Long-line training

[407TX]

Anybody knows a good place/school in the US or Canada to do long-line training?

[Backward Blade]

Don't know anything about the US but here in Canada if you end up working for anybody who does work in the bush they will usually set you up with a line and a machine and let you go play for a bit. Obviously most companies that I have been affiliated with have done it this way.

Usually a job will come up and a guy will take you out and explain L/L care, maint. and use of...then go out with you and show you a few things with different L/L lengths, water bucketing, strap inspection, electrical inspections and whatnot NOT TO MENTION EMERGENCIES. Most of us up here have been exposed to it in one way or the other. As for raw talent and progression...well bud that is all up to you.

The times being what they are alot more companies are making it part of their Annual training and documenting it as well. Unlike in US though there is no real L/L course. If you show up on a job your abilities will, one way or the other speak louder than anything that comes out of your mouth and is worth more to the customer than any piece of paper.

The above does not involve CLASS D LOADS ie Humans on the end of the line. Much different story there.

BWB.

[Benjamin James]

Having not even started my CPL yet I am no wealth of knowledge! But I did read this article regarding a long line school in the US last night and it might be of some use to you.

http://www.helinews.com.au/articles/view/399/

[Islandcrazy]

407,

Check out BJ's article reference. LAHelcopters in Long Beach is an excellent choice. Give them a call. Nice people and Andre is an excellent instructor. :D

If you need more info you can PM me.

IC

[K48]

Have you thought about New Zealand? I did a commercial sling rating there, it's part of their 'helicopter culture', as such it's an included requirement in their CPL (and PPL).

[407TX]

Thanks guys for the info.:)

[502VJ]

Check out the article in the latest HeliOps magazine re the long line course...There is also a mention in Vertical magazine as well...

[Scrawny]

We work with well over 22 Long line operators worldwide and can thoroughly recommend LA Helicopters. Very professional company and very well qualified Pilots to teach the course. Andre runs the course in Los Angeles, great excuse to do some flying there!
PM me if you'd like anymore details of our work with them.

[407TX]

:D:D:DI just finish doing the long-line training at Western Ops in Rialto, California, the best working training ever, excellent long-line training by Pete Gillies. I'll recommend that one to anybody.:D:D:D

[R.OCKAPE]

I would look around before giving any money to LAH They tried very hard to sell me (11000+hours exp.) the most expensive of 2 options available to get the FAA commercial certificate Had already paid USD 400.00 to apply for the TSA checks then hesitated when they wanted another USD1000.00 for the visa. Should have realised when she said "don't worry we won't try to rip you off we are all Aussie's and Kiwi's here..." LOL

[JohnJ]

Hi guys,

Sorry if I'm not allowed to post links to this site. Mods feel free to delete post if so. But thought you may want to see what a less than 300 hour pilot can achieve from a good, no from a great course by LAH... I started with an apology so I'll end with one, sorry for the self indulgence... it's me in the video.

YouTube - John Jennings Hook Shot (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5NnintwGUNU)

For those that want to see more, check out this one;

YouTube - Professional Long Line Course - Part 2 (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=f19zp_KeXuc&feature=related)

[ketchup]

I did the external load with Bristows Academy at Space Coast Regional FL and can't speak more highly enough of the course. Excellent training and loved every second of it.
PM if you have any questions...
K

[Ned-Air2Air]

The one big advantage between doing the course with LA Helicopters or Bristows Academy is that at LA Helicopters you are being taught but a guy who flies longline with Columbia for a living, whereas at Bristow its probably with a 300hr instructor.

Not taking anything away from the 300 hr instructor, just saying if you want to learn the art, then learn from someone who knows it.

Ned

[brushfire21]

Will throw my recommendation of Western Helicopters in Rialto, CA (San Bernardino) into the hat as well. Pete is an awesome instructor! Great Practice area, and if you want to get some high DA practice in as well, its only a few minutes away. Your choice of a S300 or MD-500D or combination of both to save some money.

[K48]

Nice Vid JohnJ.
I would consider New Zlnd for high standards too.. High DA, limited power, no governor .. final test... approach and place an engine block gently on a tyre unassisted, and place the whole chain back in the box... then you qualify for a beer ....:} they hate packing the chain away.:*
CPL is 155 hrs in NZ of which this is a part, the history of venison hunting in the mountains makes for a high calibre in this line of work there.

[BHenderson]

I agree with R.OCKAPE. I'm currently in Long Beach and I've seen most schools in the Los Angeles area. LA Helicopters is of the pilot factory type. I have to admit they run a well respected, tight operation with good customer service. But with numerous pilots on the long line course together, will you receive the attention you want? The visa actually comes out at $1300 when you include all the bolleaux administration. Also at $625 per hour for training in an R44, is it worth it? How many operators use an R44 for longlining? How far is the practice area from Long Beach airport? Who pays for the ferrying?

I've heard good things about Western Helicopters. As for my recommendation; I did an hour of longlining at San Joaquin Helicopters with Jim Arbaugh. He is an active fire fighting pilot. He flys pretty much anything - currently on the 212 and 214. He self taught himself years back on the B47's.

I don't believe the implication that a 300hr pilot would be teaching the course at Bristow's is factual. In fact my instructor did the course at Bristow's and implied the instructor was quite experienced. This would have taken place at the end of last year.

Anyway, just some questions for you to think about. Good luck finding yourself a course.

[GeorgeMandes]

Canadian Helicopters in Penticton, BC offers the training. Same location and instructors that do their fantastic mountain training for the Canadian Forces and other public and private operators.

[aceair]

I am looking for a company to get 500 and long line time. I have 5500 hours, and have flown EMS, ENG, Fire, Tours in Alaska and Hawaii, etc...
Had a friend fly for Prism a couple years ago, and said they were ok. Any help would be very appreciated, thanks in advance.