JAA approved Type/IR.......abroad

[LittleGreenArrow]

Hi,

As an ex-military mate with ~2,500hrs, I have just obtained my CPL(H), I am looking into self funding a ME type rating and IR so I can jump straight into the charter market. Clearly, an expensive exercise, so I was wondering if you good people out there knew of any European, U.S, Canadian, or any other abroad outfit, that can provide the above cheaper than the UK TRTOs?

Also any top tips.......such as doing the initial IR on a AS355 and then doing the 5hr convert to an S-76C/A109P?

Cheers

LGA

[BHenderson]

Don't know about cheaper.

http://www.airalpha.com/
http://www.specialist-aviation.co.uk/

These two seem to get good reviews.

[FloaterNorthWest]

LittleGreenArrow,
The answer to your question depends on what you want to do once you have your ME rating.
First off I wouldn't go to the expense of a S76 rating, these jobs are few and far between and usually need higher houred pilots. A109 rating would be very useful as there are lots about, especially in Ireland if you are prepared to relocate.
If you want to stay down in LFA 1 area you have quite alot of choices both in the Police/Hems world and in the corporate world around Blackbushe/Denham.
If you are looking at Police/Hems may be worth considering Bond for an EC135 rating and IR in there simulator. If corporate, I would go down the AS355 and IR with someone like PAS (Did my 902/IR/TRE/TRI with them), get into a company and then get any necessary ratings from them. Wherever you go expect to have to wait to get a course.
Going abroad may be cheaper but doing it in UK you make contacts and people will know who has trained you. Turning up at an interview with a cheap JAA rating from a foreign school may put you below other candidates.
My ten pence worth.
FNW

P.S Just read your comment about going into charter so take the Police/Hems with a pinch of salt.

[helicopter-redeye]

Denmark is a civilised country that does not charge VAT on pro training so -17.5% to start.

Try Billund Air Centre for the IR.

h-r

[TiPwEiGhT]

I would stay away from SAS/PAS, heard they've had alot of complaints lately from students due to staffing issues.

TiP:ugh:

[LittleGreenArrow]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Can anyone confirm the requirements to transfer an IR to another type once you hold an IR on a similiar class (Single pilot IFR ME). i.e AS355 to A109? and whether this is included in the new type rating time?

Cheers

[FloaterNorthWest]

LittleGreenArrow,

The link below is for the Heli Training Comm which lays out minimum training for various type ratings.

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/1_2005_H.pdf

From the notes:

a) Holders of ME IR(H) wishing to extend the IR(H) to further ME types shall have an additional 2 hours flight training on type according to IFR which may be conducted in a FS level C/D or FTD level 2.

So AS355 to A109 5hrs training for type + 2hrs for extension of IR to type + LST (including IRT). Therefore looking at about 8:30hrs. A lot of TRTOs have exemptions and these figures can be tailored to the individual and the aircraft type.

It may have changed as I have been out of the training loop for a little while but the beauty of Rotorheads is that there is always someone who is up to date and ready to correct.

FNW

[LittleGreenArrow]

Thanks for the link - v.helpful!

LGA