Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) has selected Helicopter Institute (HI) as the sole provider of the Helicopter Flight Training Program to students at the university’s Prescott, Arizona campus. Both humbled and excited for this incredible opportunity, HI looks forward to utilizing decades worth of rotorcraft training knowledge to enhance and optimize the ERAU student experience. 

“Our goal has always remained consistent: Improving Helicopter Safety… One Pilot at a Time. This partnership with Embry-Riddle facilitates incredible, safety-focused flight training to a larger initial pilot pool. Training this new generation of pilots with a program centered on critical decision making and confidence in their capabilities as aviators will be the driving force needed to accomplish that goal,” said Randy Rowles, president of Helicopter Institute Inc.

The ERAU and HI Helicopter Flight Training Program will offer many benefits to prospective students to include a cost effective, expeditious method of obtaining pilot certificates, student industry experience programs, internship opportunities, and options to include a degree path while flight training. ERAU’s Prescott, Arizona location offers prospective pilots a unique perspective of flight with high-density altitude conditions, and a warm, dependable climate that is conducive to around-the-clock flight training. 

The ERAU and HI Helicopter Flight Training Program fleet will consist of night vision goggle (NVG) modified Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters equipped with state-of-the-art glass cockpit instrumentation. In addition to modern aircraft, the program will utilize Helicopter Institute’s vast array of flight simulation devices to augment the training experience.

“We are very excited to partner with Helicopter Institute to provide helicopter training to our ERAU students. Randy Rowles and HI bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the Prescott campus and our flying community.  I can’t wait to see their impact on these young men and women as they reach their dreams of becoming professional helicopter pilots!” said Timothy B. Holt, dean and professor of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott.

This press release was jointly prepared and distributed by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Helicopter Institute.