Jiroux, h.c. and his flight instructors have helped set the standard for excellence in helicopter flight instruction, teaching students from all over the United States and abroad. With an unprecedented safety record, and impeccable reputation, we have no doubt your time spent with Universal Helicopters will greatly enhance your level of competency, knowledge and overall confidence. Please enjoy your time with Universal Helicopters!
For additional questions, please contact our CEO, Dr. Gordon Jiroux, h.c. or our COO, Danny Mackenzie directly:
gaj@universalheli.com | danny.mackenzie@universalheli.com
+1 (602) 469-2258 | +1 (480) 266-8577
Looking for our Bell 505 Recurrent Course? Click HERE.
Universal Helicopters is the only Bell Certified Training Facility (CTF) in the United States, and the only flight school in the U.S. authorized to utilize Bell’s proprietary training software for the Bell 505 helicopter, offering unsurpassed coverage of the Bell 505’s operating limitations, normal and emergency procedures, performance characteristics, and systems.
Our mission, under contract with Bell, is to provide extraordinary flight and ground training in the safest possible environment and in accordance with Bell’s own syllabi to include their completion standards and qualifications. Under the watchful eye of Bell’s personnel, our experienced staff of Bell Factory-Certified Instructors operates in complete alignment with Bell’s in-house policies and procedures to provide the most advanced, comprehensive flight and ground training available in the Bell 505 helicopter. We take great pride in passing on our exceptional operational and systematic understanding of the Bell 505 helicopter so that every owner/operator leaves with unsurpassed knowledge and absolute competency piloting their 505.
At the Universal Helicopters Bell Certified Training Facility, we’ll create a training experience tailored to your needs and accommodate your demanding schedule. We offer single-certificate training from zero-time through CFII under FAR Part 61 or our FAA-Approved 141 certificates, a Turbine Transition Course, advanced training by the hour in the Bell 505 helicopter, and a pinch-hitter course designed to teach your loved ones the basic skills necessary to land your aircraft in the event an emergency. We also offer Night Vision Goggles (NVG) training (initial/recurrent/instructor) and advanced training by the hour in Bell 505 and Bell 206B-3 helicopters. Training can be conducted at our location or yours!
Our curriculum is predicated on teaching owners and operators the most effective Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) skills possible, heightening sense and proficiency through all phases of flight. Once you’ve acquired your desired pilot certificate(s), we offer training at your home location so we may help you gain proficiency and confidence operating in the environment you plan on flying your new 505 helicopter. We are confident this extra training will increase your probability of carrying out safe flight operations.
Since 1982 our company CEO, Dr. Gordon Jiroux, h.c. and his flight instructors have helped set the standard for excellence in helicopter flight instruction, teaching students from all over the United States and abroad. With an unprecedented safety record, and impeccable reputation, we have no doubt your time spent with Universal Helicopters will greatly enhance your level of competency, knowledge and overall confidence. Please enjoy your time with Universal Helicopters!
For additional questions, please contact our CEO, Dr. Gordon Jiroux, h.c. or our COO, Danny Mackenzie directly:
gaj@universalheli.com | danny.mackenzie@universalheli.com
+1 (602) 469-2258 | +1 (480) 266-8577
Looking for our Bell 505 Recurrent Course? Click HERE.
UNIVERSAL HELICOPTERS is the ONLY
BELL CERTIFIED TRAINING FACILITY (CTF)
in the United States for the Bell 505 helicopter.
UNIVERSAL HELICOPTERS is the ONLY BELL CERTIFIED TRAINING FACILITY (CTF) in the United States for the Bell 505 helicopter.
UNIVERSAL HELICOPTERS is the ONLY
BELL CERTIFIED TRAINING FACILITY (CTF)
in the United States for the Bell 505 helicopter.
Click on an Image to Enlarge
COMMON REMARKS BY THOSE WHO ATTEND OUR COURSES:
“This is the best training I’ve received in my entire career.”
“These are the nicest and best-maintained aircraft I have ever flown.”
COMMON REMARKS BY THOSE WHO ATTEND OUR COURSES:
“This is the best training I’ve received in
my entire career.”
“These are the nicest and best-maintained aircraft I have ever flown.”
“Fantastic experience all around. Danny and Doug are enthusiastic, superb instructors whose obvious skill level puts you at ease. The best I’ve worked with. Great facility. Well-cared-for helicopters. The staff cares about what they do and are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience. Truly an enlightening experience that felt custom-tailored to my particular operational environment. This was my first experience with Universal Helicopters. I WILL be back!”
Patrick S.
206B Initial Course Graduate
CEO
“I was referred here by one of the most prominent private jet & helicopter flight charter shops in the area. The top-notch instructors, accessible management, clean equipment with modern avionics, friendly mechanics, and overall experience have all been fantastic and have exceeded my high expectations. Safety, quality, and communication are real here. I’ve looked forward to this training for many years and did a lot of homework as part of choosing where to train, including extensive accident research over the past couple decades for all helicopter training shops in the region. On all the important dimensions Universal clearly stood out for me. I’m so happy with my choice and am loving all the flight and ground training. It’s an amazing experience.”
Scott B.
Private Helicopter Course Graduate
CEO
“I have attended Bell training for several years. Universal taking over the 206 training is a massive success in my mind. They are a top notch facility. My instructor, Doug was a true professional. His knowledge and skills are incredible. His ground and flight instruction are exactly what I needed to refresh my skills and knowledge in the 206. I appreciate the level of service provided by Universal Helicopters. The facility is great and the helicopters are well maintained. I will return for years to come!”
Kevin C.
206B Recurrent Course Graduate
Law Enforcement Pilot
“Fantastic experience all around. Danny and Doug are enthusiastic, superb instructors whose obvious skill level puts you at ease. The best I’ve worked with. Great facility. Well-cared-for helicopters. The staff cares about what they do and are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience. Truly an enlightening experience that felt custom-tailored to my particular operational environment. This was my first experience with Universal Helicopters. I WILL be back!”
Patrick S.
206B Initial Course Graduate
CEO
“I have attended Bell training for several years. Universal taking over the 206 training is a massive success in my mind. They are a top notch facility. My instructor, Doug was a true professional. His knowledge and skills are incredible. His ground and flight instruction are exactly what I needed to refresh my skills and knowledge in the 206. I appreciate the level of service provided by Universal Helicopters. The facility is great and the helicopters are well maintained. I will return for years to come!”
Kevin C.
206B Recurrent Course Graduate
Law Enforcement Pilot
“I was referred here by one of the most prominent private jet & helicopter flight charter shops in the area. The top-notch instructors, accessible management, clean equipment with modern avionics, friendly mechanics, and overall experience have all been fantastic and have exceeded my high expectations. Safety, quality, and communication are real here. I’ve looked forward to this training for many years and did a lot of homework as part of choosing where to train, including extensive accident research over the past couple decades for all helicopter training shops in the region. On all the important dimensions Universal clearly stood out for me. I’m so happy with my choice and am loving all the flight and ground training. It’s an amazing experience.”
Scott B.
Private Helicopter Course Graduate
CEO
“Fantastic experience all around. Danny and Doug are enthusiastic, superb instructors whose obvious skill level puts you at ease. The best I’ve worked with. Great facility. Well-cared-for helicopters. The staff cares about what they do and are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience. Truly an enlightening experience that felt custom-tailored to my particular operational environment. This was my first experience with Universal Helicopters. I WILL be back!”
Patrick S.
206B Initial Course Graduate
CEO
“I have attended Bell training for several years. Universal taking over the 206 training is a massive success in my mind. They are a top notch facility. My instructor, Doug was a true professional. His knowledge and skills are incredible. His ground and flight instruction are exactly what I needed to refresh my skills and knowledge in the 206. I appreciate the level of service provided by Universal Helicopters. The facility is great and the helicopters are well maintained. I will return for years to come!”
Kevin C.
206B Recurrent Course Graduate
Law Enforcement Pilot
“I was referred here by one of the most prominent private jet & helicopter flight charter shops in the area. The top-notch instructors, accessible management, clean equipment with modern avionics, friendly mechanics, and overall experience have all been fantastic and have exceeded my high expectations. Safety, quality, and communication are real here. I’ve looked forward to this training for many years and did a lot of homework as part of choosing where to train, including extensive accident research over the past couple decades for all helicopter training shops in the region. On all the important dimensions Universal clearly stood out for me. I’m so happy with my choice and am loving all the flight and ground training. It’s an amazing experience.”
Scott B.
Private Helicopter Course Graduate
CEO
For more details about our Bell 505 Training, including per-certificate breakdowns, duration of training, and prerequisites for enrollment, please return to this page on your desktop or laptop computer.
OUR BELL-CERTIFIED 505 TRAINING:
SINGLE-RATING COURSES IN BELL 505 HELICOPTERS:
Conducted in a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X by Bell Factory-Certified Instructors utilizing Bell’s proprietary software at the Universal Helicopters Bell Certified Training Facility.
GOAL:
- To meet all eligibility requirements and gain all necessary experience, proficiency and endorsements to successfully pass your FAA-required knowledge and practical exams for the pilot certificate sought as outlined in FAR Part 61 while receiving enhanced, Bell-certified training in the 505 helicopter.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENROLLMENT:
Prerequisites will vary based on the student’s experience, current certification, and certificate sought. The following prerequisites are minimums for zero-time students seeking their Private Pilot License. For a more complete list of the FAA’s per-certificate-requirements, please visit our Helicopter Pilot Career Program page.
- Must be 16 years of age to enroll
- Must be 17 years of age to pass the FAA Private Pilot Helicopter Certificate practical exam
- Must hold a valid Class 3 Medical Certificate
- Must hold a current FAA Student Pilot Certificate
- Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language
- For U.S. citizens born inside the U.S.
- Provide a valid U.S. passport; or
- A state-issued birth certificate together with a valid government-issued photo ID
- For U.S. citizens born outside the U.S.
- U.S. naturalization certificate with raised seal / certificate of naturalization issued by USCIS together with a U.S. government-issued photo ID; or
- Original certificate of birth abroad together with a U.S. government-issued photo ID; or
- Certificate of U.S. citizenship or certificate of repatriation together with a U.S. government-issued photo ID
- For foreign students
- Universal Helicopters provides training to foreign students under our FAA-Approved Part 141 certificates. We can assist with both TSA and SEVIS applications and processing. For more information, please contact us.
COURSE OUTLINE
- You will receive all ground training necessary to pass the FAA-required knowledge and practical exams for the rating sought
- You will receive all flight training necessary to pass the FAA-required practical exam for the rating sought
- Utilizing Bell’s proprietary training software, you will receive unsurpassed training on the Bell 505’s operating limitations, normal and emergency procedures, performance characteristics, and systems — A UNIVERSAL HELICOPTERS EXCLUSIVE
- You must pass the FAA-required knowledge test for the rating sought
- You must pass a practical test by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner for the rating sought
- Once you’ve acquired your desired rating, we recommend 5-10 hours of flight and ground training at your home location with one of our Bell-Certified Instructors
EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:
- The expected duration of training varies on your experience, schedule and rating(s) sought. Universal Helicopters will work with you to create a training experience that accommodates your busy schedule.
- Zero-time students who enroll full-time can get their Private Pilot Certificate in as little as 9 weeks @ 20 hours combined flight/ground training per week.
COMPLETION:
- You will meet all eligibility requirements and gain all necessary experience, proficiency and endorsements to successfully pass your FAA-required knowledge and practical exams. The Helicopter Pilot Certificate acquired will grant you all of the privileges of that certificate as outlined in FAR Part 61.
ATTENDING BELL’S 4-DAY FACTORY COURSE:
- Once you have completed your training with us, you will be expected to attend the Bell 505 Factory 4 day course at their facility in Texas. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a Graduation Certificate from Bell. Your insurance company may require this graduation certificate. The combination of training with Universal Helicopters and attending the Bell Factory Course will generally enable you to get better insurance rates.
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION:
Class Hours: 8:00 am-4:00 pm | Mon-Fri
Flight Schedule: Split between mornings and afternoons
Dress Code: Flight suits are preferred. Casual clothing (jeans/t-shirts) is acceptable. Tank tops, or sandals are not permitted during classroom activities or flight operations.
Lunch: Lunch lasts one hour. Universal will provide a complimentary lunch for our training customers. There are many full-service and quick-serve restaurants within a few miles of our facility. Soft drinks, coffee, tea and snacks are also provided. A microwave oven and refrigerator are readily available on site.
Security Regulations: Photo identification is required for each person entering our school. All hand-carried items are subject to inspection. A UHBCTF (Universal Helicopters Bell Certified Training Facility) photo identification badge is issued on the first day of class. This badge must be worn at all times while at our training facility.
Training Materials: All books, supplies, and training materials are provided by Universal Helicopters on the first day of class.
Visitors: Guests of registered students who are under the age of 18 are not permitted at our training facility unsupervised.
U.S. Customers: Must bring all applicable FAA certificates and a proof of citizenship mentioned above. (See: Prerequisites for Enrollment)
Foreign Nationals: Must comply with U.S. regulations and bring documents mentioned above. (See: Prerequisites for Enrollment)
Accommodations: A list of suggested hotels and restaurants will be provided by Universal Helicopters upon enrollment.
*Copies of any certificates, ratings, proof of citizenship, or other documents will not be accepted!*
Contact us about your
Bell-Certified 505 Training!