Flight Simulator

Train with a flight simulator to practice instrument procedures, emergency procedures, hone your skills, and develop life saving habits at a fraction of the cost of flying a real helicopter.

Why Train in a Helicopter Flight Simulator?

The flight simulator is where your special skills and knowledge as a pilot are tested and honed. Emergencies that you couldn’t possibly train for in a real helicopter can be experienced and successfully handled in the simulator.

The FAA requires licensed pilots to learn emergency flight procedures, but what happens to this knowledge after 500 or 1000 hours of flawless flight time? Effective emergency procedures are instinctive and habitual, but they must be practiced to remain effective.

With a flight simulator, you can maintain life saving habits and nurture muscle memory in a machine that not only accurately represents true flight, but is also a fraction of the cost of flying a real helicopter. Simulator hours also count towards up to half of the required instrument flight time for your instrument rating, and may apply to limited portions of other licenses, too.

Vertical Magazine’s Shawn Coyle states in the July 2009 issue, “let’s hope and pray we get more helicopter simulators for smaller helicopters, as it can only help the health and safety of our community.”
“According to accident figures and popular opinion, simulator training reduces accidents.” “Blending training in judgment skills with simulator training brings together the best of both worlds. The goal of simulator scenario-based training is to further the cockpit resource management skills of the aviators.” Dave Higdon, “Flight Training”

Simulator Testimonial

Gerry Goyette

Student Pilot

“When I decided to learn to fly helicopters I put together my own Heli Chair and SIM running Microsoft Simulator. It helped me tremendously, but it still wasn’t like the real thing. When I learned that Independent Helicopters was getting their own FAA approved Simulator I was the first on line to give it a try. After my first 30 minute session, I was sold on it! It’s response and performance are just like the real thing. The SIM sessions have increased my flying skills beyond all my expectations. After just 4 hours of actual flight time in the helicopter I am doing full control lift offs, touch downs and hovers. I have decided to do 30 minutes of SIM time before each 1 hour lesson as it gives me time to loosen up and relax before each real flight!”