Conversion to Heli?

cyyz · Post by **cyyz** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 11:17 am

Rotorfloat, and r22captain, others? How's the Heli-industry?

Would you suggest recommend a fixed wing chap to convert?

Any other thoughts greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 10:49 pm

CYYZ

I know a few pilots that have converted in recent years. The two that I know of had deep pockets and a deep desire to work in the bush, Lotsss!

If your from the West , (don't know since your profile is not filled in) check with Great Slave Helicopters flight school in Edmonton.

Their site gives the following info:

COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER ALTERNATE CATEGORY

This course is designed to bring the commercial fixed wing pilot up to helicopter standards with a minimum of 60 hours flight time, and 20 hours of ground school. A minimum age of 18 for both commercial licenses is required as well as a written examination and flight test with a Transport Canada inspector or designated flight test examiner.

There WEB site is:
http://www.greatslaveheli.com/mainframe.html

School starts at the end of August. they have a fleet of about 60 now and sometimes hire the best students from their school. Their main base is in Yellowknife. Good company to work for!!!

Horseman

r22captain · Post by **r22captain** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 12:18 pm

hey there YYZ. Horseman caovered the basics pretty well so I'll fill you in on myself. I have my have my fixed wing multi IFR paper thing and am now converting over. ANd yes your pckets have to be deep. You'd do very well to finish all the lessons and be proficiant in only 60 hours. I'm at 65 now and am a 2-3 hours from flight test. Are you from the YYZ area? I'm at CHL at YKZ currently.

As far as jobs go I think this summer is looking better for fixed wing then rotary as far as the hiring I've heard so far. It's a different industry from fixed wing so do your reseach and be 100% sure it's what you want to do before flipping over. Definatly expect to spend a few solid years away from human life. But it's great flying....no need for big spaces....you can put them down anywhere. Lots of fun.

cyyz · Post by **cyyz** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:54 pm

Thanks for the info Horseman and r22captain.

Yes, I'm in Toronto. CHL seems like a great provider. But the other locations greatslave and even North bay seem to be cheaper.

I'll investigate some more.

Many thanks again.

r22captain · Post by **r22captain** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 7:49 am

you are most welcome. Drop by the hanger here if you're ever out CYKZ way....I'm here for another 2 weeks. Come and tlak to Carl or Kirk. Yes do shop around before you commit. I am a little bias here because...well.....I'm a student here. But i have nothing but good things to say. Not trying to change your mind.....but don't let price be your limiting factor.

185_guy · Post by **185_guy** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 8:01 am

I was thinking about doing my conversion a few years ago. I visited Canadian in toronto, and Helicopters Canada in North Bay. I also got info packets from every school in Canada. But Jeff @ Helicoptes Canada was by far the most helpful guy of the bunch. Very Honest about the state of the industry, and with lots of operational experience, he'd be a good teacher. If i ever do mine, it'll be there.
A friend of mine did his conversion 2 winters ago, and i think he is finally taking a heli flying job this season. The problem he's encountered are the same with fixed wing guys......they want experience(more so for insurance) and they dont pay enough to live off. He has about 3000TT fixed wing time.....it helped finding a job, but it wasent the deciding factor in it.
Best of luck,