Helicopter Flight School
Helicopter Training In Oregon
VA Approved Training Center | Proven Track Record | Training Pilots Since 1983
START YOUR HELICOPTER PILOT CAREER FLYING OVER OREGON’S DIVERSE TERRAIN
Flying a helicopter is unlike anything else. It gives you the freedom to lift off vertically and land where few others can reach. It’s truly one of the most thrilling forms of aviation. At Pureflight, we bring helicopter training within reach. Whether you’re starting from zero hours or building advanced turbine experience, we’ll design a training path that fits your goals.
Ready to start flying? Book an intro flight or call us at 503-537-0108
WHY TRAIN WITH PUREFLIGHT?
Flying in Oregon means more than just beautiful views. The Pacific Northwest provides diverse weather and terrain, from the Coast Range to the high desert, which makes it one of the best training environments in the country.
Pureflight was one of the first all-inclusive Part 141 flight schools in the Western United States. With training centers in Newberg and Klamath Falls, we provide:
- One-on-one instruction with our instructors who have thousands of hours of real-world experience.
- Career-focused training, all under one roof.
- Flexible financing, including VA benefits and student loans through our college partnership, and pay-as-you-go options.
- Proven experience helping pilots launch successful careers worldwide.
HOW TO BECOME A PILOT IN OREGON WITH PUREFLIGHT
We’ve designed our programs to meet you where you are and take you where you want to go.
Step 1
Get Licensed
Your helicopter career start with the right certifications and experience.
Private Pilot License (PPL): Learn to fly helicopters for recreation or personal travel. This is where you’ll develop the core skills for any future training.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Ready to get paid to fly? The CPL builds on your PPL with advanced maneuvers and prepares you for your first professional job.
Instrument Rating: Being able to fly in a wider range of weather conditions with an instrument rating makes you a safer, more versatile pilot, and helps you stand out.
Step 2
Build Your Experience
Once licensed, your next goal is building hours and real-world experience.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): Teach others to fly helicopters while building valuable hours.
Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII): Teach new instrument pilots the critical skills required to fly using only the instrument panel.
Career Connections: From operator interviews to co-pilot positions, Pureflight opens doors to your first career opportunities.
Step 3
Advanced Training
Prepare for specialized missions by gaining the requisite advanced skills.
Turbine Training: Our Bell 206 and AS350 training prepares you to make the leap from piston to turbine helicopters with both classroom and in-flight instruction.
Specialty Courses: Expand your capabilities with advanced training in emergency procedures, vertical reference flying, and mountain operations.
HELICOPTER TRAINING IN OREGON: COSTS & FINANCING
Helicopter pilots are in high demand, so you can be sure that it’s an investment that will pay off. At Pureflight, we’re always transparent about costs and committed to helping you find the right financial path.
The total estimated cost of our 12-month Professional Pilot Program is $99,065. The program includes the following ratings:
- Private Pilot License
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot License
- Certified Flight Instructor
- Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument
Learn More About Estimated Program Costs
We offer financing options to make flight training accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
- VA Benefits: We proudly accept VA Education Benefits for eligible veterans.
- Student Loans: Through our partnership with Klamath Community College, you can pursue an Associate’s Degree in Aviation Science with access to federal student loans, Sallie Mae, and bank student loan programs.
- Pay-as-you-go options: Flexible payment structures allow you to move forward at your own pace.
TRAINING LOCATIONS
Pureflight operates two modern training facilities in Oregon to best serve our students.
Newberg, Oregon
Privately owned, public-use dedicated facility
Chehalem Airpark (17S)
17770 NE Aviation Way, Newberg OR 97132
Klamath Falls, Oregon
High-density altitude, National Guard base
Regional Airport (KLMT)
2977 Stinson Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
Helicopter Flight School FAQs
How long does it take to become a helicopter pilot in Oregon?
Training times vary depending on your goals and schedule. Many students earn their Private Pilot License (PPL) in 4–6 months with consistent training. Building toward a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and advanced ratings typically takes 18–24 months.
How much does helicopter training cost?
Costs depend on the certificates you pursue, the number of hours you log, and whether you train full-time or part-time. Our 12-month helicopter program costs $99,065 and includes 175 flight hours and five ratings.
Do I need prior flying experience to start?
No, most students begin with zero flight hours. Our instructors will guide you step by step from your first hover to your first solo flight.
What’s the difference between airplane and helicopter training?
Helicopters require unique skills such as hovering, autorotations, and vertical reference flying. While the certifications are similar (PPL, CPL, Instrument), helicopter pilots gain specialized experience that prepares them for careers in utility work, emergency services, and other rotorcraft industries.
What are the career opportunities for helicopter pilots?
Helicopter pilots can work in emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue, firefighting, utility operations, tourism, offshore support, law enforcement, and more. Check out our article about helicopter pilot jobs to learn more.
How do I build enough hours to get hired?
The most common path is becoming a flight instructor (CFI/CFII). Teaching others helps you quickly log hours while refining your own skills. Pureflight also connects students with operators and co-pilot roles to continue building time.
Do I need turbine time to get a helicopter job?
Generally yes, most operators require turbine experience. Our turbine transition program, using the Bell 206 and AS350, prepares you for these opportunities with both classroom and in-flight instruction.
What is long line training, and why is it important?
Long line (external load) flying is essential in the utility helicopter industry. Pilots use a cable and hook system to transport equipment and supplies to hard-to-reach places. Employers are actively seeking skilled long-line pilots.
What makes training in Oregon unique?
The diverse flying conditions: coastal weather, mountainous terrain, high desert, and variable seasons. Training here prepares you for real-world flying anywhere in the country and makes you a stronger, more adaptable pilot.
What’s the first step if I’m interested?
We recommend booking an intro flight. You’ll get hands-on experience in the cockpit with a certified instructor, a feel for flying, and answers to all your training questions.
READY TO TAKE FLIGHT?
Wondering how to become a pilot in Oregon? Look no further. Your aviation career starts right here. Contact us today to learn more about our flight training programs and book an intro flight