Starting out on Helicopters?

[Aviator74]

Hello All,

Conundrum.....i already have a JAA fixed wing ATPL and im rated on an A320 but i am interested in gaining my PPL(H) and after asking around i have heard of a number of diffent paths to follow.

Initially i was just looking at doing a JAA course in the UK or abroad somewhere, but a colleague has suggested doing the FAA PPL(H) instead as it means i can fly anything up to 12,000lbs (after getting checked out of course) and that there are no limits on the minimum number of hours needed to stay current just a biannual check.

So i guess im just looking for some of u intelligent chaps to offer your views, especially if u have an FAA PPL(H) and fly in the UK.

Regards.

[helimutt]

I think you just have to decide what you want to fly, how often, where, and whether or not it's worth doing the UK or US licence. You'll have trouble hiring an aircraft in UK with only a US licence I guess, but if you want to fly in the US, then you know which way you need to go.:ok:
At least in UK you'll still only have one exam to do for PPL(H).
As for 'just getting checked out', it's a little bit more complicated than that to get type ratings over here in UK as i'm sure you are aware, and changing types isn't always as easy as some people think. To go from a Robbo to a 109 isn't just a couple of hours training.
PS, Wanting to fly helicopters, have you lost your mind? LOL:E

[Senior Pilot]

Aviator74,

Welcome to Rotorheads: rather than start another thread on the same old subject, maybe you should check the sticky at the top of the forum, So you want to be a helicopter pilot? (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=253856)

In it are links to other threads such as Would you become a professional pilot again? (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=253883) specifically dealing with your enquiry, plus a host of others :ok: