Ideal Aviation No Longer Offers Rotorcraft Training
Ideal Aviation has ended its rotorcraft training program. We no longer offer helicopter flight training or related helicopter services.
We want to share this clearly and in one place, for current students, prospective students, and anyone who knew us for helicopter training. This post covers what is changing, what is not, and who to contact if you have questions.
What Is Changing
Ideal Aviation has discontinued rotorcraft training. That includes helicopter flight instruction and the helicopter services that went with it. We are no longer scheduling, enrolling, or booking anyone for helicopter training.
We know some people planned around that program. If you are one of them, we would rather you hear it directly from us than discover it on your own.
What Stays the Same
Airplane training at Ideal Aviation continues as usual. We fly out of St. Louis Downtown Airport in Sauget, Illinois, and we train under both Part 141 and Part 61.
Our airplane programs cover each step of the certificate ladder:
- Private Pilot
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot
- Multi-Engine Rating
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
You can see how all of them fit together on our programs page. If you are not sure whether Part 141 or Part 61 suits your schedule, our Part 61 vs Part 141 guide explains the difference.
The Same Fleet, Instructors, and Simulator
Nothing about this change affects the airplanes or the people you train with. Our fixed-wing fleet includes the Tecnam P92, Tecnam P-Mentor, Piper Pilot 100i, Piper Archer, Cessna 172, and Piper Seminole.
Our Piper Pilot 100i is one of the airplanes students train in at St. Louis Downtown Airport.
Students still work with our team of certified flight instructors, who you can find on our team page. Instrument students still practice approaches and emergency procedures in our Redbird simulator before flying them in the airplane.
Airplane Training Carries On
First solos, stage checks, and checkrides keep happening on the same ramp they always have. Students are still working toward their certificates, and instructors are still signing them off when they are ready.
A student and instructor celebrate a first solo beside a Tecnam P92.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ideal Aviation still offer any helicopter training or services?
No. Ideal Aviation has discontinued its rotorcraft program, including helicopter flight training and related helicopter services. We now focus on airplane training.
Does this change affect airplane training at Ideal Aviation?
No. Our Part 141 and Part 61 airplane programs, our fleet, and our instructors are all continuing as before. Training is still based at St. Louis Downtown Airport.
Who should I contact if this change affects me?
Call us at (618) 360-7600, email [email protected], or use our contact page. Tell us where you stand and what you were planning, and our team will respond directly.
Questions or Requests? We Are Here
We understand this news matters to some of you, and we are glad to talk it through. If you have a question about this change, or a request related to it, reach out to our team at (618) 360-7600 or through our contact page. We will get back to you with a direct answer.
