Australia: Training, Licence Conversion, Job Prospects

[WhoNeedsRunways]

alltorque :

I learnt at Bankstown Helicopters. I walked in there on the off chance, looking at prices. I felt so comfortable that I spend AU$12000 there almost at the drop of a hat.

I didn't do groundschool, so can't vouch for that, but the flying side was fine as far as I could tell, except for an almost guaranteed propensity for the flying programme to slip during the day, but then, where does it not ?

[maxm]

I looked at taking the plunge last year and did the rounds of most of the known flying schools. I found talking to the guys at Advanced Flight Theory in QLD to be very helpful. Good general info on what to expect after training etc etc.

Unfortunately I didn't take the plunge but the urge lingers. I'm still in Sydney so Bankstown seem to be the only ones. I'd be interested to know if you (Alltorque) went ahead with them, and if so, how you are finding it?

Cheers

[Randy_g]

I recently did a conversion course up in Brisbane. I have a Cdn license and moved here. I talked to quite a few ex-muster pilots, and they said that the best way to get a job flying a mustering machine, is to work on the ground at a cattle station. At least then you get paid and get to live in the bush. Quite a few of the mustering operators are suspicious about "city folk". I hope this helps you out. There is nothing more fun than flying a helicopter.

See you in the air !!!

[rotorque]

Don't fly for free.

[Arm out the window]

How much per hour for Jet Ranger?

How much is a reasonable rate to shell out per hour for a Jet Ranger / Long Ranger with instructor for endorsement purposes in Australia?
If it makes a difference for insurance purposes, I'm experienced on other turbine helo types but never flown the Bell 206.

Thanks.

[imabell]

bell 206 endorsements are anything from $650 to $850 per hour.
sydney can be cheap, s.e queensland average and further up the coast is usually a bit higher.
all in all not bad prices if you get to do more than a cross country and a couple of circuits.

[Mark Six]

Resettlement training?

[John Eacott]

Reasonable? Current ad hoc charter rates for 206 is $A1100 per hour in Melbourne, and approaching that in Sydney. Too many operators chasing too little work in Sydney, hence the rates vary, but you get what you pay for. Remember, there are only two tried and tested ways to save costs on helicopters...........

[Arm out the window]

Mark Six, yep, that's it! Looking to make myself more employable and get to know a few people in the industry.
Being rotary and fixed wing trained, I'm also trying to get a feel for what may be the better way to jump.

I miss helo flying, but I'm led to believe that it'll be a fairly nomadic existence in the real world, which is something I'm trying to get away from after recent years of long attachments away from the family.

Perhaps instructing will provide some avenues; I enjoy it, but from what I read here and elsewhere, it appears to be viewed as something of a lowly-paid springboard to other jobs, which isn't really what I'm about these days.

Imabell, John Eacott, thanks for your replies.

While I'm on the subject, what about R22 and R44, same idea?

[Aust Pilot]

Helicopter Training Recommendations - Melbourne

I am looking to get a Rotary CPL and am hoping to get some recommendations for Melbourne schools and instructors - or any recommendations of who to steer clear of.
I am doing this as a pleasure pursuit only so the ability to get work with the school after training is not important.

Thanks.

[John Eacott]

Same reply that I give anyone who calls my office. Go for a FW licence via a reputable company, eg Pearson Aviation, since it's cheaper, easier, and gives you a basic airmanship without the aggravation of trying to control a helicopter. Then use the hours FW as a credit to your /H licence, and go to Professional Helicopter Services at Moorabbin, 9580 7433 for your helicopter training.

[Out of Balance]

Austpilot - good advice from John Eacott re FW training first and then going to PHS for RW training. I trained with PHS and found the training and personalities as good as their name suggests.

[Dockside]

Professional Helicopter Services at Moorabbin are the guys to go and see as they have a relatively large training fleet of robbies and do give, as the name implies, a Professional service. They also have theory classes running on site which can be started at any time. The instructors have plenty of patience and will explain everything in a common sense fashion.

[Buckjump]

employed 15yrs+ etc. thanks to PHS.

[Helibiggles]

Personally I wouldn't go near PHS. Fairly expensive and from the people that I met there..fairly up them selves.
I had a better reception at The Helicopter Group next door. They also have very very experienced senior instructors.
Its funny how first impressions count and PHS to me was completely negative.
John Eacotts advise is very sensible and I also suggest the same.
All the best.

[Out of Balance]

Maybe PHS saw your signature.

[Helibiggles]

OOB,
Its just writing on a web page.....designed to evict that kind of response.
As for PHS.
Nothing personal, as I said; the first impression counts. When your looking to spend big bucks, someone sitting down discussing your situation over a coffee is a whole lot more indicative of what their attention to customer service and care is. Also shows that after your licence they may be interested in you for longer than it takes the ink to dry on your final check.
Aust Pilot asked for others experiences and that is mine...
Don't forget to fly safe now....

[Out of Balance]

Forgot to add a - no offence intended helibiggles!

[Aust Pilot]

Thank you for the advise.

I did fixed wing 10 years ago; CPL and MECIR at Peter Bini's - so aviation is not new; only rotary wing.

PHS seems to attract the most positive comments. Any particular instructors you would recommend?

[telboy]

If Brett's fit enough he's an very good instructor. Sam would be my choice, then Luke.