Calling All Helicopter Training Schools
Hi Guys.
Could somebody on the east coast of the USA perhaps offer me some advice?
I have just under 3000 chopper hours(14 years of experience) - all turbine, and about half of that on twins. I have 14 000 hours total time.
For the last 15 years I have been flying fixed wing only outside of the USA on an ICAO licence.
I would like to test for a FAA chopper ATP in the USA somewhere close to Fort Lauderdale - but I would look elsewhere if the rates including accommodation were better.
I already have a FAA fixed wing ATP which has never been renewed since an initial test December 1996 but it should still exempt me from writing the rotary wing ATP exams(I think).
What would be the cheapest way to qualify myself for the FAA Rotary Wing ATP? Is there such a thing as a B206 simulator? I have 500 hrs on the 206.
Or is it cheaper to do a Robbie conversion and train for the IFR test on that?
I have never flown a piston !!!
Subsequent to my flight test I would be looking for a job flying just choppers - probably off-shore IFR, or looking for a job flying both choppers and fixed wing in the USA.
I have 500 hours command time on jet airliners at present.
Age: 50
Any advice would be appreciated - even if it is from a school that is not located on the east coast.
Thank you.