Great Lakes Helicopter is a career-focused flight training school dedicated to developing confident professional pilots. Students benefit from operational exposure supported by a diverse training fleet and flexible financing options. Our immersive environment and accessible location help prepare graduates for successful careers in aviation.
Our Instructors
Experienced. Dedicated. Built by the Industry - and Often Built Here. Our instructors are more than teachers, they are full-time commercial pilots, mentors, and lifelong aviators who began their own aviation journey right here at GLH. They earned their licences, built their hours, gained experience, and returned to the school that shaped them. They know the nerves of a first hover, the excitement of a first solo, the focus of exam prep, and the determination it takes to earn a career in aviation.
Our Location
We operate within a Class C Control Zone from our exclusive heli-base beside the Region of Waterloo International Airport, giving students exposure to controlled airspace and a critical mix of real-world training environments. This provides excellent experience with busy radio communications and direct interaction with Air Traffic Control, while the surrounding training areas offer a wide range of confined and off-airport landing environments. Together, this ensures pilots develop strong communication skills, situational awareness, and confidence operating in complex, realistic scenarios from Day One.
Financing
We offer an exclusive private financing option for Commercial Pilot Program students, allowing you to begin training with as little as 25% paid toward tuition before accessing financing for the remaining 75% (up to $100,000 at 10% APR over a three-year term). This structure allows students to focus on consistent training while managing costs responsibly.
Fleet
We train on a carefully maintained fleet designed to give students real-world experience and reliable flying year-round. Our aircraft are selected for their safety, reliability, and relevance in today’s industry, ensuring your training directly reflects the helicopters used across Canada in commercial, utility, tourism, and emergency operations.
Robinson R44
The Robinson R44 is a versatile four-seat helicopter, offering greater capacity and range while maintaining the agility and reliability Robinson is known for. Ideal for training, charter, and aerial work, the R44 combines performance, comfort, and efficiency.
Robinson R66
The Robinson R66 brings turbine power to a lightweight platform, delivering greater speed, payload, and altitude performance compared to the R44. With a spacious cabin and a reliable Rolls-Royce RR300 engine, the R66 is ideal for executive transport, utility work, and aerial tours requiring power.
Bell 206 JetRanger
The Bell 206 JetRanger is a legendary light helicopter known for its smooth ride, reliability, and proven performance. With seating for up to five and exceptional stability, it's a trusted choice for executive transport, utility work, and aerial tours around the world.
Bell 206L LongRanger
The Bell 206L LongRanger builds on the JetRanger’s legacy with a stretched cabin, offering greater seating capacity, enhanced comfort, and extended range. Its versatility and smooth performance make it ideal for executive travel, utility missions, and aerial operations requiring endurance and efficiency.
AS350, AStar
The AS350, also known as the AStar, is a versatile, high-performance helicopter renowned for its power, agility, and reliability. Designed for a wide range of missions, it delivers exceptional performance in both urban and remote environments.
Airbus H130
The Airbus H130 is a versatile, high-performance helicopter known for its spacious cabin, smooth ride, and exceptional visibility. With seating for up to seven passengers and a quiet, eco-friendly design, the EC130 is a top choice for tours, executive transport, and specialized aerial operations.