Save or take out a loan. Getting civilian training is expensive. Flight schools will require you to provide some proof of funds before you are admitted. You can expect to pay $10,000-$15,000 for the training it will take to pass the helicopter pilot certification exams, plus $18,000-20,000 for commercial certification. Flight time with an instructor costs approximately $200 an hour. For time flying solo, you might pay around $160. The tests themselves must be taken through an FAA approved testing company. The written exams will run you between $200 to $300. The flight exams cost roughly $500.
