Canada's Best Training Environment is the Okanagan Valley! Okanagan Mountain Helicopters Offers the Best Flight Training options in the Best Location

OK Heli helicopter flight training school offers the most comprehensive helicopter pilot training in the industry today. We have tailored our courses to meet the operational needs of commercial helicopter companies in Canada. Our goal is to make sure every pilot graduate is professionally prepared and ready to work.

When you are considering where you should learn to fly, ask if the school hires from their students for flying positions. At OK Heli, most of our pilots started at our flight school.

‘Okanagan Mountain Helicopters is located at the Kelowna International Airport, which is great for radio procedures. It’s also located close to mountainous terrain of all types. I received exceptional training which was very operational in all stages. Other company check pilots were very impressed with the skill level taught to 100 hr pilots at OMH.’ Jon Mattson, former student, lead aerial survey pilot and flight instructor.

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Every professional pilot needs to be able to:

plan every mission for safe and efficient flights
accurately assess and apply your skills for confined areas
execute effective external load and long line – vertical reference proficiency
be able to work and excel in an operational environment

The Demands

thorough knowledge of the aircraft and its capabilities
safe and accurate control of the aircraft, not only in basic exercises but during emergencies and advanced maneuvers
professional, safe and independent decision making

Kelowna International Airport (CYLW) is the best airport for flight training anywhere in Canada

fully controlled radar environment
develops very high proficiency in radio communication
exclusive helicopter training areas on airport
hundreds of training locations for confined areas and mountain flying introduction within and close to the control zone
the most productive training environment in Canada; minimal ferry time to a wide variety of different and increasingly challenging practice areas located just outside of the control zone
Kelowna offers the best blend of controlled and uncontrolled practice areas allowing students to enjoy the most productive use of their training time.

The Okanagan Valley is the best training location in Canada ensuring the most productive, best possible results for you; to be the best prepared, operationally skilled commercial helicopter pilot. The dynamic and challenging environment with various mountainous winds and weather includes:

low-lying open areas used for basic training as well as for emergency and advanced exercises
heavily forested areas throughout a wide variation of elevation changes(confined area work)
mountainous terrain with peaks to 9000 ft.

Several uncontrolled airports in close proximity to Kelowna, used for cross country navigation, flight training, radio and emergency procedures.

Okanagan Mountain Helicopters “Advanced Plus” Training Programs focus on advanced operational flying skills

long line practice
an introduction to mountain flying
pad landings
winter operations

Primary Training Equipment:

Robinson R22 (two seats) – the world’s most popular and successful primary flight trainer
Robinson R44 (four seats) – the fastest selling light piston helicopter
Bell 206B (five seats) – the most common light turbine helicopter

Starting your career with Okanagan Mountain Helicopters will give you the skills and the knowledge to achieve your personal aviation goals.

‘Okanagan Mountain Helicopters is summed up in just a few words; great location and terrain for training, exceptional instruction, well maintained aircraft. Top that off with extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff, this is a great place to begin an exciting career!’ Robert (Bear) Rotzetter, former student and line pilot.

We are an accredited institution with the PTIB, BC Ministry of Advanced Education

The Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) is a department of the BC Ministry of Advanced Education set up to carry out the important role of education quality and student protection. PTIB sets basic education standards for registered private career training institutions in British Columbia and establishes standards of quality which must be met by accredited institutions.

The Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation is available to public and private institutions in B.C. that meet or exceed quality assurance standards set by the province of B.C.

By applying for and receiving registration, an institution must demonstrate continuous compliance with the basic education standards described in the PTIB Bylaws. In addition to mandatory registration, PTIB has developed a higher standard for private career training institutions – the standard of accreditation. Accreditation means an institution must maintain a quality standard in excess of the basic education standards. PTIB accreditation is based on important criteria by which private career training institutions in BC may apply for StudentAid BC and the EQA designations. PTIB accredited programs may also be eligible for tax credits bank student lines of credit. EQA enables post-secondary institutions to host international students on study permits.

OK Heli is proud to be designated by PTIB and to hold EQA status.