We exist for one reason. It is to turn motivated individuals into confident, career-ready helicopter pilots. Everything we do is built around that mission.
Countless
Pilots Trained
5+
Years in Operation
#1
Rated School in Austin
Our Pillars
What Sets Us Apart
Six core commitments that shape every lesson, every interaction, and every career we help launch.
01
Instruction That Exceeds the Standard
Every THA instructor holds active FAA certification and brings real-world commercial flight experience into the cockpit. We don’t hire theory-only instructors, we hire pilots who’ve actually done the job you’re training for.
02
Scheduling Built Around Your Life
We offer 7-day availability from early morning through evening. Career changers, full-time students, and working professionals all train successfully at THA because we adapt to your calendar, not the other way around.
03
A Real Career Network
Our career placement program connects graduates directly with aviation employers across Texas and beyond. We’ve built real relationships with operators, emergency services, and tour companies who recruit from our program by name.
04
Data-Driven Training Progress
Every student receives structured progress reports after each lesson. You’ll always know exactly where you stand, what you’ve mastered, and what to focus on next, removing the guesswork from your path to certification.
05
Modern, Maintained Fleet
You’ll train in well-maintained, modern helicopters, and the same types used in real commercial operations. Because learning on quality equipment isn’t a luxury, it’s essential to becoming a confident, capable pilot.
06
Small Cohorts, Big Results
We deliberately limit enrollment to keep a 1:1 student-to-instructor ratio in every flight. Your instructor knows your progress, your strengths, and your goals because you’re not just another registration number here.
Our Story
Born in Austin. Built for Pilots.
Texas Heli Academy was founded 5 years ago by commercial pilots who believed the traditional flight school model was broken. Too much time wasted on outdated syllabuses. Too little focus on where students were actually headed after graduation.
So we built something different. A school where instruction is grounded in real commercial experience. Where scheduling respects that most students have lives outside aviation. Where career placement isn’t an afterthought, it’s built into the program from day one.
Today, we’ve trained countless pilots who fly professionally across Texas and beyond. We’re proud of every single one of them and we’re ready to add you to that list.
Every THA instructor brings real commercial experience. They’re not teaching theory, they’re sharing the career you’re training for.
LR
Luke Rizzo
Owner
Luke’s career in the air started early. He began helicopter flight training at just 17 years old. After building his foundation as a flight instructor, he founded Heli Concepts and has been flying medevac missions since age 21. Today, Luke flies single and twin-engine medevac helicopters full-time, bringing life-saving flight experience to every mission, and to everything he’s built at THA.
3,700+ flight hours logged
MS
Mark Stelter
Chief Pilot / Instructor
Mark learned to fly alongside Luke in Georgetown, Texas, and spent years as a flight instructor before joining THA. He now flies single and twin-engine helicopters on medevac missions full-time, while also shaping the next generation of pilots as Chief Pilot and Instructor.
2,400+ flight hours logged
CL
Cole Lewis
Instructor
Cole learned to fly in Oregon before heading to Texas to fly as a tour pilot. He joined Luke’s team in 2025 and now brings that tour and instructional experience to students at THA.
700+ flight hours logged
Our Commitment
What You Can Always Count On
✦
Safety First, Always
Every flight follows FAA-approved safety protocols. No shortcuts, no exceptions.
✦
Transparent Progress
You’ll receive a written debrief after every lesson so you always know exactly where you stand.
✦
No Hidden Fees
Your price covers everything no surprise fuel surcharges or equipment add-ons.
✦
Weather Guarantee
Weather cancellations are rescheduled at no cost and your investment is always protected.
Ready to See The Difference?
Book your first flight and experience the THA standard for yourself. No commitment required beyond your first lesson.
