Introductory Helicopter Lesson

Introductory Helicopter Lesson (Expired)

Your Groupon, purchased in March 2010, officially expired on March 22, 2011. However, at least through May 2011, East Coast Aero Club is continuing to honor expired Groupons.

Step 1: Read

Do the introductory reading recommended in our "preparing for your first lesson" page. We'll ask you the "study questions" at the bottom of the reading list when you book your seat in ground school. Our pre-ground school page explains why the FAA requires a bit of study prior to flying a helicopter. The pre-reading is important because most of the class is students answering questions and then there is a 25-question final exam (more challenging than the study questions). Our goal is that you be comfortable, familiar, and safe once it is time for you to take the controls.

Step 2: Book

Once you've done the reading and can answer the study questions with confidence, use our online scheduler (below) to book a convenient time for ground school. Ground school will be an interactive discussion mostly about the material that you've read, but also covering some information specific to the Robinson R44 helicopter that you'll be flying (our pre-ground school page gives an outline of the course). Click the magnifying glass icon next to that slot and then click on "New Reservation". From here you'll enter your study question answers as well as contact information (important in case we need to reschedule).

Step 3: Attend

Please arrive on time for your ground school class, which will be done in a small group. If everyone arrives prepared with the reading and on time, the actual instruction/discussion can be accomplished within two hours. There is a coffee break in the middle and an exam after the ground school, so allow closer to three hours before you're signed off to fly.

Hanscom Field in Bedford (Google Map) is one mile northwest of the intersection of Route 2 and Route 128 (Interstate 95). Take exit 30B to route 2A West and follow signs for Hanscom Field/Civil Air Terminal, which will be on the right. Continue straight down the access road and park in the lot on your left. Walk into the Civil Air Terminal and turn right. East Coast Aero Club is on the first floor, down the hall on the left (after the rental car counters and cafe). Classes will typically be held in a conference room on the third floor. Hanscom Field should be in your car's GPS system, but you can also type in the street address: 200 Hanscom Drive, Bedford, MA 01730.

As noted on our pre-ground school page, all materials for the course are supplied except for a pen.

Step 4: Fly

At the end of the ground school course, we'll give you an introductory logbook with a URL that you can use to schedule a one-on-one flight with an FAA-certified instructor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a friend?: The back seat of a helicopter being flown by a brand new student pilot is not a very friendly place for a passenger. They will typically get sick or terrified or both. Thus all of our intro lessons are just one student and one instructor. After your second or third lesson it might be time to invite a friend to ride in the back seat.
Will I actually be handling the controls?: Yes! This is the only way to learn. Your ground school will prepare you to safely manipulate the controls of a helicopter. The machine has dual controls, so the instructor will be able to help with the more difficult maneuvers.
Is there an age limit?: The FAA requires a pilot to be 16 years of age prior to solo flight. For this Groupon we welcome mature teenagers aged 14 and above.
What about sightseeing?: We do offer sightseeing tours. Please visit bostonhelicoptertours.com
What about airplanes?: We have more than 30 airplanes and 20 airplane instructors. Please see the club's home page for information about learning to fly airplanes with us.