Westland Wasp for PPL(H) training??

[Southern Cross]

I would be interested in people's thoughts on using a Wasp helicopter to train on. I am a fixed wing PPL, mostly a variety of tailwheel types, based SE England. I'd like to now do my PPL(H) and I'd like to enjoy each hour to the greatest extent possible. Long term, I only see myself flying turbine machines.

I have been offered a Wasp helicopter with excellent back up for maintenance, spares etc. Subject to finding an available instructor (anyone know of anyone?) I am considering doing my licence on the Wasp from hour 1. Economically, it actually works out pretty well in comparision with training on an R44 for example, and it is certainly a great deal cheaper than a B206.

Any thoughts or advice regarding the type and the idea of training on it would be greatly appreciated.

SC

[md 600 driver]

heather sugden in yorkshire is a instructor and i think a examiner on the wasp steve

[Thomas coupling]

Watch out for the P2 spiral.:\

Bicycle chain for pitch change on the TRB

Balsa wood TRB's.

Pi** poor endurance.

PIO (pilot induced oscillations) the norm in straight and level flight.

Not the ideal beginner a/c by any stretch of the imagination. Stick with modern simple robust technology.

You are running before you can walk if you ask me.

[Only 300hrs on type].

[Whirlygig]

If PPL(H) training on a Wasp works out favourably with an R44 (which is not a turbine), then it will probably be more expensive than the other main training machines i.e. R22, S300, Enstrom 280 or B47.

Cheers

Whirls

[ambidextrous]

I agree with Thomas Coupling-The engine off performance of a Wasp is not for beginners! I can still remember my first EOL in a Scout (Army equivalent of Wasp) at Middle Wallop (OH happy days!) skidding across the grass at 30kts wondering if I were going to stop before the airfield boundary came up!
Stick to an R22/R44, Bell 47 or 269 is my advice.
with fraternal greetings, ambi

[Southern Cross]

Thanks all. A fairly unified view coming through... Much appreciated - as will be any further comments.

Nearest 269 to me in West London is at Kidlington I believe and I would prefer to be a little closer to London. Nearest Bell 47 is Fairoaks - not too far away but not too cheap either...

If anyone knows of other possibilities on those types I would welcome the information.

Many thanks again.

SC

[Whirlygig]

Denham, Wycombe? Both these places have R22s.

Biggin Hill uses Schweizers.

You might want to consider going further afield and doing your flying full-time or in slightly less intensive blocks - maybe stay a few nights in Oxford? It is so important to get the right school for you that location is often secondary.

Cheers

Whirls

[VeeAny]

DNH @ Redhill use Schweizers too.

[Whirlygig]

I'm sorry V.... how could I forget about you!!! A certain person will now probably have my guts for garters!

Anyway, Biggin are a Schweizer short at the mo as it's in Norwich.

Cheers

Whirls

[VeeAny]

Whirls

Indeed TnT would not be happy, i'm sure.


V.

[avlerx]

I did my PPL-H on a Scout just as the UK License finished. I think you will find that the Wasp/Scout are not on the list for European PPL-H training.

[Gbarral]

Sadly, I think you will find the Wasp is a permit helicopter and therefore cannot be used for training.

Also, in service use you needed 200 hours of flying rotory before they would let you fly a Wasp/Scout becaue they can be a handful.

[FlightOops]

For what it's worth, Thruxton Airfield answers all your needs in one simple package.

1) The WASP is a permit to fly and therefore PPL(H) cannot be performed on it
2) Once you have your PPL(H), you can only do your type rating (10 hours) on a WASP if you own it; part-own it or are intending to buy it (see the appropriate White AIC)
3) (Are we alowed to plug ?) FAST Helicopters will happliy train you to a very high standard for your PPL(H), after which a highly qualified Scout / Wasp instructor will complete your Type Rating followed by test all in-house.
4) Once you're finished, pop over the road and speak to Military Helicopters to collect the Wasp you bought to undertake your Type Rating and discuss the excellent maintenance and support package they offer - what more could you want ? Fries with that ?

Sorry for the blatant plug, but hey, credit where its due and it answers your needs !

FO !

[ppheli]

To correct one bit of info above, I gathered at Helitech from a conversation with Fairoaks based pilot that they no longer offer ab-initio PPLH on the Meccano and GoldFish Bowl. If they are pushed, they'll do a conversion to it, but basically the CFI's instructing and examining time seems to be on Bell turbine machines all over Europe.

Their own yellow/white 47 has been inhibited for over three years, and the customer-owned red/white one is expected to depart for a newly-built hangar before long...

[The Nr Fairy]

Does Mike Green still do Wasp/Scout conversions ?

If the rumours are true, he's perhaps contactable via Helicopter Services at Wycombe.

[Southern Cross]

Thanks again for all the advice and info. I was under the impression that the B47 was still available for ab initio training so will recheck. Thanks for the Thruxton plug. Sadly a little far away from me to be convenient.

SC

[snowrider]

hey southern

My first post on here! Anyway, I live in west london as well, got my PPL(H) last year.

I picked Redhill as its pretty convenient to get to from West London, even without a car. I learnt with Cabair there, but now SFH from London Helicopter Centres. They have a few R22s and are very friendly and professional.

Good luck!