Trusted for our unprecedented safety record, core group of high-time directors, state-of-the-art aircraft, and professional training environment, our consummate training professionals are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience with those wishing to be the most proficient pilots in the industry. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that’s led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide. And as of 2019, we proudly serve as the only Bell Certified Training Facility in the U.S.
Full-time students who enroll in our Helicopter Pilot Career Program receive an average of two flight hours and four hours of ground training daily, transitioning from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months and on to their dream position as a career helicopter pilot in 18 to 24 months. Our proprietary syllabi, optimized to combine training under FAR Part 61 with our FAA-approved Part 141 certificates, provides students with safe, extraordinary flight and ground training on an expeditious timeline.
We operate three highly professional, state-of-the-art training facilities across the southwest, located in Texas, Arizona, and Utah. Each is managed by one high-time company-trained Director working directly beneath our CEO, Dr. Jiroux. Directors are tasked with overseeing all operations, and mentoring our students and instructors. Under the watchful eye of Dr. Jiroux and his Directors, students are paired with a single instructor and receive ongoing one-on-one time with their location’s Director for the duration of their flight and ground training. Says Dr. Jiroux, “Encouraging relationships to grow through one-on-one instruction increases the safety and quality of flight training beyond that of a classroom setting.”
At Universal Helicopters, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. We take great pride in preparing our students with all the tools necessary to excel during their long and prosperous careers in aviation. When you enter the workplace as a graduate of Universal Helicopters, it is with unsurpassed knowledge, a fierce propensity for safety, and absolute competency piloting your aircraft.
For over 40 years, Universal Helicopters Founder and CEO Dr. Gordon A. Jiroux, h.c. has set the standard for excellence in helicopter flight instruction. As part of a prolific safety team with an impeccable safety record and sterling reputation, his passion for providing exemplary flight training has led Universal Helicopters to be one of the most renowned helicopter flight schools in the world. At Universal, our reputation directly proceeds his.
Trusted for our unprecedented safety record, core group of high-time directors, state-of-the-art aircraft, and professional training environment, our consummate training professionals share in Dr. Jiroux’s passion for sharing their knowledge and experience with those wishing to be the most proficient pilots in the industry. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that’s led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide. And as of 2019, we proudly serve as the only Bell Certified Training Facility in the U.S.
Full-time students who enroll in our Helicopter Pilot Career Program receive an average of two flight hours and four hours of ground training daily, transitioning from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months and on to their dream position as a career helicopter pilot in 18 to 24 months. Our proprietary syllabi, optimized to combine training under FAR Part 61 with our FAA-approved Part 141 certificates, provides students with safe, extraordinary flight and ground training on an expeditious timeline.
We operate three highly professional, state-of-the-art training facilities across the southwest, located in Texas, Arizona, and Utah. Each is managed by one high-time company-trained Director working directly beneath our CEO, Dr. Jiroux. Directors are tasked with overseeing all operations, and mentoring our students and instructors. Under the watchful eye of Dr. Jiroux and his Directors, students are paired with a single instructor and receive ongoing one-on-one time with their location’s Director for the duration of their flight and ground training. Says Dr. Jiroux, “Encouraging relationships to grow through one-on-one instruction increases the safety and quality of flight training beyond that of a classroom setting.”
As part of our “Safety First” initiative, every operational decision at Universal Helicopters is predicated on teaching students the most effective Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) skills possible, heightening sense and proficiency through all phases of flight. A knowledgeable pilot with quality training, including practical ADM skills, should successfully carry out safe flight operations during every flight for a lifetime. Our comprehensive safety policies and procedures have earned us an exemplary safety record unmatched by any flight school in the nation based on flight hours.
At Universal Helicopters, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. We take great pride in preparing our students with all the tools necessary to excel during their long and prosperous careers in aviation. When you enter the workplace as a graduate of Universal Helicopters, it is with unsurpassed knowledge, a fierce propensity for safety, and absolute competency piloting your aircraft.
For over 40 years, Universal Helicopters Founder and CEO Dr. Gordon A. Jiroux, h.c. has set the standard for excellence in helicopter flight instruction. As part of a prolific safety team with an impeccable safety record and sterling reputation, his passion for providing exemplary flight training has led Universal Helicopters to be one of the most renowned helicopter flight schools in the world. At Universal, our reputation directly proceeds his.
Trusted for our unprecedented safety record, core group of high-time directors, state-of-the-art aircraft, and professional training environment, our consummate training professionals share in Dr. Jiroux’s passion for sharing their knowledge and experience with those wishing to be the most proficient pilots in the industry. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that’s led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide. And as of 2019, we proudly serve as the only Bell Certified Training Facility in the U.S.
Full-time students who enroll in our Helicopter Pilot Career Program receive an average of two flight hours and four hours of ground training daily, transitioning from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months and on to their dream position as a career helicopter pilot in 18 to 24 months. Our proprietary syllabi, optimized to combine training under FAR Part 61 with our FAA-approved Part 141 certificates, provides students with safe, extraordinary flight and ground training on an expeditious timeline.
We operate three highly professional, state-of-the-art training facilities across the southwest, located in Texas, Arizona, and Utah. Each is managed by one high-time company-trained Director working directly beneath our CEO, Dr. Jiroux. Directors are tasked with overseeing all operations, and mentoring our students and instructors. Under the watchful eye of Dr. Jiroux and his Directors, students are paired with a single instructor and receive ongoing one-on-one time with their location’s Director for the duration of their flight and ground training. Says Dr. Jiroux, “Encouraging relationships to grow through one-on-one instruction increases the safety and quality of flight training beyond that of a classroom setting.”
As part of our “Safety First” initiative, every operational decision at Universal Helicopters is predicated on teaching students the most effective Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) skills possible, heightening sense and proficiency through all phases of flight. A knowledgeable pilot with quality training, including practical ADM skills, should successfully carry out safe flight operations during every flight for a lifetime. Our comprehensive safety policies and procedures have earned us an exemplary safety record unmatched by any flight school in the nation based on flight hours.
At Universal Helicopters, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. We take great pride in preparing our students with all the tools necessary to excel during their long and prosperous careers in aviation. When you enter the workplace as a graduate of Universal Helicopters, it is with unsurpassed knowledge, a fierce propensity for safety, and absolute competency piloting your aircraft.
VISA / IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
M-1 Foreign Student Visas
and TSA Applications
IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
M-1 Foreign Student Visas
and TSA Applications
The Universal Advantage:
Industry-Leading Safety Record
Part 141 Certified Flight School
20+ Years in Operation
1-on-1 Instruction
High-Time Directors on Site
Career-Oriented Syllabus
State-of-the-Art Aircraft
Professional Training Facilities
Optimized Curriculum
On-site FAA DPEs
One to Two Daily Flights
Expeditious Timeline
Airline-Quality Scheduling/Dispatch
1500+ Employed Graduates
Job Placement Assistance
Turbine Transition Course
Night Vision Goggles (NVG) Courses
Bell Certified Training Facility
Transparent Pricing
Financing Available OAC
Part 61 Training Available
VISA & Immigration Assistance
Part 145 Repair Station
Guaranteed Interview Post Graduation
The Universal Advantage:
Leading Safety Record
Part 141 Certified School
20+ Years in Operation
1-on-1 Instruction
Directors on Site
Career-Oriented Syllabus
State-of-the-Art Aircraft
Professional Facilities
Optimized Curriculum
On-site FAA DPEs
One to Two Daily Flights
Expeditious Timeline
Airline-Quality Dispatch
1500+ Employed Graduates
Job Placement Assistance
Turbine Transition
Night Vision Courses
Bell-Certified Training
Transparent Pricing
Financing OAC
Part 61 Training Available
Immigration Assistance
Part 145 Repair Station
Post Grad. CFI Interview
The Universal Advantage:
Leading Safety Record
Part 141 Certified
20+ Years Operation
1-on-1 Instruction
Directors on Site
Career Oriented
Modern Aircraft
Professional Facilities
Optimized Syllabus
On-site FAA DPEs
Fly Every Day
Expeditious Timeline
Professional Dispatch
1500+ Graduates
Job Placement
Turbine Course
Night Vision Course
Bell-Certified
Transparent Costs
Financing OAC
Part 61 Training Avail.
Immigration Assist
145 Repair Station
Post-Grad Interview
BECOME A CAREER HELICOPTER PILOT
IN 18-24 MONTHS.
BECOME A CAREER
HELICOPTER PILOT
IN 18-24 MONTHS.
BECOME A CAREER
HELICOPTER PILOT
IN 18-24 MONTHS.
Students who enroll in Helicopter Pilot Career Program transition from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months, and on to their dream position at a helicopter operator in 18 to 24 months.
Students who enroll in Helicopter Pilot Career Program transition from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months, and on to their dream position at a helicopter operator in 18 to 24 months.
Students who enroll in Helicopter Pilot Career Program transition from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor
in as little as six months, and on to their dream position at a helicopter operator in 18 to 24 months.
Helicopter Operators Currently Employing our Graduates:
Helicopter Operators Currently Employing our Graduates:
Helicopter Operators Currently Employing our Graduates:
100+
2021-2022 Graduates
1500+
Employed Graduates Worldwide
7500+
Pilot Certificates Issued
As of 10/1/22
At Universal Flight Concepts, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that has led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide.
1500+
Employed Graduates Worldwide
As of 10/1/22
At Universal Flight Concepts, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that has led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide.
100+
2021-2022 Graduates
1500+
Employed Graduates Worldwide
As of 10/1/22
At Universal Flight Concepts, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that has led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide.
From Our Oustanding Graduates:
“Universal Helicopters was enjoyable and the instructors I trained with were exceptional! I received all of the instruction I needed to be a professional within the aviation industry.
I enjoyed Universal so much, and after graduation felt very fortunate when they offered me a position as a flight instructor. I spent a little over two years continuing my education as I provided one to new students.
I was made the Assistant Chief Pilot for Classic Air Medical and shortly thereafter accepted the role as Director of Operations.
I am grateful for the kickstart Universal Helicopters gave me. I have never regretted my decision to become a helicopter pilot.”
Kory H.
Universal Career Program Graduate
Director of Operations, Classic Helicopter Group
“The flight training I received, followed by the opportunity to instruct for Universal paved the way for my success in the helicopter industry. Universal held very high training standards, and was very dedicated to quality education.
The graduates from Universal are beyond well-equipped to enter the commercial helicopter industry and succeed. I know a number of Universal grads who are chief pilots, lead pilots, and training directors.
Having built my own utility helicopter operation, I always favor Universal graduates when I look to fill positions. They fly with a greater sense of situational awareness, and better touch, with greater confidence inside and outside of the cockpit.”
Kaden T.
Universal Career Program Graduate
Chief Pilot, KIT Helicopter Operations
“While I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Universal, it was not until I moved on in my career that I realized how fine of a school it is. The level of training was beyond comparison.
The hours spent in Matt’s Hewlett’s office preparing for a checkride, the unbelievable, advanced flight training I received from Danny Mackenzie during CFI training, as well as stellar instruction from the whole cadre, set me up for a successful career. They taught me how to learn, how to be an aviator and how to come home safely to my wife and children.
I am extremely grateful to have attended Universal Helicopters. I owe all the success I’ve had in aviation to the solid foundation Universal provided me.”
Keith S.
Universal Career Program Graduate
Pilot, Petroleum Helicopters International
From Our Oustanding Graduates:
“Universal Helicopters was enjoyable and the instructors I trained with were exceptional! I received all of the instruction I needed to be a professional within the aviation industry.
I enjoyed Universal so much, and after graduation felt very fortunate when they offered me a position as a flight instructor. I spent a little over two years continuing my education as I provided one to new students.
I was made the Assistant Chief Pilot for Classic Air Medical and shortly thereafter accepted the role as Director of Operations.
I am grateful for the kickstart Universal Helicopters gave me. I have never regretted my decision to become a helicopter pilot.”
Kory H.
Universal Career Program Graduate
Director of Operations, Classic Helicopter Group
“The flight training I received, followed by the opportunity to instruct for Universal paved the way for my success in the helicopter industry. Universal held very high training standards, and was very dedicated to quality education.
The graduates from Universal are beyond well-equipped to enter the commercial helicopter industry and succeed. I know a number of Universal grads who are chief pilots, lead pilots, and training directors.
Having built my own utility helicopter operation, I always favor Universal graduates when I look to fill positions. They fly with a greater sense of situational awareness, and better touch, with greater confidence inside and outside of the cockpit.”
Kaden T.
Universal Career Program Graduate
Chief Pilot, KIT Helicopter Operations
“While I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Universal, it was not until I moved on in my career that I realized how fine of a school it is. The level of training was beyond comparison.
The hours spent in Matt’s Hewlett’s office preparing for a checkride, the unbelievable, advanced flight training I received from Danny Mackenzie during CFI training, as well as stellar instruction from the whole cadre, set me up for a successful career. They taught me how to learn, how to be an aviator and how to come home safely to my wife and children.
I am extremely grateful to have attended Universal Helicopters. I owe all the success I’ve had in aviation to the solid foundation Universal provided me.”
Keith S.
Universal Career Program Graduate
Pilot, Petroleum Helicopters International
From Our Oustanding Graduates:
“Universal Helicopters was enjoyable and the instructors I trained with were exceptional! I received all of the instruction I needed to be a professional within the aviation industry.
I enjoyed Universal so much, and after graduation felt very fortunate when they offered me a position as a flight instructor. I spent a little over two years continuing my education as I provided one to new students.
I was made the Assistant Chief Pilot for Classic Air Medical and shortly thereafter accepted the role as Director of Operations.
I am grateful for the kickstart Universal Helicopters gave me. I have never regretted my decision to become a helicopter pilot.”
Kory H.
Universal Career Program Graduate
Director of Operations, Classic Helicopter Group
“The flight training I received, followed by the opportunity to instruct for Universal paved the way for my success in the helicopter industry. Universal held very high training standards, and was very dedicated to quality education.
The graduates from Universal are beyond well-equipped to enter the commercial helicopter industry and succeed. I know a number of Universal grads who are chief pilots, lead pilots, and training directors.
Having built my own utility helicopter operation, I always favor Universal graduates when I look to fill positions. They fly with a greater sense of situational awareness, and better touch, with greater confidence inside and outside of the cockpit.”
Kaden T.
Universal Career Program Graduate
Chief Pilot, KIT Helicopter Operations
“While I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Universal, it was not until I moved on in my career that I realized how fine of a school it is. The level of training was beyond comparison.
The hours spent in Matt’s Hewlett’s office preparing for a checkride, the unbelievable, advanced flight training I received from Danny Mackenzie during CFI training, as well as stellar instruction from the whole cadre, set me up for a successful career. They taught me how to learn, how to be an aviator and how to come home safely to my wife and children.
I am extremely grateful to have attended Universal Helicopters. I owe all the success I’ve had in aviation to the solid foundation Universal provided me.”
Keith S.
Universal Career Program Graduate
Pilot, Petroleum Helicopters International
For more details about our Helicopter Pilot Career Program, including per-certificate breakdowns, duration of training, and prerequisites for enrollment, please return to this page on your desktop or laptop computer.
THREE PHASES OF YOUR CAREER:
CERTIFICATE/RATING BREAKDOWN:
The following outline is for students who join our program with zero previous flight training. It is representative of our combined 14 CFR Part 61 and 14 CFR Part 141 proprietary curriculum, optimized to provide students with safe, extraordinary flight training on an expeditious timeline. Most certificates and ratings are available as a single course or add-on. Please contact us for more information.
PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE
Conducted under FAR Part 61 unless otherwise requested or advised
FAA REQUIRED MINIMUMS:
- Must be 17 years of age
- Must hold a current FAA Student Pilot Certificate
- Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language
- Hold a Class 3 Medical Certificate*
- Obtain 40 hours total flight training
- Pre/Post-flight briefings
- Pass the FAA-required knowledge test
- Pass a practical test conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:
- Can be completed in 4 to 6 weeks
(Dependent on student’s availability, ability, and study habits)
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. Your Private Pilot Helicopter Certificate will grant you all of the privileges of a Private Helicopter Pilot as outlined in FAR Part 61.113.
*We recommend obtaining a Class 2 Medical Certificate before beginning our Helicopter Pilot Career Program. It is required for your Commercial Certificate. Please contact us for more information.
COMMERCIAL CERTIFICATE WITH INSTRUMENT RATING SPECIAL CURRICULUM
Conducted under Universal’s FAA-approved Part 141 special curriculum certificate unless otherwise requested or advised
UNIVERSAL FAA-APPROVED PART 141 SPECIAL CURRICULUM CERTIFICATE MINIMUMS:
- Must hold a current Private Pilot Helicopter Certificate
- Must be 17 years of age to begin training
- Must be 17 years of age to obtain an Instrument Pilot Helicopter Rating
- Must be 18 years of age to obtain a Commercial Pilot Helicopter Certificate
- Hold a Class 3 Medical Certificate (Instrument Rating)
- Hold a Class 2 Medical Certificate (Commercial Certificate)
- Obtain 120 hours total flight training
- Obtain 143 hours total ground training
- Pre/post-flight briefings
- Pass the FAA-required knowledge test for both Instrument Pilot Helicopter Rating and Commercial Pilot Helicopter Certificate
- Pass practical tests conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner for both Instrument Pilot Helicopter Rating and Commercial Pilot Helicopter Certificate
EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:
- Can be completed in 8 to 12 weeks
(Dependent on student’s availability, ability, and study habits)
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. Your Instrument Pilot Helicopter Rating will allow you to operate as pilot-in-command under instrument flight rules or weather conditions less than prescribed for visual flight rules. Your Commercial Pilot Helicopter Certificate will grant you all of the privileges of a Commercial Helicopter Pilot as outlined in FAR Part 61.133.
CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE
Conducted under FAR Part 61 unless otherwise requested or advised
FAA REQUIRED MINIMUMS:
- Must hold a current Commercial Pilot Helicopter Certificate
- Must be 18 years of age
- Obtain all dual flight instruction and ground training necessary to demonstrate required proficiency on the applicable areas outlined in FAR Parts 61.185 and 61.187*
- Pre/Post-flight briefings
- Pass the FAA-required knowledge test on the Fundamentals of Instructing as outlined in FAR Part 61.185(a)(1)
- Pass the FAA-required knowledge test on Aeronautical Knowledge as outlined in FAR Part 61.185(a)(2)
- Pass a practical test conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:
- Can be completed in 2 to 4 weeks
(Dependent on student’s availability, ability, and study habits)
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. Your Certified Flight Instructor Helicopter Certificate will grant you all of the privileges of a Certified Flight Instructor of Helicopters as outlined in FAR Part 61.193.
*The FAA has no minimum required flight or ground training times. However, the FAR Part 61 SFAR 73 requires pilots to have 200 hours total helicopter flight time with 50 hours flight time in Robinson helicopters prior to their practical test.
CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
INSTRUMENT RATING
Conducted under FAR Part 61 unless otherwise requested or advised
FAA REQUIRED MINIMUMS:
- Must hold a current Commercial Pilot Helicopter Certificate
- Must hold a current Instrument Pilot Helicopter Rating
- Must be 18 years of age
- Obtain all dual flight instruction and ground training necessary to demonstrate required proficiency on the applicable areas outlined in FAR Parts 61.185 and 61.187*
- Pre/Post-flight briefings
- Pass the FAA-required knowledge test on the Fundamentals of Instructing as outlined in FAR Part 61.185(a)(1)**
- Pass the FAA-required knowledge test on Aeronautical Knowledge as outlined in FAR Part 61.185(a)(3)
- Pass a practical test conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:
- Can be completed in 2 to 3 weeks
(Dependent on student’s availability, ability, and study habits)
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. Your Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter Rating will grant you all of the privileges of a Certified Flight Instructor of Helicopters rated to train and issue endorsements for Instrument Ratings as outlined in FAR Part 61.193.
*The FAA has no minimum required flight or ground training times. However, the FAR Part 61 SFAR 73 requires pilots to have 200 hours total helicopter flight time with 50 hours flight time in Robinson helicopters prior to their practical test.
**Applicants who already hold a Certified Flight Instructor Certificate need not receive and log ground training on FAR Parts 61.185(a)(1) or pass the FAA knowledge test on the Fundamentals of Instructing.
Dr. Gordon A. Jiroux, h.c.
CEO | President
Gordon is widely considered to be one of the most knowledgeable and skilled professionals in the flight training industry. His extraordinary career began in 1981 when at just 25 years old, he earned his Private, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor helicopter certificates in Long Beach, California. Gordon was a stand-out flight instructor who quickly became friends with Robinson Helicopter Company Founder, Frank Robinson, who asked Gordon to open a helicopter flight school in the small desert town of Scottsdale, Arizona. Gordon purchased an R22 (Serial #4!) and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, to open his flight school — and his legacy began.
By 1983, at the age of 27, the FAA designated Gordon the position of Pilot Examiner in the Robinson R22. Gordon’s dedication to quality and safety made him the obvious choice in 1983, when the Robinson Helicopter Company issued him the Dealership/Service Center Designation for Arizona. By 1990 his company was the largest helicopter flight school in the world, with 18 Robinson R22s and three Bell 206 Jet Rangers flying 8+ hours a day.
Today after nearly 40 years of flying and 10,000+ hours of flight instruction given, Gordon continues to define the standard for excellence in helicopter flight training. As part of a prolific safety team with an impeccable safety record and sterling reputation, his passion for providing exemplary flight training has led Universal Flight Concepts to be one of the most renowned flight schools in the world.
Gordon received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Aviation Science with all rights, honors, privileges, and responsibilities on May 4, 2013. Jiroux was awarded this designation in appreciation of his outstanding contributions to the flight training industry, extraordinary aviation knowledge, and dedication to the global aviation industry.
In 2014, now Dr. Jiroux, Gordon was awarded Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) Flight Instructor of the Year Award.
After all these years, Gordon remains intimately involved with all operations at Universal Flight Concepts, mentoring and passing his knowledge and expertise on to our flight instructors.
Dr. Gordon A. Jiroux, h.c.
CEO | President
Gordon is widely considered to be one of the most knowledgeable and skilled professionals in the flight training industry. His extraordinary career began in 1981 when at just 25 years old, he earned his Private, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor helicopter certificates in Long Beach, California. Gordon was a stand-out flight instructor who quickly became friends with Robinson Helicopter Company Founder, Frank Robinson, who asked Gordon to open a helicopter flight school in the small desert town of Scottsdale, Arizona. Gordon purchased an R22 (Serial #4!) and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, to open his flight school — and his legacy began.
By 1983, at the age of 27, the FAA designated Gordon the position of Pilot Examiner in the Robinson R22. Gordon’s dedication to quality and safety made him the obvious choice in 1983, when the Robinson Helicopter Company issued him the Dealership/Service Center Designation for Arizona. By 1990 his company was the largest helicopter flight school in the world, with 18 Robinson R22s and three Bell 206 Jet Rangers flying 8+ hours a day.
Today after nearly 40 years of flying and 10,000+ hours of flight instruction given, Gordon continues to define the standard for excellence in helicopter flight training. As part of a prolific safety team with an impeccable safety record and sterling reputation, his passion for providing exemplary flight training has led Universal Flight Concepts to be one of the most renowned flight schools in the world.
Gordon received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Aviation Science with all rights, honors, privileges, and responsibilities on May 4, 2013. Jiroux was awarded this designation in appreciation of his outstanding contributions to the flight training industry, extraordinary aviation knowledge, and dedication to the global aviation industry.
In 2014, now Dr. Jiroux, Gordon was awarded Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) Flight Instructor of the Year Award.
After all these years, Gordon remains intimately involved with all operations at Universal Flight Concepts, mentoring and passing his knowledge and expertise on to our flight instructors.
Start Your Aviation Career Today!