Which country for training?

[Heliport]

Broggie

Better still, click here

Your question has been asked many times before, because of the cost savings. There's a lot of information on that link which will help you decide between the different opinions expressed.

The majority view, in no particular order, seems to be:

Training is a lot cheaper in America, but take into account flight and accommodation costs when you decide where to train.
Don't expect to obtain your PPL(H) in the three weeks many fixed-wing schools advertise - allow for additional accommodation costs.
Wherever you train, you're unlikely to obtain your PPL in the minimum hours. Work on the basis that you'll need at least 45 hours if you do a concentrated course; more if you spread the course over a longer period.
If you decide to learn in the US, do at least some of your ground exams before you go. They can be taken in the UK.
If you train in the US, choose a school which trains on the same type of helicopter as you expect to rent when you get back.
Completely disregard any claims you hear in the UK that training in American schools isn't as good. There's good and bad in both countries, just like everywhere else in the world.

You can fly in the UK on an FAA licence.
Every school in every country will require you to do a check ride before allowing you to rent. If you've trained abroad, a UK school will almost certainly require you to do a couple of hours or so in the local area with an instructor. You'll also be expected to pass the Air Law exam. If the school requires more than that, it's probably worth finding out what another school requires.

NB: Read posts by people who've actually done one or the other to assess how difficult or otherwise it is to convert your licence when you get home.



Heliport