Dustin SuchorFAA DPE Services · Phoenix area
Military competency · 14 CFR 61.73 · Video, nationwide

Army aviators: your FAA commercial helicopter certificate

Current and former Army helicopter pilots can get an FAA commercial pilot certificate, rotorcraft-helicopter, with an instrument rating, from their military flight records. No checkride. Most civilian helicopter jobs (air medical, tours, utility, law enforcement, offshore) ask for it.

Request an appointment
Who this is for
  • Active duty, Guard, Reserve and former Army rotary-wing aviators, including warrant officers.
  • You were not removed from flying status for lack of proficiency or for disciplinary action involving aircraft operations.
  • Stationed anywhere in the U.S. or overseas: we meet by video, so you do not travel.
What you get
  • Commercial pilot certificate, rotorcraft category, helicopter class.
  • Instrument rating, helicopter, when your records show a passed military instrument proficiency check in a helicopter.
The records you need
  • DA Form 759, Individual Flight Record and Flight Certificate, Army, showing your status as a rated Army aviator.
  • A record of a passed pilot proficiency check and instrument proficiency check in a military helicopter, or 10 hours as a military pilot in that category and class, before you apply.
  • Your Military Competency (MCN) knowledge test report.
How it works
  1. Pass the FAA Military Competency (MCN) knowledge test.
  2. Complete an application in IACRA for a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating. Keep your FTN and password handy for the call.
  3. Request an appointment. I send you a personal intake link to upload your records and test report, and confirm they meet the rule before we meet.
  4. We meet by video for about 30 minutes, I review your records with you, and you receive your temporary certificate. The FAA mails the permanent one.

Questions and answers

Do I need to fly a checkride?

No. The certificate is based on your Army flight records and the Military Competency (MCN) knowledge test. There is no flight.

I am stationed far from Phoenix. Can I still use you?

Yes. The appointment is a video call, so you can do it from Fort Novosel, Fort Campbell, overseas or anywhere else.

I left the Army years ago. Am I still eligible?

Yes. Former military pilots are eligible with the official records, as long as you were not removed from flying status for lack of proficiency or for disciplinary action involving aircraft operations.

Is the instrument rating included?

Yes, when your records show a passed military instrument proficiency check in a helicopter.

How much does it cost?

The fee is $250 when your application is filed in IACRA, or $350 on a paper FAA Form 8710-1.

When do I get my certificate?

You receive a temporary certificate at the end of the video call. The FAA mails your permanent certificate.

Ready to start?

Request an appointment and I will send your personal intake link to upload your documents.

Request an appointment

Rather email? info@faadpeservices.com

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