Rotary Wing Certificate Program
Commercial Helicopter Training
Type: Certificate Program
Length: 1 Year (2 semesters)
Delivery: In-person
Locations: Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Next Intakes: Fall 2026
Total Cost - $119,559.35
Tuition and fees - $9,559.35
Flight training - $110,000.00
OVERVIEW
FNTI’s Rotary Wing Certificate Program is a holistic, one-year program that prepares Indigenous learners for careers as Commercial Helicopter Pilots. Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being, the Certificate integrates traditional knowledge with Transport Canada standards and current industry practices.
For many Indigenous communities, air transportation is a lifeline. While fixed-wing aircraft are often used for long-distance travel, helicopters (rotary wing) play an equally vital role by providing emergency medical evacuations, search and rescue support, wildlife monitoring, wildfire suppression, and assistance with critical infrastructure.
The need for Indigenous helicopter pilots has been identified and the goal is to train helicopter pilots who will meet the variety of needs of Indigenous Communities.
The purpose of this program is to increase Indigenous participation in the rotary wing sector by training the next generation of helicopter pilots.
What You Will Learn:
Commercial Helicopter Ground School
Applied Maintenance
Crew Resource Management
Winter Survival
Career Opportunities
Flight Instruction
Tourism
Emergency Medical Services
Fire Fighting
Click here to view the cost breakdown:
-
Transport Canada written exam fee - $129.35
Pilot Examiner flight test fee - $800.00
Transport Canada Commercial licensing fee - $80.00
USB with Transport Canada publications are provided
All recommended text books and headset or helmet are the responsibility of the learner -
Flight training costs are per hour and vary between piston and turbine helicopters.
R-44 Raven 11 Piston - $975.00/hour
Bell 505 Turbine - $1600.00/hour
The Commercial helicopters licensing requires 100 hours total. To provide cost efficiency in training and to provide advanced operations for the learner, the training is an 80/20 ratio of piston to turbine time. This is the standard ratio and can be adjusted based on individual needs. Supplementary hours may be required.
R-44 - $975.00 x 80= $78,000.00
Bell 505 - $1600.00 x 20= $32,000.00
Total - $110,000.00
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must identify as having First Nation, Métis, or Inuit ancestry.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U), Grade 12 Math for College (MCT4C or MAP4C) or University Math (MHF4U or MCV4U). Grade 11 or 12 Physics is strongly recommended.
Applicants must submit a "Letter of Intent" outlining their reasons for applying to the aviation program. This letter may outline their professional goals, commitment to their community/Nation, and/or personal aspirations. This letter should be no longer than 500 words.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Official Transcript - Secondary or Post-Secondary
Transport Canada Category 1 Medical Certificate (contact us to determine your local Certified Aviation Medical Examiner)
Criminal Record Check (must be completed no more than six months prior to the date of admission)
Letter of intent (see "Admission Requirements" above)
Proof of Indigenous Ancestry
Please submit all official documentation to admissions@fnti.net.
For more information, contact our Recruitment Office at 1.800.267.0637 ext. 141 or email us at recruitment@fnti.net