At Hillsboro Heli Academy, we're committed to helping our students achieve their aviation dreams, no matter where in the world they want to fly. Recently Director of Helicopter Operations, Jared Friend, had a chance to sit down with our EASA Program Manager, Andi Diebel and talk through our Joint EASA/FAA Helicopter Professional Pilot Program in our latest Heli Academy Podcast episode. We wanted to share some key takeaways from that conversation and give you a clear picture of how this unique program works for students who are pursuing both U.S. and European aviation certifications.
Listen to the full podcast episode on YouTube below:
Here’s a detailed look at how the program works, how it started, and what you can expect.
The Story Behind the Program
Our Joint EASA/FAA Pilot Program started out of a simple conversation but has grown into something much bigger. During a trip through Europe, Jared Friend and former EASA Program Manager, Phil Haupt met with Christian Gruber, the CEO of Austria-based RotorSky, to explore ways we could help our students who wanted to return to Europe and convert their U.S. FAA licenses to European EASA licenses. The idea was originally to partner with a European school to help these students finish their training, but then Christian suggested something that changed everything: Why not offer the EASA training in the U.S.?
That recommendation resulted in Hillsboro Heli Academy obtaining EASA approval, enabling us to provide European flight training at our Helicopter campus in the United States. Since then, our students can complete both FAA and EASA certifications without ever leaving the U.S.—saving time, and cutting down costs.
How the Training Works
Our EASA program is broken down into two main parts: theory and flying. Once students have completed their FAA Private Pilot License (PPL), they’re eligible to start the EASA training. This begins with the theoretical portion, which covers the fundamentals of European aviation regulations and standards.
The ground school classes are delivered online by live instructors based in Austria, providing direct instruction on key topics like navigation, meteorology, and air law. These classes are designed to fit around your FAA training schedule, allowing you to progress through both programs in parallel. Every class session lasts between 4 to 6 hours, and students take progress tests and stage exams to ensure they’re fully prepared for the final EASA exams.
When it comes to the flying portion, we focus on preparing students for the unique requirements of the European market. All of our EASA training is conducted in the Robinson R44 helicopter. This choice is deliberate—many commercial operators in Europe use the R44, so being proficient in this aircraft gives students a competitive advantage when seeking jobs. Our flying syllabus also includes EASA-specific maneuvers like “stuck pedals” and hydraulics-off operations, which are critical in European certification but less emphasized in the U.S.
Exams and Certification
Passing the 13 written exams required by EASA is a major milestone for students. These exams cover a wide range of subjects, from technical knowledge to operational procedures, and students are expected to master each topic in detail. In addition to the written tests, students must also complete a Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude (KSA) assessment. This unique assessment is designed to evaluate how students apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, ensuring they’re not just book-smart, but ready to handle real-world challenges.
Preparation is key to success, and we provide all the tools students need to excel. Our comprehensive study software, combined with progress tests and ground school instruction, helps students stay on track. And with ground classes offered every two months, students have multiple opportunities to enroll and prepare for their exams.
After passing the written exams, students must complete a 45-minute evaluation flight. This flight allows our instructors to assess each student's skill level and submit a proposed training plan to the Austrian government. Typically, an EASA commercial license requires 35 flight hours, but because we’re converting from an FAA license, our students are often able to complete this requirement in just 10 hours—saving both time and money.
What to Expect in Terms of Costs
While the base program fee covers most of the major costs, such as flight hours and ground school, students should be aware of additional expenses associated with EASA certification. These include third-party fees, such as:
- Government Licensing Fees: The Austrian government charges a fee for issuing the EASA license.
- Examiner Fees: Since we bring in EASA-approved examiners from Austria to conduct final evaluations, there are costs associated with these skill tests.
- Medical Evaluations: EASA requires an Austrian medical certificate, which must be renewed annually. The initial medical can cost up to 800 euros.
Altogether, students should budget for approximately 3,000 euros in additional fees, on top of the program tuition. These costs ensure that students meet all EASA requirements and are fully certified to fly in Europe.
Timelines and Deadlines
Time management is critical in the EASA program. Students have 18 months to complete all progress tests and stage exams after starting the theoretical portion. From the date of their first written exam, they also have 18 months to complete all 13 exams.
In terms of flying, students need to log a total of 155 flight hours before they can begin their EASA training. This includes the FAA private, instrument, and commercial training hours. Students usually finish the training with around 200 total hours, making them eligible for the commercial license in both the U.S. and Europe. It’s important to stay on top of these timelines to avoid having to retake exams or log extra hours.
Practical Advice for Students
One of the most important things Andi recommend to all students is to plan ahead. Whether it’s studying for the exams or gathering the necessary documents like your Austrian medical certificate, the earlier you start, the smoother your journey will be.
We also encourage students to connect with others going through the same process. Learning from peers can be incredibly valuable—whether it’s sharing study resources, comparing notes, or even just offering moral support. Additionally, our instructors and staff are always available to answer any questions or provide guidance, so never hesitate to reach out if you’re unsure about any part of the program.
Wrapping Up
Our Joint EASA/FAA Pilot Program is a unique opportunity for aspiring pilots to earn dual certification and open up their career opportunities across both the U.S. and Europe. With careful planning and support from our team, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of both licensing systems and emerge as a globally qualified pilot.
If you’d like more information or have any questions about how to get started, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to guide you through every step of the journey!