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The Pilots Desk
US-FAA14 CFR 61.161

Aeronautical experience: Rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating

Read the official rule

To earn an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with a helicopter rating, you need 1,200 total flight hours including specific minimums:

  • 500 hours cross-country
  • 100 hours night (at least 15 in helicopters)
  • 200 hours in helicopters (with 75 as PIC or performing PIC duties under supervision)
  • 75 hours instrument time (at least 50 in flight, with 25 in helicopters as PIC or performing PIC duties)

You can credit up to 25 hours of simulator/training device time toward the instrument requirement, or up to 50 hours if completed through a Part 142 training center. The simulator must represent a rotorcraft.

Military pilots may count certain flight time logged under §61.159(c) toward most requirements except specific helicopter time. If you use this provision, your certificate will include an ICAO limitation until you meet international standards. This limitation can be removed by demonstrating compliance with ICAO requirements.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*

This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 20, 2026.