Oregon-based Hillsboro Heli Academy has gained examining authority from the FAA, allowing the flight training provider to evaluate and certify its students’ proficiency. This eliminates the need to schedule students with an independent designated pilot examiner and makes the training process more efficient. According to the Flight Schools Association of North America, only 29 of the 521 FAA-certificated pilot schools are approved to hold examining authority for at least one of their courses.

Hillsboro Heli Academy, a division of Hillsboro Aero Academy, is an FAA-approved Part 141 flight school and offers training from private pilot through flight instructor. The school operates a fleet of Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters, as well as helicopter simulators, at its base in Troutdale, Oregon.

“We are thrilled to have earned examining authority from the FAA,” said general manager Jared Friend. “This achievement reflects our unwavering dedication to providing top-tier flight training and our commitment to excellence in helicopter training.”