Hours building: Questions, Ideas, Advice, Countries etc

[kjgkgj]

Many thanks guys for this info.

We had not realised there was one at Cambridge. We have had a look on the internet, and my boyfriend will work up to that one because he said it seems like a much bigger scarier airfield! However maybe in a couple of months time this will be brilliant!

If anyone has an R22 or R44 he buy some hours in, please contact me!

Many thanks

[spet0789]

I'm currently doing my PPL(H) with Aeromega at Cambridge and am really impressed so far. Small but friendly and high-quality team of instructors and currently 2 R44's, although I believe only one is available for SFH.

One of the Aeromega instructors has an excellent website for PPL(H) students whch I'd really recommend: www.helitutor.com.

I wouldn't be too concerned about the 'size' of Cambridge. In around 35 hours of flying from there I think I've only seen maybe 15 aircraft movements other than the flying schools. Plus you have full ATC who are used to students and PPLs and generally very helpful.

[weirdest wizard]

Time building with FW

I currently hold a Canadian CPL(H) with 330 hours (200 turbine)

I want to one day end up flying offshore or HEMS and building the time necessary for the Canadian ATPL(H) IR, Night, and X-country at the time seem way to difficult. Not many operators fly at night or send employees to get an instrument rating.

My question is:

Has anyone used a fixed wing license to build the night, instrument, and cross country time for experience towards the helicopter equivalent? My idea was to get the PPL(A) and tag on the necessary ratings as time goes on. It wouldn't be cheaper than getting the helicopter IR, but you can build instrument time instead of just holding the license and hoping to get hired on somewhere and build from there. The other thing I should mention is that I want to have a PPL(A) anyways, rent a plane for the weekend and cruise!


Greg

[Rotorbod]

Can anyone offer any advice? I'm currently hour building for CPL(H) and have 112hrs (roughly half on R22 and half on R44). I Would like to go to the US and/or Canada and possibly undertake a course such as the Robinson Safety Course or something like vertical reference / long line as part of the overall hour building.

Do any hours flown on such courses or just plain hour building in another ICAO country count toward the required hours here? I have searched and can't find any definitive answers concerning what counts and what doesn't?

Many thanks in advance to all for the help.

Rotorbod

[paco]

In theory, all hours count, as long as you can account for them and you are the sole manipulator of the controls (watch this point in the USA).

It's a good idea, though. Get out and meet people. Why not do the whole commercial licence? It's only 100 hours in Canada.

Phil

[JohnJ]

Hi Rotorbod

Take a look at LA Helicopters at Long Beach Airport, just a few mins flight from the Robinson Factory. I did a Long Line course with them a few years ago and enjoyed every minute of it. The chief pilot is also a Robinson Factory pilot so should be able to answer questions about the safety course.

Feel free to PM me for more info to avoid me sounding like I'm selling it too much

[gulliBell]

Originally Posted by Rotorbod

?..I'm currently hour building for CPL(H) and have 112hrs (roughly half on R22 and half on R44). I Would like to go to the US and/or Canada and possibly undertake a course such as the Robinson Safety Course or something like vertical reference / long line as part of the overall hour building.....

The Robinson Safety Course is a good option, but as for vertical reference, with only 100-ish total helicopter hours, forget it! You need to learn to fly first to a standard that is instinctive before setting out on long-line training, and that is most likely to be several hundred hours away.

BTW hours building for you guys really sucks, I don't see much point punching holes in the sky just for the sake of counting hours. I did my CPL in Australia and only had 60 helicopter hours total when I did my CPL-H flight test.

[gulliBell]

Originally Posted by LemonGuide

As for posting downturning information I am wondering about your NZ background....

...and that's because I did my training in Australia over 20 years ago when you could get a CPL-H with 60 helicopter hours if you already had a PPL-A.

[Rotorbod]

Thanks to everybody for the posts.

I think the 'Robinson Safety Course' is a good option and probably good for the CV. I'd also like to undertake some 'other' sort of course with a view to broadening my horizons, getting some new skills, meeting people and flying somewhere new and different, rather than flying around the same circuits and places in the same machines building hours. (I concede that it's unlikely to walk into a job long lining straight out of the gate).

I'm also looking into Majorca with 'Sloane Helicopters'. Has anyone flown with them in Majorca and could give a heads up on the company and operations etc?

Cheers,

Rotorbod

[Aucky]

KJGKGJ - my boyfriend will work up to that one because he said it seems like a much bigger scarier airfield! However maybe in a couple of months time this will be brilliant!

I know that people have apprehensions about this when they have trained at smaller airfields with just AFIS or A/G radio, and have avoided visiting airfields with ATC through their training, but this is not a reason to be put off. It's actually a lot safer and more controlled, as there is always someone who knows exactly what they are doing who's job it is to help/direct you, and your less likely to get someone else joining without a radio, or doing completely the wrong thing undetected.

I'm not on the sell, I just stumbled across this thread, and work at the aforementioned school in Cambridge. Whether Cambridge or any other 'Controlled' airfield encourage your partner to give it a go, with an instructor first who can explain the layout and procedures. It's a pleasure flying to/from controlled airfields really and shouldn't be daunting (and won't be for long if he gives it a go), also it will be necessary to be comfortable with this if undertaking the CPL(H). The sooner the better

[Rigid]

First Helicopter pilot Job

Dear all,

I'am at the stage that I've almost finished my training with Bristow Academy inc. Florida.

I Applied for several job openings but as you all expect it is hard to get in to. Not enough hours.

The normal path would be to become a flight instructor and thus build more hours, say 750 a year. I hoped to find a job with having to be a Flight instructor first.

I've completed the EASA CPL integrated course with ATPL/IR (frozen)
Currently I'am working on, nearly finished, my FAA CPL IR to increase my opportunities for a job.

The closest I've come so far is an job opening which requires me to gain another 250hr B412 (super huey) before I will be considered for an position.

How and even more important where does an newly graduate gains his hours, preferably commercial hours.

All input is greatly appreciated.

( if there are employers reading this who have current openings please PM me)

[paco]

Unless you're very lucky, you buy them. This is an even bigger hurdle than the licence! We can do 44 time at £150 p.h. in the UK (dry). PM me for details.

Phil

[Ginger81]

R22 self hire hour building UK, MADRID, ZURICH & AMSTERDAM

Guys,

Can anyone inform me of the most cost effective way of hour building in the UK?

I also spend some time around the above places in Europe. Any info would be appreciated.

[chopilot1984]

I am planning on doing about 60 hours helicopter night time building towards my FAA ATP. This will be early March 2014. I have a CPL/IR with over 2000 total time in helicopters, 500 twin time and IR/Night current. If anyone is interested, or knows someone that may be, please let me know... and yes I have looked at getting my fixed wing PPL to build time (cheaper), but I would prefer it to be in a helicopter. Thanks.

[ÞOS]

Hour building

Hi people!

I was hoping I could seek some advices!
Hope thats OK.

I have EASA CPL(H), SE IR but only 200hrs.
I need to get some hours, do you guys have any other advices than getting FI rated?
You know of any sightseeing companies or something similar?

[Helihopefull]

Running into a wall

Well how to start this thread, gutted I suppose will cover it!!
I took my PPL(H) in 2008 and haven’t flown since but have been thinking about it all the time and with juggling work and my home life unable to finance any flying.
I came to the decision that I wanted to fly for a career so organized a loan to cover it and was aiming to go to the US and gain my IFR, CPL, CFI and CFII to gain hours and experience.
Obviously I can’t work out there due to me being English and the fact that since 9/11 it is hard and nearly impossible to get a working visa.
With this in mind I thought that once I had gained 200 hours over there after completing my courses, I would come back to good old blighty and exchange my US licenses for the new EASA ones.
Now I started this threat by the word GUTTED. This is because after looking at this tread there seems to be several issues that are in my way.
1st issue, the magical hours that you need to get a job that all threads seem to go on about. The magical 1000!
It seems like it’s the old age adage, the chicken and the egg in that you need the 1000+ hours to get a job but yet you need a job to gain these hours!!
I have researched all threads helicopter related to gain as much information regarding the industry as I can so here comes my issue.
2nd issue, employment. From what I can gather there are loads of you rotorheads out there that have significantly more experience and hours than I have and maybe even better looking than me!! You guys seem to be struggling getting employment so how does a pasty Englishman like me get employed??
3rd issue, to IR or not to IR, that is the question (Shakespeare, did you like that?) I know that if I want to go offshore then I need it but with such low hours after training, is it worth the 50 grand (providing I can sell all my organs to get the cash) risk?
4th issue, I’m 40 so is this going to go against me?
As all of you guys and girls, I have bills, mortgage and a family to provide for.
It’s obviously possible as some of you lucky people with hard work and dedication have managed it, but how?
I just want to see if anybody can help or give me any pointers to see how I should progress, if at all?
Please feel free to PM or email me (No abuse though).
Thanks guys.

[Agaricus bisporus]

exchange my US licenses for the new EASA ones.

That may not be as simple as the sentence suggests...

[Chico de la noche]

Holà to all helovers!
This is my first post on PPRuNe.
First of all I want to extend my greetings to all pilots and aviation enthusiasts here present.

I've just obtained my EASA CPL/IR(H) SP ME and I'm already seeking for a flying experience in the USA to gain flight hours and better language ability. I'm thinking about California as the most probable destination.
Based on your previous experiences, please, could someone give me any suggestion about R22 time building?

Thanks a lot guys!

[muermel]

Atlantic Helicopters Fort Pierce

If anybody needs first hand info on Atlantic Helicopters in Fort Pierce, Florida, let me know. They are EASA & FAA approved. I've just finished some training and hour building with them and can highly recommend them

Ciao

[Chico de la noche]

Yes, of course muermel.
Please can you post a price list for the following points?
- R22 hour rental rate with fuel and other, if any, related costs (no headsets on board)
- Hour building packages, if Atlantic helicopters can offer these
- EASA PPL(H) to FAA licence conversion + CPL/IR fees, theoretical and pratical exams
- VISA clearance (six months estimated time) and all required expat bureaucracy
- student housing total monthly rate, if available
- Any other relevant costs

Explain clearly and without troubles or surprises...

Thanks!