How many schools DO NOT operate the R22 in the UK?

[SEL]

Here is a question, how many flight schools in the UK do not operate the R22? What do they use instead; 300, 47, Enstrom?

There doesn't seem to be an up to date list on the net (including the CAA and BHAB). I reckon it would be interesting to know.

(Perhaps I have too much time on my hands, however...):}

[rotorboater]

Manchester Helicopter school at Barton only operate Enstroms

[Gaseous]

The other school at Barton (Flight Academy??) use Enstrom too.

[Helinut]

An up to date copy of the BHAB Handbook will give you this info for BHAB members - most schools aren't members though.

[puntosaurus]

Flyer (http://www.flyer.co.uk/directory/index.php) magazine has this information online, although it's not organised the way you want it so you'll have to do a little cut and paste. Around London it's mostly R22 with Biggin Hill Helis and Oxford (OATS) on the Schweizer, and Alan Mann at Fairoaks on the Bell 47.

[Jed A1]

AH Helicopters, Devon - S300

Moorgoods, Bodmin - S300

Shoreham Helicopters - Enstrom & S300

DHFS, Shawbury - AS350

[Three Blades]

Bournemouth Helicopters - S300

[Whirlygig]

Sterling in Norwich use the S300 as do Dragon in Sheffield.

Cheers

Whirlygig

[SEL]

So, there are some schools in the UK that manage to operate without the R22. I know that Barton have been using the Enstroms for decades.

Thinking about, Liverpool has a mix of R22 and 300, so maybe the question should be rephrased. Perhaps the question should include schools which do not only use R22 as their primary trainer. As another example, at FAST you could choose from R22, 300, Enstrom and 47.

[The Nr Fairy]

I think it's a bit of a stretch putting DHFS in there - I think they're a bit biased away from anything which isn't multi-purpose (training, liaison etc.), and except for the R44, turbines are the only real choice.

[goose boy]

Worlwide at bournmouth only use the R44 and they seem to be really busy.

Elite helicopters train on

R22

R44

B206 & B206 Longranger

they also offer type conversions onto the AS350

if you pick up a copy of the BHAB it tells you all the operators in the U.k and what aircraft and facilities they can provide

if you like I can post you one

goose boy

[helicopter-redeye]

how many flight schools in the UK do not operate the R22? What do they use instead

The question is ambigious.

Recompute as how many R22s/S300/R44/ Enstroms/ etc are used for training as well and you get a better feel for the underlying data.

One school may run tens of R22s and ten schools may have one S300 each.

h-r:)

[SEL]

Good point H-r. I was leaning towards that in my post further up.

Another one would be Dennis Kenyon, with 300 and Enstrom but he's winding it all up now I believe.

[aeromys]

Do Alan Manns at Fairoaks still run their 47 as a trainer?




Edit - seems they do Alan Mann (http://www.alanmann.co.uk/HelicopterSchool.html)

[ThomasTheTankEngine]

There seems to be a lot more schools now offering more choice of types, Which is real good.

I use to work for MHC about 6 years back, there realy good guys.

[float test]

A lot of the schools mentioned also use R22's.

The R22 is by far the most widely use machine for training

Enstroms are not the only machines at Barton

There is a new helicopter school started at Barton flying R22s and also there is a freelance instructor who has been operating an R22 and other machines out of Barton for at long time

At 100hr less per hour for the robbo than the enstrom i think MHC and FA might feel the pinch

[Jed A1]

I don't think MHC will feel the pinch. You pay for the quality.

[TheFlyingSquirrel]

Well it's all about cost at the end of the day. I've paid for premium training and always felt like i'm just keeping the lights switched on. At the end of the day, contrary to some popular concensus recently here on pprune, you either have to hold the right mentality to be a safe and competent pilot right from the start, or you never will be !

[Gaseous]

TFS.
I trained at both MHS and a robbie outfit at Blackpool and I felt I got good training at both places. It turned out the Enstrom was ideal for my needs and an R22 useless so I was happy to pay the extra. Its not just about costs for everyone. Practicalities figure as well.

[SEL]

I've also noted some schools list other types, say 300 or Enstrom but cannot actually provide them. Either because the aircraft has since gone or the current FI staff isn't rated. Mind you I suppose most new potential pilots will not have an aircraft preference. Still, it is nice to have options, especially if 6'3" and a little on the large side!