MikeB,
As Pandalet shows you brief breakdown, just to get idea.
I wouldn't say that the 100hrs hourbuilding is productive, regarding heli flying, although maybe part of JAA requirements. When I flew heli in the US, students did their solo circuits, PPL, XC solo etc, that's qualifying for CPL issue, but flew with instructors a lot, to chisel their skills. Maybe the PIC time after PPL FAA thing has something to do with it.
Assume you'd go to the US, to one of the 'past J1' school, currently using F1 as a patch, long story the reasons behind, Bristow Academy or Hillsboro Aviation (well, before you ask, Pelican in Florida use/d fixed wing J/F1 for heli students, but that's not too kosher from what I read and understand).
It'd cost you in the region of 70-90k USD (incl expenses) to finish up with 150 or 200hrs, so that you can instruct in R22 - again, FAA regulations, not just plain CPL with 150ish hours.
Same or bit more for Bristow. That's not including JAA IR(H), which is a long shot, for low hour pilots, to fast-track their way to co-joe seat in North Sea.
Instructing in Europe is safer bet, but then, you'd need to spend more on hour building towards higher hour requirements.
Depending on exchange rate, you can work it out yourself.
The '2 year thing' aka current F1 with two of these heli schools, would give you possibility/option to apply for and get heli instructing job. Again, very fierce competition for that in US. You aren't bound by the same school, you can look for job elsewhere so long your school sponsoring visa is in the loop. It's more restrictive, F1 now, that the J1 was, so beware of the rules.
As for maxing up credit cards. Ehrm, you may get away with 10-15k if you plan it, before the lenders get the gist and stop increasing the limits or decide not to give you another loan/card. Lending got more limited after credit issues in country and tons of people filing for bankruptcy. You can build your credit history, when you work, use the cards, etc. As way to do the whole training? Not likely. Short term help to finish up that one rating near completion - YES. Strategic plan to do whole lot on it and then wash your hands? - NO.
EDIT: Just noticed the title of thread yours was merged into. Disregard US stuff.
Last edited by MartinCh; 22nd Jul 2010 at 12:28.