Independent Helicopters now has the Commercial and Instrument courses approved for VA education benefits, meaning you can apply your GI Bill® benefits to help pay for flight lessons.
We offer vocational flight training using the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and we are also partnered with Dutchess Community College to provide the flight training for their aviation degree program.
The most advantageous way to use your benefits is through our partnership with Dutchess Community College. The integration of the colleges’ degree programs and Independent Helicopters flight training helps students progress to get an associate’s degree while completing your Private, Instrument, Commercial, Certified Flight Instructor, and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (if applicable).
This article is a first-hand account of a Veteran his GI Bill® benefits for flight training, check out this Rotorcraft Pro article.
Vocational Flight Training (Direct Funding)
For veterans who don’t attend the degree program with Dutchess Community College, Independent Helicopters is approved for direct, limited funding for flight training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® using the Vocational Flight Training option.
This is a maximum of $12,048.50 per academic year, but you need to have your Private Pilot Certificate first. This is separate from the way it works with the other program and does not include the BAH or allowance for books and supplies. You must contact Independent Helicopters prior to starting any training if you are planning to use your GI Bill® in this manner. All training must follow the FAR Part 141 syllabus and you must have a current second-class medical before enrolling in any VA-eligible course or you won’t get reimbursement for your training.
Chapter 30/1606/1607 Montgomery GI Bill®
If you have the “old” Montgomery GI Bill®, you will come directly to Independent Helicopters. This GI Bill® reimburses you 60% (depending on your chapter of eligibility) of your eligible training costs after your Private Pilot Certificate. You have to pay for your Private Pilot Certificate on your own. The VA will reimburse you a percentage of the eligible costs for your instrument, and commercial training.
All training must follow the FAR Part 141 syllabus and you must have a current second-class medical before enrolling in any VA-eligible course or you won’t get reimbursement for your training.
Contact us or your VA rep today to get started!
On Saturday, June 9th from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Stormville Airport will host it’s 2nd Annual Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival. We will be there offering 10 minute helicopter rides for $60 per person!