Helicopter Training Options

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Fishizl
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Helicopter Training Options

Post by Fishizl »

Hello,

I graduate high school soon, and am now researching the many different training schools here in Canada to get my commercial helicopter licence.

There are so many different programs to select from with each school giving me their own spin, all of them make sense but now I have to decide on which one makes the most sense. With all of the schools I have researched and talked to, one that really stands out to me is Heli-College, based in Langley, B.C. What initially caught my eye with them is the low-cost for training (because they only use R22's), but after talking with them I was really impressed with their instructors, and how much experience they have, plus some very positive reviews online about the school in general.

Question(s): 1. What is the general consensus for training solely on a R22, vs a combo course using both R22's and 206's?. Obviously having 206 time is better however a 100HR helicopter pilot is a 100HR helicopter pilot.right? 2. With training solely on a R22 am I really at a disadvantage at getting even a initial ground job vs someone that has 20-50hrs training in a 206 ? 3. The Training schools all tell me there is high demand for helicopter pilots right now but when I read this forum, it's all doom and gloom. Can any newly licensed pilots give me their story in finding work as a new pilot?

Heli-College
Pro's : Highly experienced Instructors - this is the biggest pro for me
based at a airport vs private property
reasonably priced.
Con's : Only R22's available to train on
Only 2 instructors
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Loner
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Re: Helicopter Training Options

Post by Loner »

Save your $
Rotary industry is dead
If you want a relatively better future in aviation...go fixed wing
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MarkyMark90
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Re: Helicopter Training Options

Post by MarkyMark90 »

Loner wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2018 1:36 pm Rotary industry is dead
If you want a relatively better future in aviation...go fixed wing
+1
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My dream is to fly... Over the rainbow, so high!!
Fishizl
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Re: Helicopter Training Options

Post by Fishizl »

Can you elaborate as to why it's 'dead' ?
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Loner
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Re: Helicopter Training Options

Post by Loner »

After spending your $
You will discover that there is no work/hire for low timers.
There are many 1000 + hours rotary guys looking for work
This industry is seasonal and unpredictable

Many rotary guys do their conversion and enter the fixed wing world as there is better outlook (at the moment)

Schools sell dreams, not jobs...Santa Clause doesn’t exist
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Heliian
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Re: Helicopter Training Options

Post by Heliian »

Loner wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2018 2:42 pm After spending your $
You will discover that there is no work/hire for low timers.
There are many 1000 + hours rotary guys looking for work
This industry is seasonal and unpredictable

Many rotary guys do their conversion and enter the fixed wing world as there is better outlook (at the moment)

Schools sell dreams, not jobs...Santa Clause doesn’t exist
This is mostly incorrect.

The industry is seasonal though as most of the work is done in better weather.

I know 0 pilots who have switched to fixed wing, maybe some 100hr wonders did after not getting their dream job but as far as actual pilots, no.

It's like any career, you will not be CEO the first day. If you can understand that, then you'll be fine.
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Loner
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Re: Helicopter Training Options

Post by Loner »

This is mostly incorrect.
[/quote]

You may re-phrase your statement and say something like “this is not my opinion based on my experience/observations”

As my comment is based on my experience and observations.
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Heliian
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Re: Helicopter Training Options

Post by Heliian »

Ok, as per my experience across this country, I know of no one with experience that needs a job. Many jobs available now. Again, I've never met an established heli pilot who said screw it to go work at the bottom of the fixed wing pile.

If you would like to see all the jobs available, go to verticalmag forums, there are many listed but most jobs in the heli industry aren't listed. It's a face to face business.
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Fishizl
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Re: Helicopter Training Options

Post by Fishizl »

Loner, what is your age, licence type, TT on rotary, job experience etc...I'm curious.
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Loner
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Re: Helicopter Training Options

Post by Loner »

Fishizl wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2018 1:26 pm Loner, what is your age, licence type, TT on rotary, job experience etc...I'm curious.
I’ll send you a PM
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C.W.E.
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Re: Helicopter Training Options

Post by C.W.E. »

Back to the first post here.

The R22 is a good training machine and it is the most affordable.
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Heliian
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Re: Helicopter Training Options

Post by Heliian »

If I was entering the field today, I would give those swisscopters a shot.

Does anyone train on the r44 cadet yet? That would probably be a more realistic experience on the cheap.

For me it's the old 206, worth every penny. If you're a proficient pilot it doesn't really matter but there is difference. The 3 bladed machines like the 300 or enstrom products are interesting too.

I will not get in an r22 ever again. EVER.
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C.W.E.
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Re: Helicopter Training Options

Post by C.W.E. »

We are getting a H300 for the lodge as a private machine.

I liked flying the 300 many, many moons ago when I was a lot younger. :mrgreen:
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C-GKNT
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Re: Helicopter Training Options

Post by C-GKNT »

To the original poster regarding the Bell 206 time. NEVER forget that a flight schools primary purpose is not necessarily to make you employable...its primary purpose is to SELL you flight training.

Glenn
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butterflyRotors
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Re: Helicopter Training Options

Post by butterflyRotors »

Plan for post school funds. I have been visiting face to face companies and called many many others in AB and BC, I got only one interview. Money for gas, food, motels, your usual rent or storage fees. I spent around 5000$ since my CPL in 2 month. Its a hard choice to keep trying I am close to pull the plug and just get a job not related to helicopter. I was too early in my first road trip, then had to wait for tax refunds to get more money for the next roadtrip and I have been told by 2 companies I just came too late, they hired a ground crew in the last week.
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