Flight instruction with an emphasis on high elevation and mountainous terrain operations.
• All Levels Provided Basic to Advanced
• Turbine Transition
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
• Part 133 External Load Instruction
• Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII)
• Search and Rescue Instruction with Mountain SAR Teams
• Active Shooting Platform Training
Colorado Highland Helicopters is based out of Animas Airpark at 6684′ MSL in Durango, Colorado. Flying from Durango allows for access to vast mountainous terrain rising beyond 10’000 ft. less than ten minutes away. Multiple peaks with elevations over 14,000 ft. within fifteen minutes. Areas of operation and instruction will encompass the unique terrain surrounding Durango, Silverton, Ouray and Telluride in Southwest Colorado.
Students will receive one on one ground and flight training with the same instructor throughout the course. Pilot/Instructor Brandon Laird has developed his skills working as a high altitude mountain EMS pilot in the Western Rockies and is equipped to help you become more competent and comfortable in the challenging mountain environment. He has over ten years flying multiple aircraft, including fixed-wing. He has over 3,000 hours providing one on one instruction in rotor-wing with a 100% safety record.
“I have been lucky enough to receive my PPL with the help from Colorado Highland Helicopters. I love how educated and thorough all the instructors are. They really take the time to make sure you are well prepared. Pilot training can be tough. It is a lot to learn, but once you get through it, it will feel like the greatest accomplishment. My advice for any new student would be to always believe in yourself and never stop trying to learn. I want to give a huge thanks to all the instructors at CHH for making my dreams possible.” – Kira Clawson
Highland Helicopters’ goal is to help students prepare to fly in mountainous terrain by focusing on understanding the unique weather patterns that occur in this specific terrain, snow operations and avalanche safety, advanced power management and flight planning. Colorado Highland Helicopters’ paramount focus is safety.
Human error, rather than mechanical malfunction, is the leading cause in aviation failures. We have tailored our program to provide Human Factors – based competency and error mitigation.
Students will learn in a MD500C, that with conscientious load management, thorough atmospheric understanding and planning, can safely fly at altitudes up to 20,000 ft. Our local San Juan range of the Rockies contains more 14,000 ft. peaks than any other range in Colorado. The small but powerful and capable MD500C can access any of the terrain Colorado has to offer.
Useful Information
Relocation Guide (PDF)
Why Use CHH (PDF)
Financing Information (PDF)
Study Manuals For Colorado Highland Helicopters Instruction (PDF)
FAA Medical Qualification Standards (PDF)
Costs Of Instruction (PDF)
