Rotary Wing
About Our Rotary-Wing Program
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Our Aircraft
2016 Cabri Guimbal G2, N354MH
Garmin G650 GPS IFR Approved
2019 Cabri Guimbal G2, N457PA
Garmin G650 GPS IFR Approved
Elite TH 100 Helicopter ATD
Garmin GNS 430 WAAS Helicopter simulator
Our Rotary Wing CFIs
Shawn Tuckett
Shawn spent seven years in active duty Air Force as a Crew Chief. After leaving active duty, he decided he would rather fly! He completed his flight training at Southern Utah University, and is excited for his first position as a helicopter pilot instructor with Ideal Aviation!
Billy Miller
Billy is a Saint Louis native. He was on active duty in the marine corps for 4 years and reserve for another 4. He has been flying helicopters since March of 2019 and is currently working on his CFII in the Southwestern Illinois College Aviation Program. Billy has been instructing with Ideal since January of 2022.
Casey Kroeker
Casey Kroeker was born and raised in St. Louis. He grew up dreaming about flying helicopters and after serving active duty in the US Army Infantry, he used his GI bill and pursued his dream of flight training. Now he is a CFI and close to completing his CFII. He has been instructing with Ideal since August of 2021.
Jason Anderson
riginally from California, Jason spent 20 years as an Air Force officer and C-130 Navigator. His final assignment landed him in the Metro-East area where he soon found himself flying helicopters, completing his training through CFII, and beginning a second career. Currently, a utility and 135 pilot for a local operator, Jason has been a part-time and check instructor with Ideal Aviation since 2019.
Josh Faibisoff
or form, he has earned commercial glider, airplane, and helicopter certificates. More than anything, he loves to teach and holds CFI and CFII ratings in airplanes and helicopters. The Air Force brought him to the St Louis area in 2003 and he continues to serve as a Flight Surgeon in the Reserves. Josh has been instructing with Ideal since April of 2021.
Zach Lucas
Zach was born and raised in St. Louis with 15 years of aviation experience. He served 9+ years active duty in the Marines as a Huey Crew Chief, Mechanic, and Weapons and Tactics Instructor. He graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor’s in Aviation Management in 2018. He is both a helicopter mechanic and helicopter CFI and CFII. Zach has been instructing with Ideal Aviation since October 2019.
Cody Adams
Cody is from Kansas City, Kansas. He studied at Kansas University and the Naval Postgraduate School. He is a CFI and CFII in helicopters and is an instrument-rate commercial pilot in airplanes. Cody has been instructing with Ideal Aviation since October 2019.
Operations FAQ's about how we run our flight training
Our rotary-wing training is Part-141 Certificated.
All helicopter training is done in the Guimbal Cabri G2.
Our training follows the Jeppesen syllabus and uses Jeppesen textbooks. Other flight training study materials can be found for free at the FAA website here.
We are open 7 days a week. Flight lessons can be scheduled at any time of day.
No, you are covered by our insurance policy. More information regarding the coverage can be provided upon request.
All of our rental rates include fuel, oil, and insurance. Helicopter rates include the instructor.
Student Pilot Training FAQ's for new pilots
While the FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, studies show an average of 60-75 flight hours to get your Private Pilot rating.
The speed at which you get your rating depends on many factors but mainly on how often you fly. Pilots who fly several times a week usually can get their rating in a couple of months to a year.
If you have never flown in a small aircraft before and are considering becoming a pilot, we recommend booking a Discovery Flight to determine if flying is something you want to do.
Our current Discovery Flight promotion is a 30-45 minute all-inclusive flight in a helicopter for $300.00.
We match instructors to students based on the rating sought, availability, and schedule compatibility.
We recommend working with one instructor for the duration of your training to avoid overlap of training.
Once we have your information set up in our system, you are placed with an instructor and can immediately begin training.
Ground school courses are a great way to expedite your ground training and familiarize yourself with the subjects in your flight training. However, you will still need some ground training so that your instructor can ensure that there are no gaps in your training.
No, you do not need either of these documents until your first solo flight.
Flight Training Costs FAQ's about the price of training
Because there are so many variables (weather, maintenance, unexpected life events), it is impossible to predict how much flight training will cost.
We estimate that it will cost around $30,000 for the helicopter PPL.
Flight lessons usually range from 1 -1.5 hour flights. The average cost for a helicopter lesson is $560-840.
Our helicopter training is partnered with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC). If you enroll in the helicopter training at SWIC, you will have the opportunity to use your G.I. bill, apply for student loans, or use educational scholarships.