EI-CRD
No plans of going commercial with it, probably won't have time for a full PPL so it's just a taster for fun, will probably do 20 hours or so while we are there. There are a few of us who want to give it a go.
Given those factors, I wouldn't bother with the R22. I'd seriously consider doing some hours in a Bell 47.
Wonderful helicopter; prohibitively expensive in the UK but excellent value for money in America. The Bell 47 is slightly more expensive than an R22, but worth every penny. You should be able to negotiate about $300 per hr - particularly as a group.
I can recommend:
Dutch Country Helicopters at Lancaster Regional Airport, PA - about 1½ hrs easy drive from Philadelphia.
Excellent instruction, good facilities and superb customer service.
Darren999 who posts in this forum is (or was?) the CFI. Lancaster isn't the most attractive of cities but the surrounding area is pleasant and, being in the heart of Amish country, very interesting -
Witness (Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis) was filmed there.
Blue Ridge Helicopters, Stephens City, Virginia, about 70 miles west of Washington, DC. Flying in the Shenandoah Valley and over the Blue Ridge Mountains is beautiful. You'd need to check if it still exists - I think the owner may have retired.
Ryan Rotors, Plymouth MA.
I had to cancel my flight but, having visited the school, spoken to the owner and seen the helicopter, I would have been happy to fly there.
(I'd also keep some money back to do an hour in a Bell Jetranger at the end.)
FL