3.34 Helicopter Flight Training (HFT)

3.34.1 System Guidelines (none)

3.34.2 College Guidelines

3.34.2.1 Madisonville Community College

Enrollment in the Helicopter Flight Training (HFT) Program will be limited because of a finite number of available resources within the community, college, and system.

Technical Standards 

In order to be considered or to be retained in the program, all students should possess:

1. a current valid FAA Class 2 Medical Certificate;
2. sufficient verbal and non-verbal communication skills (read, write, fluently speak and understand the English language) to interact effectively with individuals (instructors, air traffic controllers, fellow students, etc.);
3. sufficient intellectual and emotional capacity/maturity for effective functioning in flight lab and actual flight training sessions; and
4. a valid Student Pilot’s Certificate.

Student Pilot's Certificate

Students applying to HFT must complete an application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website or by paper using FAA form 8710-1 and submit it to a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), an FAA-designated pilot examiner, an airman certification representative associated with a part 141 flight school, or a certificated flight instructor.  The authorized individual will process the application and submit the required documents to the Airmen Certification Branch.  Once reviewed by Airman Certification Branch, the student pilot certificate will be mailed to the address provided by the student on the application.

Admissions Committee 

The Aviation Selective Admissions Committee (ASAC) will be composed of:  

1. FWT Program Coordinator;
2. FWT Faculty Representative/Flight Instructor;
3. FWT Selective Admission recorder; and
4. a Representative from the Aviation Advisory Committee or Student Affairs. 

Admission Standards 

To be considered, each applicant must: 

1. complete KCTCS college’s admission application and requirements; 
2. follow the selective admission guidelines;  
3. have a minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA; 
4. attend a pre-admissions conference prior to admission to the program; 
5. undertake and pass an FAA Class 2 Medical Examination prior to commencing flight lab training.  Note:  this is not required for ground school; and 
6. be a U.S. Citizen. 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires flight schools to determine the citizenship status for any student, whether U.S. or U.S. Non-Resident, seeking flight training toward the issuance of a recreational pilot, sport pilot, private pilot certificate, instrument rating, or multiengine rating. 

U.S. Citizens 

Applicants must provide appropriate evidence of citizenship to the program administrator.  Evidence of U.S. citizenship must be shown by one of the following:  Valid, unexpired U.S. passport, or a government-issued picture ID card and an: 

1. original birth certificate of the United States, American Samoa, or Swains Island; 
2. original certification of birth abroad with raised seal (Form FS-545 or DS-1350); 
3. original certificate of U.S. citizenship with raised seal (Form N-560 or N-561), or a Certificate of Repatriation (Form N-581); or 
4. original U.S. Naturalization Certificate with raised seal (Form N-550 or N-570).  

U.S. Non-Resident 

NOTE: MCC cannot accept applications from international students for F1 or J1 visas at this time. 

In order to be considered for admission in the HFT Program, the ASAC will evaluate the applicant utilizing the following criteria:  

1. academic record (minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA); 
2. an essay explaining the applicant's motivation to become a pilot and what arrangements the candidate has made to deal with the arduous nature of flight school (cost of training, flight hours, relocation, academics, etc.); 
3. previous flight experience, if any;  
4. two letters of recommendation from a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI);  
5. score on the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge exam; and  
6. attend an interview, if requested, by the HFT program ASAC.  

Acceptance into the program will be determined by rank order.   

Preference may be given to: 

1. Kentucky residents;  
2. veterans, active duty personnel and/or their spouses, and children to whom benefits have been bequeathed in accordance with the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act; 
3. GPA of 2.5 or higher for a minimum 12 semester hours; and 
4. previous flight experience and credentials.  

Applicants may be placed on a wait list and will be notified if a position becomes available prior to the start of the semester.  

Retention 

A student who withdraws from or fails two final course check-rides in the same HFT lab course will not be retained in the HFT program and will not be eligible to graduate with the Associate in Applied Science Degree in HFT.  Students who take a break in training of more than one academic year must reapply for admittance to the program—unless the student passes a proficiency exam with a qualified college flight examiner.   

Readmission 

In order to be considered for readmission by the ASAC, the applicant must: 

1. meet current admission guidelines; 
2. submit a written request to the HFT Program Coordinator, which includes course(s) for readmission being requested and what steps the applicant has taken to be successful;  
3. successfully complete an evaluation flight by an MCC affiliated CFI; and 
4. attend an interview, if requested, by the HFT program ASAC. 

Applicants who fail an FAA flight check-ride may re-enroll to repeat that course only once.  Failure to secure FAA credentialing on the second attempt will result in a permanent dismissal from the HFT Program. 

Students who “stop-out” (leave the program) for more than one academic year will not be readmitted to the program without the permission of the program coordinator  

Students who have been admitted into the HFT program and who have not successfully completed the program may be readmitted to the program one time. 

Readmission may be limited due to available spots in the program and is not guaranteed.