The following is a list of answers to our most frequently asked questions, updated for 2024.
In it you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions regarding cost, scheduling, enrollment, job placement, and more.
For additional information or to schedule an introductory flight, please contact us!
The following is a list of answers to our most frequently asked questions, updated for 2024.
In it you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions regarding cost, scheduling, enrollment, job placement, and more.
For additional information or to schedule an introductory flight, please contact us!
The following is a list of answers to our most frequently asked questions, updated for 2024.
In it you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions regarding cost, scheduling, enrollment, job placement, and more.
For additional information or to schedule an introductory flight, please contact us!
PRICE / COST OF TRAINING
What is the cost of training?
The cost of training for either of our Pilot Career Programs (consisting of at least five pilot certificates/ratings) at any Universal location will exceed $100,000.00. We are very transparent about pricing and will be happy to discuss the specifics of each program, including a cost breakdown based on your individual needs via a phone call or Zoom. Please let us know your specific training goals in your request for information.
What is your hourly flight training rate?
Hourly rates are dependent on your height and weight. These stats will determine which aircraft we can accommodate you in. Please contact us for more information!
Do I have to pay for my training up front?
In most cases, no! We only ask that domestic students maintain a balance that is commensurate with their upcoming week’s training to prevent interruptions in scheduling.
Some 1-2 week expedited training courses require the entire fee to be paid upfront before you are scheduled.
I see some flight schools quoting a much lower price. Why is your school more expensive?
The truth is that many flight schools cite artificially low prices to seem more appealing. Their quotes are based on FAA minimum flight hours (often unachievable by students) and usually omit necessary costs, including realistic training hours, fuel surcharges, tests, and checkrides. Our estimated costs are all-inclusive, take your individual needs into account, and are based on average student completion times.
We maintain complete price transparency and grant you, through our proprietary online administrative software, the ability to see exactly what you’re paying for. Your approval is required for each transaction before your account is charged.
Everything regarding your training is accessible to you at any time, to include cost.
Do you offer financing for tuition?
We do offer financing options for potential career program students. To qualify, you need two people on the loan with credit scores of 750+. You and one guarantor or two guarantors (i.e., parent and grandparent) are acceptable. Someone must also demonstrate through shown income or assets that they can accommodate the payment schedule post-training.
ENROLLMENT
What is the enrollment/registration process?
The enrollment process is simple. You’ll need to fill out an enrollment form, provide documents declaring your citizenship, complete an application for a student pilot certificate with one of our instructors, hold a valid FAA medical certificate, and have the funds available to pay for your first certificate/rating.
Does Universal issue VISAs and/or help with immigration?
Universal Flight Concepts and Universal Helicopters have provided flight training to foreign student applicants for many years. We have extensive experience with the processes involved and are approved to issue authorization letters for M-1 Foreign Student Visas, as required, to receive flight training in the U.S. We also work directly with applicants regarding TSA applications and processing.
Do you accept VA benefits for training?
Unfortunately, at this time we do not provide flight training under any VA benefits programs.
Do you offer student housing?
We are partnered with numerous hospitality groups in the immediate vicinity of our locations, which are well suited for our short-term students.
We advise our career program students to seek out an apartment or long-term Airbnb for the duration of their 10-12 months of training.
CAREER PILOT PROGRAMS
How long does the program take?
Full-time students can complete either of our career programs in as little as 10-12 months. Each program includes all of the flight and ground training required to obtain the five certificates/ratings necessary to advance as a professional career pilot and enables applicants to pass the written and practical tests associated with each certificate or rating.
Which certificates and ratings will I earn in one of your career programs?
The five certificates/ratings you’ll obtain throughout either of our career programs are Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor, and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument. Our airplane program can include Commercial Multi-Engine and Multi-Engine Instructor certificates, while our helicopter program can include Night Vision Goggles (NVG) training.
Can I work full-time and be enrolled in a career program?
Working full-time while enrolled in our program is indeed doable, but it will extend the timeline for each certificate/rating. Many of our graduates have completed all five certificates/ratings in less than 12 months while maintaining a full-time job. Self-motivation and student habits play a big part in your timeline and overall cost.
Universal recommends a scheduled minimum of three weekly training blocks to minimize attrition and skill loss between training events. For more information, see “Scheduling” below.
What is the standard career path for a pilot?
The standard career path for helicopter and airplane pilots is separated into three phases: the Student Pilot Phase, the Flight Instructor Phase, and the Career Pilot Phase.
During the Student Pilot phase, you obtain all the certificates and ratings necessary to advance as a career pilot. Training typically takes 10-12 months at Universal Flight Concepts/Universal Helicopters, assuming students take on a full-time training schedule. At the conclusion of your training, you will have the 200/250+ (helicopter/airplane respectively) hours required by the FAA to act as pilot-in-command of a commercial flight but are widely considered unemployable due to your lack of experience/flight time.
Enter Phase 2. Working as a paid flight instructor allows you to easily bridge the gap between your current flight time and the 1000/1500+ hours required by helicopter operators in the industry or to be hired as a first officer at a regional commuter airline (helicopter/airline careers, respectively).
After your training, we intend to employ you as a flight instructor for 18-24 months. Once you have the required pilot in command time, we will aid in job placement at a key helicopter operator or regional airline of your choosing.
Many flight schools offer an “accelerated” program. Does Universal?
Yes! We operate under FAA-approved Part 141 reduced-hours certificates that enable our career program students to complete their training in up to 50 fewer hours than Part 61.
We are one of the only flight schools to maintain the infrastructure, curriculum, aircraft, and high-time personnel to help students achieve their goals expeditiously. Placing safety, quality, and efficiency first allows our students to graduate in a shorter elapsed time than most other flight schools.
I already have my Private Pilot License; can I start with Commercial or Instrument training?
Yes, we are happy to work with you on any of the certifications you seek. We can begin your training at any certification level, whether complete or not, and finish the certificate or the entire program. We can utilize training under either Part 61 or Part 141 to ensure you can complete your training as efficiently as possible.
Do you have partnerships with scholarship programs or operators for tuition reimbursement?
We will, as best we can, aid our students in their application for any scholarship program they discover. However, most scholarship programs offer minimal (~$500) reimbursement.
We have helped many of our fixed-wing students gain tuition reimbursement through cadet programs with regional airlines.
While there is no current tuition reimbursement for helicopter pilots that we’re aware of, we are actively exploring potential partnerships to change this in the future.
Do you aid in job placement?
Absolutely. We are uniquely positioned to provide unmatched job placement assistance, with close contacts and many of our 2000+ graduates in critical hiring and management positions at the most sought-after operators and airlines worldwide.
How is the career outlook for pilots?
The career outlook for airplane and helicopter pilots has never been stronger!
In 2020, facing complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines offered early retirement packages to tens of thousands of pilots nearing retirement age. Most pilots took their offer, leaving airlines with a severe shortage in 2023. Now, with thousands more pilots set to retire in coming years and airline travel expected to double in the next 15 years, many projections have airlines facing a shortage of 30,000+ pilots by 2032.
In an attempt to ease their shortage, airlines are now taking pilots from the helicopter industry, leaving a new-forming shortage of helicopter pilots as well.
Simply put, career outlook, job security, and salaries are at all-time high for both airplane and helicopter pilots.
As of 2024, Universal has ZERO unemployed graduates, of which we are aware.
SCHEDULING
When can I start?
Usually, within a week or so! Because we pair students one-on-one with an individual instructor and do not operate a “class structure,” start times are individualized also. We schedule students to start when we have availability, taking into account the students requested start time.
What does a training schedule look like?
We generally schedule according to students’ individual needs. Full-time students typically train four to five days per week for an average of six hours daily. Students have the option to choose morning and/or afternoon blocks, and split days based on availability.
Because most training is conducted one-on-one with your flight instructor, your instructor will determine your need for flight and ground training weekly and recommend a customized training schedule tailored to you. Any scheduling requests will be discussed with your instructor and the location Director. We conduct all training at a pace that is comfortable for you.
Do I need to attend full-time?
The overall answer is no; you do not need to train full-time to be able to work towards any particular certificate or rating. However, we may make recommendations based on your individual goals, the certificates/ratings you wish to obtain, and your desired timeline. In any instance, we recommend training at least three days per week to reduce the attrition or skill loss that may happen with less frequent training.
Generally, a full-time schedule involves six hours of training per day, four to five days a week. Students are expected to study for two to three hours between training sessions.
Is there an option for part-time enrollment?
You may absolutely train part-time towards any certificate or rating. Because Universal does not operate a “class” structure, and students are paired one-on-one with an instructor, training schedules are highly customizable to best suit the needs of our students. However, we often recommend that you train at least three days per week to reduce the attrition or skill loss that may happen with less frequent training, especially for our career-based students.
We generally consider part-time to be anything less than four to five days per week.
Can I train for longer than six hours per day?
Yes! However, student fatigue is a factor we must consider. In our decades of experience, we have found returns diminish greatly after six hours of training per day. For this reason, we recommend six hours of combined flight and ground training per day, four to five days per week, to maximize retention.
Can I train on weekends?
In most cases, yes!
OTHER
Do I need 20/20 vision to be a pilot?
This is a long-held misconception. The current FAA requirement is 20/20 corrected vision. Glasses or contacts to correct vision are acceptable.
I’m unsure if I want to be a helicopter pilot or airplane pilot. What do you advise?
Well first, we advise you to take an introductory flight in both. Find out which you like best!
Beyond that, we often advise prospective students to consider the lifestyle associated with each career.
As an airline pilot, you’ll spend many nights in hotel rooms. But it is an opportunity to see the world, and you’ll have travel perks associated with working for an airline. Helicopter pilots often work in the immediate vicinity of their home, and/or are able to take on schedules that facilitate them being home more.
Starting pay for helicopter pilots has quickly caught up to that of airline pilots. Airline pilots have the opportunity to make considerably more money late in their career (in excess of $200,000/year) as they advance to larger jet aircraft, while high-salary opportunities for helicopter pilots normally present by way of promotion to management positions.
What’s the difference between Part 141 and Part 61 training?
The difference between training under Part 61 and Part 141 can be difficult for a new student unfamiliar with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) to understand.
Simply put, Part 61 of the FARs outlines the requirements and standards for pilot certificates and ratings. Any Certified Flight Instructor may conduct training under Part 61. Part 141 of the FARs is a set of requirements and standards for certified flight schools.
Only schools that have been approved by the FAA may conduct training under Part 141. Becoming a Part 141 Certified Flight School comes with a long list of requirements, standards, and procedures for your school’s curriculum, personnel, facility, and aircraft. As a student at a Part 141 school, you will be subject to a more rigid training structure with optimized curriculum, efficient scheduling, and professional personnel.
Benefits of training under Part 141 for you, the student: There are many benefits to training under Part 141 certificates, and it is often preferred by our career-oriented students. Training under our optimized Part 141 certificates allows capable students to train at an accelerated pace and acquire their certificates and ratings in fewer total flight hours while ensuring a very high standard of training. Receiving your Commercial Pilot Certificate from a Part 141 school is also necessary for pilots wishing to apply for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (R-ATP), receiving your ATP certificate in fewer than 1500 hours.
PRICE / COST OF TRAINING
What is the cost of training?
The cost of training for either of our Pilot Career Programs (consisting of at least five pilot certificates/ratings) at any Universal location will exceed $100,000.00. We are very transparent about pricing and will be happy to discuss the specifics of each program, including a cost breakdown based on your individual needs via a phone call or Zoom. Please let us know your specific training goals in your request for information.
What is your hourly flight training rate?
Hourly rates are dependent on your height and weight. These stats will determine which aircraft we can accommodate you in. Please contact us for more information!
Do I have to pay for my training up front?
In most cases, no! We only ask that domestic students maintain a balance that is commensurate with their upcoming week’s training to prevent interruptions in scheduling.
Some 1-2 week expedited training courses require the entire fee to be paid upfront before you are scheduled.
I see some flight schools quoting a much lower price. Why is your school more expensive?
The truth is that many flight schools cite artificially low prices to seem more appealing. Their quotes are based on FAA minimum flight hours (often unachievable by students) and usually omit necessary costs, including realistic training hours, fuel surcharges, tests, and checkrides. Our estimated costs are all-inclusive, take your individual needs into account, and are based on average student completion times.
We maintain complete price transparency and grant you, through our proprietary online administrative software, the ability to see exactly what you’re paying for. Your approval is required for each transaction before your account is charged.
Everything regarding your training is accessible to you at any time, to include cost.
Do you offer financing for tuition?
We do offer financing options for potential career program students. To qualify, you need two people on the loan with credit scores of 750+. You and one guarantor or two guarantors (i.e., parent and grandparent) are acceptable. Someone must also demonstrate through shown income or assets that they can accommodate the payment schedule post-training.
ENROLLMENT
What is the enrollment/registration process?
The enrollment process is simple. You’ll need to fill out an enrollment form, provide documents declaring your citizenship, complete an application for a student pilot certificate with one of our instructors, hold a valid FAA medical certificate, and have the funds available to pay for your first certificate/rating.
Does Universal issue VISAs and/or help with immigration?
Universal Flight Concepts and Universal Helicopters have provided flight training to foreign student applicants for many years. We have extensive experience with the processes involved and are approved to issue authorization letters for M-1 Foreign Student Visas, as required, to receive flight training in the U.S. We also work directly with applicants regarding TSA applications and processing.
Do you accept VA benefits for training?
Unfortunately, at this time we do not provide flight training under any VA benefits programs.
Do you offer student housing?
We are partnered with numerous hospitality groups in the immediate vicinity of our locations, which are well suited for our short-term students.
We advise our career program students to seek out an apartment or long-term Airbnb for the duration of their 10-12 months of training.
CAREER PILOT PROGRAMS
How long does the program take?
Full-time students can complete either of our career programs in as little as 10-12 months. Each program includes all of the flight and ground training required to obtain the five certificates/ratings necessary to advance as a professional career pilot and enables applicants to pass the written and practical tests associated with each certificate or rating.
Which certificates and ratings will I earn in one of your career programs?
The five certificates/ratings you’ll obtain throughout either of our career programs are Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor, and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument. Our airplane program can include Commercial Multi-Engine and Multi-Engine Instructor certificates, while our helicopter program can include Night Vision Goggles (NVG) training.
Can I work full-time and be enrolled in a career program?
Working full-time while enrolled in our program is indeed doable, but it will extend the timeline for each certificate/rating. Many of our graduates have completed all five certificates/ratings in less than 12 months while maintaining a full-time job. Self-motivation and student habits play a big part in your timeline and overall cost.
Universal recommends a scheduled minimum of three weekly training blocks to minimize attrition and skill loss between training events. For more information, see “Scheduling” below.
What is the standard career path for a pilot?
The standard career path for helicopter and airplane pilots is separated into three phases: the Student Pilot Phase, the Flight Instructor Phase, and the Career Pilot Phase.
During the Student Pilot phase, you obtain all the certificates and ratings necessary to advance as a career pilot. Training typically takes 10-12 months at Universal Flight Concepts/Universal Helicopters, assuming students take on a full-time training schedule. At the conclusion of your training, you will have the 200/250+ (helicopter/airplane respectively) hours required by the FAA to act as pilot-in-command of a commercial flight but are widely considered unemployable due to your lack of experience/flight time.
Enter Phase 2. Working as a paid flight instructor allows you to easily bridge the gap between your current flight time and the 1000/1500+ hours required by helicopter operators in the industry or to be hired as a first officer at a regional commuter airline (helicopter/airline careers, respectively).
After your training, we intend to employ you as a flight instructor for 18-24 months. Once you have the required pilot in command time, we will aid in job placement at a key helicopter operator or regional airline of your choosing.
Many flight schools offer an “accelerated” program. Does Universal?
Yes! We operate under FAA-approved Part 141 reduced-hours certificates that enable our career program students to complete their training in up to 50 fewer hours than Part 61.
We are one of the only flight schools to maintain the infrastructure, curriculum, aircraft, and high-time personnel to help students achieve their goals expeditiously. Placing safety, quality, and efficiency first allows our students to graduate in a shorter elapsed time than most other flight schools.
I already have my Private Pilot License; can I start with Commercial or Instrument training?
Yes, we are happy to work with you on any of the certifications you seek. We can begin your training at any certification level, whether complete or not, and finish the certificate or the entire program. We can utilize training under either Part 61 or Part 141 to ensure you can complete your training as efficiently as possible.
Do you have partnerships with scholarship programs or operators for tuition reimbursement?
We will, as best we can, aid our students in their application for any scholarship program they discover. However, most scholarship programs offer minimal (~$500) reimbursement.
We have helped many of our fixed-wing students gain tuition reimbursement through cadet programs with regional airlines.
While there is no current tuition reimbursement for helicopter pilots that we’re aware of, we are actively exploring potential partnerships to change this in the future.
Do you aid in job placement?
Absolutely. We are uniquely positioned to provide unmatched job placement assistance, with close contacts and many of our 2000+ graduates in critical hiring and management positions at the most sought-after operators and airlines worldwide.
How is the career outlook for pilots?
The career outlook for airplane and helicopter pilots has never been stronger!
In 2020, facing complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines offered early retirement packages to tens of thousands of pilots nearing retirement age. Most pilots took their offer, leaving airlines with a severe shortage in 2023. Now, with thousands more pilots set to retire in coming years and airline travel expected to double in the next 15 years, many projections have airlines facing a shortage of 30,000+ pilots by 2032.
In an attempt to ease their shortage, airlines are now taking pilots from the helicopter industry, leaving a new-forming shortage of helicopter pilots as well.
Simply put, career outlook, job security, and salaries are at all-time high for both airplane and helicopter pilots.
As of 2024, Universal has ZERO unemployed graduates, of which we are aware.
SCHEDULING
When can I start?
Usually, within a week or so! Because we pair students one-on-one with an individual instructor and do not operate a “class structure,” start times are individualized also. We schedule students to start when we have availability, taking into account the students requested start time.
What does a training schedule look like?
We generally schedule according to students’ individual needs. Full-time students typically train four to five days per week for an average of six hours daily. Students have the option to choose morning and/or afternoon blocks, and split days based on availability.
Because most training is conducted one-on-one with your flight instructor, your instructor will determine your need for flight and ground training weekly and recommend a customized training schedule tailored to you. Any scheduling requests will be discussed with your instructor and the location Director. We conduct all training at a pace that is comfortable for you.
Do I need to attend full-time?
The overall answer is no; you do not need to train full-time to be able to work towards any particular certificate or rating. However, we may make recommendations based on your individual goals, the certificates/ratings you wish to obtain, and your desired timeline. In any instance, we recommend training at least three days per week to reduce the attrition or skill loss that may happen with less frequent training.
Generally, a full-time schedule involves six hours of training per day, four to five days a week. Students are expected to study for two to three hours between training sessions.
Is there an option for part-time enrollment?
You may absolutely train part-time towards any certificate or rating. Because Universal does not operate a “class” structure, and students are paired one-on-one with an instructor, training schedules are highly customizable to best suit the needs of our students. However, we often recommend that you train at least three days per week to reduce the attrition or skill loss that may happen with less frequent training, especially for our career-based students.
We generally consider part-time to be anything less than four to five days per week.
Can I train for longer than six hours per day?
Yes! However, student fatigue is a factor we must consider. In our decades of experience, we have found returns diminish greatly after six hours of training per day. For this reason, we recommend six hours of combined flight and ground training per day, four to five days per week, to maximize retention.
Can I train on weekends?
In most cases, yes!
OTHER
Do I need 20/20 vision to be a pilot?
This is a long-held misconception. The current FAA requirement is 20/20 corrected vision. Glasses or contacts to correct vision are acceptable.
I’m unsure if I want to be a helicopter pilot or airplane pilot. What do you advise?
Well first, we advise you to take an introductory flight in both. Find out which you like best!
Beyond that, we often advise prospective students to consider the lifestyle associated with each career.
As an airline pilot, you’ll spend many nights in hotel rooms. But it is an opportunity to see the world, and you’ll have travel perks associated with working for an airline. Helicopter pilots often work in the immediate vicinity of their home, and/or are able to take on schedules that facilitate them being home more.
Starting pay for helicopter pilots has quickly caught up to that of airline pilots. Airline pilots have the opportunity to make considerably more money late in their career (in excess of $200,000/year) as they advance to larger jet aircraft, while high-salary opportunities for helicopter pilots normally present by way of promotion to management positions.
What’s the difference between Part 141 and Part 61 training?
The difference between training under Part 61 and Part 141 can be difficult for a new student unfamiliar with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) to understand.
Simply put, Part 61 of the FARs outlines the requirements and standards for pilot certificates and ratings. Any Certified Flight Instructor may conduct training under Part 61. Part 141 of the FARs is a set of requirements and standards for certified flight schools.
Only schools that have been approved by the FAA may conduct training under Part 141. Becoming a Part 141 Certified Flight School comes with a long list of requirements, standards, and procedures for your school’s curriculum, personnel, facility, and aircraft. As a student at a Part 141 school, you will be subject to a more rigid training structure with optimized curriculum, efficient scheduling, and professional personnel.
Benefits of training under Part 141 for you, the student: There are many benefits to training under Part 141 certificates, and it is often preferred by our career-oriented students. Training under our optimized Part 141 certificates allows capable students to train at an accelerated pace and acquire their certificates and ratings in fewer total flight hours while ensuring a very high standard of training. Receiving your Commercial Pilot Certificate from a Part 141 school is also necessary for pilots wishing to apply for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (R-ATP), receiving your ATP certificate in fewer than 1500 hours.
PRICE / COST OF TRAINING
What is the cost of training?
The cost of training for either of our Pilot Career Programs (consisting of at least five pilot certificates/ratings) at any Universal location will exceed $100,000.00. We are very transparent about pricing and will be happy to discuss the specifics of each program, including a cost breakdown based on your individual needs via a phone call or Zoom. Please let us know your specific training goals in your request for information.
What is your hourly flight training rate?
Hourly rates are dependent on your height and weight. These stats will determine which aircraft we can accommodate you in. Please contact us for more information!
Do I have to pay for my training up front?
In most cases, no! We only ask that domestic students maintain a balance that is commensurate with their upcoming week’s training to prevent interruptions in scheduling.
Some 1-2 week expedited training courses require the entire fee to be paid upfront before you are scheduled.
I see some flight schools quoting a much lower price. Why is your school more expensive?
The truth is that many flight schools cite artificially low prices to seem more appealing. Their quotes are based on FAA minimum flight hours (often unachievable by students) and usually omit necessary costs, including realistic training hours, fuel surcharges, tests, and checkrides. Our estimated costs are all-inclusive, take your individual needs into account, and are based on average student completion times.
We maintain complete price transparency and grant you, through our proprietary online administrative software, the ability to see exactly what you’re paying for. Your approval is required for each transaction before your account is charged.
Everything regarding your training is accessible to you at any time, to include cost.
Do you offer financing for tuition?
We do offer financing options for potential career program students. To qualify, you need two people on the loan with credit scores of 750+. You and one guarantor or two guarantors (i.e., parent and grandparent) are acceptable. Someone must also demonstrate through shown income or assets that they can accommodate the payment schedule post-training.
ENROLLMENT
What is the enrollment/registration process?
The enrollment process is simple. You’ll need to fill out an enrollment form, provide documents declaring your citizenship, complete an application for a student pilot certificate with one of our instructors, hold a valid FAA medical certificate, and have the funds available to pay for your first certificate/rating.
Does Universal issue VISAs and/or help with immigration?
Universal Flight Concepts and Universal Helicopters have provided flight training to foreign student applicants for many years. We have extensive experience with the processes involved and are approved to issue authorization letters for M-1 Foreign Student Visas, as required, to receive flight training in the U.S. We also work directly with applicants regarding TSA applications and processing.
Do you accept VA benefits for training?
Unfortunately, at this time we do not provide flight training under any VA benefits programs.
Do you offer student housing?
We are partnered with numerous hospitality groups in the immediate vicinity of our locations, which are well suited for our short-term students.
We advise our career program students to seek out an apartment or long-term Airbnb for the duration of their 10-12 months of training.
CAREER PILOT PROGRAMS
How long does the program take?
Full-time students can complete either of our career programs in as little as 10-12 months. Each program includes all of the flight and ground training required to obtain the five certificates/ratings necessary to advance as a professional career pilot and enables applicants to pass the written and practical tests associated with each certificate or rating.
Which certificates and ratings will I earn in one of your career programs?
The five certificates/ratings you’ll obtain throughout either of our career programs are Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor, and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument. Our airplane program can include Commercial Multi-Engine and Multi-Engine Instructor certificates, while our helicopter program can include Night Vision Goggles (NVG) training.
Can I work full-time and be enrolled in a career program?
Working full-time while enrolled in our program is indeed doable, but it will extend the timeline for each certificate/rating. Many of our graduates have completed all five certificates/ratings in less than 12 months while maintaining a full-time job. Self-motivation and student habits play a big part in your timeline and overall cost.
Universal recommends a scheduled minimum of three weekly training blocks to minimize attrition and skill loss between training events. For more information, see “Scheduling” below.
What is the standard career path for a pilot?
The standard career path for helicopter and airplane pilots is separated into three phases: the Student Pilot Phase, the Flight Instructor Phase, and the Career Pilot Phase.
During the Student Pilot phase, you obtain all the certificates and ratings necessary to advance as a career pilot. Training typically takes 10-12 months at Universal Flight Concepts/Universal Helicopters, assuming students take on a full-time training schedule. At the conclusion of your training, you will have the 200/250+ (helicopter/airplane respectively) hours required by the FAA to act as pilot-in-command of a commercial flight but are widely considered unemployable due to your lack of experience/flight time.
Enter Phase 2. Working as a paid flight instructor allows you to easily bridge the gap between your current flight time and the 1000/1500+ hours required by helicopter operators in the industry or to be hired as a first officer at a regional commuter airline (helicopter/airline careers, respectively).
After your training, we intend to employ you as a flight instructor for 18-24 months. Once you have the required pilot in command time, we will aid in job placement at a key helicopter operator or regional airline of your choosing.
Many flight schools offer an “accelerated” program. Does Universal?
Yes! We operate under FAA-approved Part 141 reduced-hours certificates that enable our career program students to complete their training in up to 50 fewer hours than Part 61.
We are one of the only flight schools to maintain the infrastructure, curriculum, aircraft, and high-time personnel to help students achieve their goals expeditiously. Placing safety, quality, and efficiency first allows our students to graduate in a shorter elapsed time than most other flight schools.
I already have my Private Pilot License; can I start with Commercial or Instrument training?
Yes, we are happy to work with you on any of the certifications you seek. We can begin your training at any certification level, whether complete or not, and finish the certificate or the entire program. We can utilize training under either Part 61 or Part 141 to ensure you can complete your training as efficiently as possible.
Do you have partnerships with scholarship programs or operators for tuition reimbursement?
We will, as best we can, aid our students in their application for any scholarship program they discover. However, most scholarship programs offer minimal (~$500) reimbursement.
We have helped many of our fixed-wing students gain tuition reimbursement through cadet programs with regional airlines.
While there is no current tuition reimbursement for helicopter pilots that we’re aware of, we are actively exploring potential partnerships to change this in the future.
Do you aid in job placement?
Absolutely. We are uniquely positioned to provide unmatched job placement assistance, with close contacts and many of our 2000+ graduates in critical hiring and management positions at the most sought-after operators and airlines worldwide.
How is the career outlook for pilots?
The career outlook for airplane and helicopter pilots has never been stronger!
In 2020, facing complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines offered early retirement packages to tens of thousands of pilots nearing retirement age. Most pilots took their offer, leaving airlines with a severe shortage in 2023. Now, with thousands more pilots set to retire in coming years and airline travel expected to double in the next 15 years, many projections have airlines facing a shortage of 30,000+ pilots by 2032.
In an attempt to ease their shortage, airlines are now taking pilots from the helicopter industry, leaving a new-forming shortage of helicopter pilots as well.
Simply put, career outlook, job security, and salaries are at all-time high for both airplane and helicopter pilots.
As of 2024, Universal has ZERO unemployed graduates, of which we are aware.
SCHEDULING
When can I start?
Usually, within a week or so! Because we pair students one-on-one with an individual instructor and do not operate a “class structure,” start times are individualized also. We schedule students to start when we have availability, taking into account the students requested start time.
What does a training schedule look like?
We generally schedule according to students’ individual needs. Full-time students typically train four to five days per week for an average of six hours daily. Students have the option to choose morning and/or afternoon blocks, and split days based on availability.
Because most training is conducted one-on-one with your flight instructor, your instructor will determine your need for flight and ground training weekly and recommend a customized training schedule tailored to you. Any scheduling requests will be discussed with your instructor and the location Director. We conduct all training at a pace that is comfortable for you.
Do I need to attend full-time?
The overall answer is no; you do not need to train full-time to be able to work towards any particular certificate or rating. However, we may make recommendations based on your individual goals, the certificates/ratings you wish to obtain, and your desired timeline. In any instance, we recommend training at least three days per week to reduce the attrition or skill loss that may happen with less frequent training.
Generally, a full-time schedule involves six hours of training per day, four to five days a week. Students are expected to study for two to three hours between training sessions.
Is there an option for part-time enrollment?
You may absolutely train part-time towards any certificate or rating. Because Universal does not operate a “class” structure, and students are paired one-on-one with an instructor, training schedules are highly customizable to best suit the needs of our students. However, we often recommend that you train at least three days per week to reduce the attrition or skill loss that may happen with less frequent training, especially for our career-based students.
We generally consider part-time to be anything less than four to five days per week.
Can I train for longer than six hours per day?
Yes! However, student fatigue is a factor we must consider. In our decades of experience, we have found returns diminish greatly after six hours of training per day. For this reason, we recommend six hours of combined flight and ground training per day, four to five days per week, to maximize retention.
Can I train on weekends?
In most cases, yes!
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Do I need 20/20 vision to be a pilot?
This is a long-held misconception. The current FAA requirement is 20/20 corrected vision. Glasses or contacts to correct vision are acceptable.
I’m unsure if I want to be a helicopter pilot or airplane pilot. What do you advise?
Well first, we advise you to take an introductory flight in both. Find out which you like best!
Beyond that, we often advise prospective students to consider the lifestyle associated with each career.
As an airline pilot, you’ll spend many nights in hotel rooms. But it is an opportunity to see the world, and you’ll have travel perks associated with working for an airline. Helicopter pilots often work in the immediate vicinity of their home, and/or are able to take on schedules that facilitate them being home more.
Starting pay for helicopter pilots has quickly caught up to that of airline pilots. Airline pilots have the opportunity to make considerably more money late in their career (in excess of $200,000/year) as they advance to larger jet aircraft, while high-salary opportunities for helicopter pilots normally present by way of promotion to management positions.
What’s the difference between Part 141 and Part 61 training?
The difference between training under Part 61 and Part 141 can be difficult for a new student unfamiliar with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) to understand.
Simply put, Part 61 of the FARs outlines the requirements and standards for pilot certificates and ratings. Any Certified Flight Instructor may conduct training under Part 61. Part 141 of the FARs is a set of requirements and standards for certified flight schools.
Only schools that have been approved by the FAA may conduct training under Part 141. Becoming a Part 141 Certified Flight School comes with a long list of requirements, standards, and procedures for your school’s curriculum, personnel, facility, and aircraft. As a student at a Part 141 school, you will be subject to a more rigid training structure with optimized curriculum, efficient scheduling, and professional personnel.
Benefits of training under Part 141 for you, the student: There are many benefits to training under Part 141 certificates, and it is often preferred by our career-oriented students. Training under our optimized Part 141 certificates allows capable students to train at an accelerated pace and acquire their certificates and ratings in fewer total flight hours while ensuring a very high standard of training. Receiving your Commercial Pilot Certificate from a Part 141 school is also necessary for pilots wishing to apply for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (R-ATP), receiving your ATP certificate in fewer than 1500 hours.
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