On this page you can find information about Helicopter FAA Practical Tests administered by DPE Dave Dziura.
Before the Test
All tests are conducted in accordance with the FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS) or Airman Certification Standards (ACS). The new ACS are in effect as of May 31, 2024 for ratings and certificates for which they are published. For certificates and ratings that do not have a published ACS, the PTS will continue to be used. If you are not sure which standards will be used for a test, please ask! Please review the PTS or ACS in detail prior to the test to ensure all tasks are familiar and will be demonstrated to the published standard.
To avoid paperwork issues on the day of the test, I’ll ask for all documents to determine eligibility and aircraft airworthiness ahead of time. Please send the following information and pictures/scans prior to your test, for verification:
- Applicant Name
- Applicant phone number and email
- Certificate testing for, Type of test (initial, add-on, retest, or discontinuance)
- Aircraft make/model testing in and tail number
- Applicant FTN Number
– Form 8710-1 filled out, submitted, and signed by instructor in IACRA - Pictures of the following:
- Airman Knowledge Test
- Student pilot certificate / Pilot certificate
- Medical certificate
- Photo ID
- Logbook endorsements for the test, solo endorsements, SFAR endorsements
- Last pages of logbook including all flight hour totals added up
- Picture of logbook pages with dual XC, Solo XC, Solo, PIC, Instrument, and Night aeronautical experience requirements met, as applicable to the certificate sought
- Aircraft Maintenance Due List and/or picture of Annual/100 hr, ELT (if installed), transponder, and ADs from aircraft logbook. Include Life limited parts if there are any parts that have been replaced since overhaul. Make sure the GPS database is up to date and VOR checked and recorded for an Instrument test.
- Please inform me of any Inoperative Equipment or other potential aircraft maintenance issues before the day of the test
- For tests at new facilities, provide the facility name, address, and airport where the tests will be conducted. Verify that the location has WIFI, a printer, and a quiet undisturbed area for testing.
Practical Test Rates
Updated January 2026
Tests in R22 or R44 at BJC, BDU, LMO, EIK
Private: $850
Instrument: $850
Commercial: $900
CFI: $1100 (pending FAA observation)
CFI Reinstatement: $850
CFII: $850
Additional Fees:
Travel Fee: assessed for tests at airports other than listed above. Applicants can choose to fly or travel to test at those airports if they wish.
– KFLY and KCOS travel fee: $150
– Other airports travel fee established on a case-by-case basis
– hotels/airfare/travel costs for further travel may be added to the test fee or invoiced to an organization for reimbursement
Other Make/Model Aircraft: Dave is authorized to provide practical tests in a variety of single-engine piston and turbine aircraft. Practical tests in aircraft other than Robinson R22 and R44 will be quoted on a case-by-case basis.
Retest Fee: (Local, within 60 days): Ground and Flight: $600. Flight only: $450
Discontinuance: In most cases, no fee for 1st discontinuance on local tests;
Fees or travel fees may be assessed depending on the circumstances, including previously forecasted weather or additional discontinuances.
Processing Fee: If applicant does not meet eligibility requirements to begin a test or the aircraft is unairworthy upon arrival (for foreseeable reasons), a fee of up to $500 for time and processing may be assessed.
It is the responsibility of the applicant and CFI to ensure eligibility for the test, and an airworthy aircraft. When possible I try to verify paperwork, logs, and eligibility ahead of time to assist in avoiding any issues on the day of the test.
A late cancellation fee for travel tests may apply, and applicants are responsible for all travel costs.
