Independent Helicopters - New Windsor, New York

Richard Lepore

Great staff… Mike, Adam, and Tom are all knowledgeable and great instructors. Heather and Matt are professional examiners who make sure you’re well prepared before walking out the door. Nzuki is very personable and professional working up front. Can’t recommend this place enough.

Connor Wilson

I took an intro flight a few years ago with Matt and ever since, I was hooked! I took an hour tour with Heather around the Hudson Valley and now I am nearing completion of my private pilots certificate. I've had so much fun along the way. I have dealt / flown with Matt, Heather, Dave, and Adam and they are all extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Its truly an honor to fly with some of the most skilled pilots around! Learning to fly with Independent has been the best decision I've ever made. I also got a chance to fly around NYC at night with my wife, HOW COOL!

Peter Recknagel

Update dec 2024:
looking back now at 4+ years with independent helicopters, taking every step from my intro flight, through privat pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot and CFI certificate at this outstanding flight school - its really nice to look back, and also look into the future towards a CFII and whatever comes next. Independent Helicopters now has 2 DPE`s in house, so waiting times for check rides are mostly within a month. I know friends from the fixed wing world that waited months for a check ride. So overall, it has been an exiting and happy journey with Independent, and the journey will go on.
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Very professional team of CFII`s, Independent operates 9 helicopters and keeps them in perfect shape for safe education. Ground education can be accomplished with an in house designed ground school, which I found very helpful during exam preparation. The kind of preparing students for the written FAA PPL test led to a 97% result on my side, thanks to the independent team competence.

Tom Walton

If you're seeking high quality training, this is the place. They have exceptional instructors, a welcoming environment, and a strong emphasis on safety and professionalism. As a student I can tell there is a top down focus on student success, which translates to noticeable progress, and money well spent. If you’re thinking about learning to fly, I’d highly recommend doing an Intro Flight here.

Nneka Jeffers

My experience at Independent Helicopters was excellent and I’d recommend it to anyone at any stage looking to learn how to fly helicopters. The staff was always very professional, responsive and they are very knowledgeable.

Wax ByAaliyah

I went for a helicopter ride last week and had the best experience! It was my first time and I was completely comfortable! David was so Amazing!! He made me feel so comfortable and even had a great sense of humor. Would highly recommend!! 10/10

pico pilot

what's not to love about Independent Helicopters?

well-situated on the Hudson River, close to everything:
- NYC, mountains, lakes, fields, L.I and NJ coastlines
- lots of nearby airports: towered (i.e., ATC) and non-towered
- abundance of off-airport and other challenging landing sites
- 2 locations
- well-maintained fleet, online courses, great instructors
- FAA-approved helicopter simulator!
- 2 Designated Pilot Examiners (DPE) on staff, each with thousands of hours of experience, both career CFIIs
- accessible, positive, high-energy owner (and now a children's book author 🙂
- responsive, accommodating staff
- a woman-owned business (15+ years)
(not a paid review and no, I don't work there 😀 )

Edison Haedo

This past Sunday we flew one of the helicopters r22 it was an amazing experience the pilot Tom extremely patient w my children 11 years old 6-year-old &4 years old he made sure that everyone was comfortable and feeling safe