Frequently asked questions (fAQs)

Should I Start with Airplane Lessons?

If you plan to get licensed for both airplanes and helicopters, the most cost-effective route is to start with airplanes. However, if your true passion is helicopters, it's best to start with and stick with helicopters. Interstate Helicopters, Inc. has been training helicopter pilots for over 25 years, providing both private and commercial ratings. 

What's More Fun - Airplanes or Helicopters? 

If you're looking for an adventurous flight experience, helicopters win every time! Whether it's sightseeing over downtown Oklahoma City or landing at a restaurant's backyard, helicopters offer freedom and excitement that airplanes simply can't match. 

 ✈️ Airplanes are great for efficient travel from place to place
🚁 Helicopters provide an unbeatable hands-on flying experience 

Are Helicopters Harder to Fly Than Airplanes? 

Yes and no! Airplanes are naturally more stable - you can take your hands off the controls, and the plane will keep flying for a short time. Helicopters require constant, small adjustments, making flying more hands-on and engaging. Passengers often find helicopter flying impressive, while airplane flying looks easier - but precise helicopter landings take real skill!

How Is the Weather in Oklahoma City for Training?

Training at Interstate Helicopters, Inc. means experiencing all four seasons, preparing pilots for real-world conditions. 

❄️ Winter winds, rain, and low visibility teach adaptability.
☀️ Summer flights in clear skies build confidence. 

Pilots who train here can fly anywhere in the world. 

Would It Be Better to Train in the Schweizer 300?

Some schools use the Schweizer 300, a slow, forgiving helicopter dating back to the 1950s. However, the Robinson helicopters dominate today's industry. 

🚁 Robinson helicopters are more widely used—getting experience in them is critical for:
✔ Job opportunities
✔ Aircraft rental
✔ Future helicopter ownership

📌 At Interstate Helicopters, we train in the Robinson R22 & R44—the industry standard!

Would It Be Cheaper to Train in the Robinson R22?

Yes, but with some trade-offs. 

🚁 The R22 was not originally designed for training but is now one of the most widely used training helicopters. It’s a great option for building flight hours cost-effectively.

🚁 The R44 is a more stable helicopter, helping students learn faster and reduce training hours.

At Interstate Helicopters, Inc., once you master the R22, transitioning to the R44 is a simple step!

How Many Women Fly Helicopters? 

Not nearly enough! However, the number of female helicopter pilots is growing. 

📌 The demand for helicopter pilots is high, and women have excellent career opportunities in aviation.

🚁 Interstate Helicopters, Inc. proudly supports women in aviation and encourages more women to pursue their dreams in helicopter flight training!

Can I Do Instrument Training?

 ✅ Yes! Interstate Helicopters offers Instrument Rating (IFR) training using the latest Garmin avionics in our Robinson R44 Raven II.
 

🚁 Still have questions? Contact us today!

📧 Email: admin@interstatehelicopters.com
📞 Call: 405-440-1053