Verified answer

Most flight schools offer an "introductory lesson" or "demo ride". Neither ground school nor a student pilot certificate are required for these. They usually give you a safety briefing, and explanation of the flight controls, 30-60 minutes of flight time, and then they answer any questions you might have. Most even let you take some of the controls on the first lesson. It's a lot of fun!!!

To find a school in your area, check out these websites:

http://www.verticalreference.com/helicopterreviews...

http://www.justhelicopters.com/flight_school/defau...

Call a local airport and see if they have a helicopter school; if not, I am sure they know where the closest one is. Commercial helicopter operators will often give scenic rides, its part of their bread and butter. If you are in or near any fair sized city, there is probably a commercial heli operator there.

Also check out adult education centers in your area. Where I live there is one called the learning exchange. They offer an intro helicopter lesson. It generally consists of about an hour classroom time to talk about how helicopters fly and then about a 30-45 minute flight. Usually costs around $125 or so.

If your husband just wants to fly recreationally and not as a pro, fixed wing flying lessons would be cheaper. Helicopters usually cost about double what a fixed wing costs to fly. And no, he does not need a learner's permit. He would eventually need to get a third class medical which is a student pilot's license at the time he is getting ready to solo. Ground school and all the other stuff can wait until he decides that flying is what he wants to do.

I generally recommend student pilots get a few lessons under their belts before taking ground school as it seems to make more sense then. Others may recommend just the opposite. Ground school can now be taken at home on DVD from places like Sportys, King Schools, or Jeppesen.

Also check out:

www.aopa.org/learntofly/

your better off getting him rides flying lessons require for him to get a learner's permit which requires for him to be enrolled in a flying school which he'll need to read tons of books before he is even allow to sit in a helicopter. (PS a helicopter is harder to fly then a single engine plane) for rides depends on where you live just google helicopter trips with your zip or city.

I have my fixed wing Commercial pilot's license, and I looked into adding a rotorcraft rating for fun. It was going to be about $10,000. Needless to say, I didn't follow through.

Hello from the Kid,

Have your better half call the closes airport big or little. It does not matter for size. He can ever call the AFF, which is accosiated with all types of aircraft. What state doe you live and which airports are close?

The Kid