I'm hooked! No question.

The tour was very interesting. I got a chance to see the entire school, sit in a few helicopters, walk through various hangars and meet the dispatch team. All very impressive.

Learned a lot as well. First, it's not going to be cheap. Each flight requires that you rent the time in a helicopter, pay for fuel and also pay for the instructors time. To receive FAA Part 141 certification, a Private Pilot's License, you will need a minimum of:

• 31 Dual Hours (Student + Instructor)
• 5 Solo Hours
• 35 Ground Hours
• 10 Pre- & Post- Flight Instruction
• 18 Hours video review

They stress this is all minimum requirements and that the majority of students are +20% on top of this.

With all of this... I still am going for it. The prospect of flying is just too enticing to let a little work get in the way.

I submitted my application. Still need to get my FAA Class II Medical examination, before I can start, but I've got some time - class starts October 8th.

Lets check this out...

I've always been fascinated with helicopters - the motion, the physics of helicopter flight and just their overall look. Don't know... just do.

Anyway, after a series of serendipitous events over the past few weeks I've decided that I need to know a little more about helicopters and the training that goes into becoming a pilot. So, I set up an appointment for a quick tour / walk through of Hillsboro Aviation's campus and airport.

I was surprised to learn that Hillsboro Aviation is well known in the industry and is in the top tier of helicopter and airplane pilot training programs. Apparently it has to do with the geographical and weather diversity in the Pacific Northwest. Within 60 minutes you can fly over oceans, coastline, mountain ranges, forests, deserts and cities. All of this, of course, with the ever present possibility of PNW mist, rain and cloud cover.

With all this... I just had to visit and see for myself what it really takes.

Hillsboro Aviation has posted their promotional video for viewing, if the mood strikes you.