Gordy,
that's news for me. I haven't talked to anyone training/instructing there recently.
Hillsboro is still pretty busy in the main campus in KHIO whenever I fly past, plus their ships going round Oregon as well. I stopped by in Troutdale once for refuel and maybe the time, but only one or two machines flying at that moment.
I don't see the J1 'becoming' F1 as a reason. I guess less military training contracts. Scandinavians get big loans for heli training easily, plenty ex-mil Germans using funds etc etc. So no idea why Bristow Academy shouldn't be busy in the summer.
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Talking about non-R22 training, well, Salaika in Texas have good rates for Enstrom 280 and B47 and they also do student visa. Middle of nowhere for some, but if I had time, I'd stop by. If you want 'taster', then I'd say, you should go for something very reliable (no Robinson hassle) or bit of legend.