Helicopter Training in Australia, Victoria

[lacanian]

Hi,
I am currently trying out different schools to complete my PPL (possibly CPL although not likely at this stage).
I have been searching the net and these forums to make sure I have all the schools covered. I live in the western suburbs so I was hoping to find training in Geelong or Essendon. Here is the current list I have compiled. Does anyone have any other schools they can add? (This does not need to be a debate on the best school)
Thanks.

1. ABY Aviation - ABY Aviation - Home (http://www.abyaviation.com/)
2. The Helicopter Group - ABY Aviation - Home (http://www.abyaviation.com/)
3. Melbourne Helicopters / Heli Adventures - Home - Melbourne Helicopters (http://melbourneheli.com/)
4. Professional Helicopter Services - --- PHS Professional Helicopter Services --- (http://phs.com.au/)
5. Kestrel Aviation College- Kestrel Aviation (http://www.kestrelaviation.com.au/)
6. Heli-Serv - Heli-Serv (http://www.heli-serv.com/)
7. Gippsland Helicopters - G*I*P*P*S*L*A*N*D*** h*e*l*i*c*o*p*t*e*r*s* || *Scenic flights throughout Gippsland, Victoria (http://www.gippslandhelicopters.com.au/)

I have been keeping track of prices and other information and thought it may be of help to other people looking.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AivFB_6eZjWgdHZHRGhRak1Sbm9FTFBydlgxZWZvd1E&hl=en (https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AivFB_6eZjWgdHZHRGhRak1Sbm9FTFBydlgxZWZvd1E&hl=en)

Where I am in my search
1. ABY Aviations telephone number was disconnected?
2. I have had a TIF with The Helicopter Group and had a good time.
3. Arranging a TIF
4. I have booked a TIF this week.
5. Kestrel Aviation College only has one instructor working part time. The company doesn't focus on pilot training as much as it did in the past.
6. I called Heli-Serv and was told someone would call me back to arrange a suitable time for my TIF, and that call never came, as well as no reply to my e-mail.
7. Not willing to travel the distance.

[topendtorque]

sometimes it pays to go the extra mile!
cheers tet

[ReverseFlight]

sometimes it pays to go the extra mile!


I would second that. Kestrel is excellent for PPL training.

PHS is also very thorough provided you don't mind that "sausage factory" feel.

[Epiphany]

Avoid any that tell you you'll get a job in the aviation industry once you finish your training.

[industry insider]

Having been in the business 30 years myself, Kestrel or The Helicopter Group are the only ones I would use.

[lacanian]

Thanks for your replys.

I can see The Helicopter Group has a good reputation as a company. I was wondering from your experience which pilots at The Helicopter Group and other academys do you recomend? (I understand I have to evaluate which pilot gells with me th best). At the end of the day you are paying the company to learn from them.

[Heliringer]

Mate, just go and see them, have a good chat and a look around. Spend an hour or so talking with the students, ask about aircraft availability and are there enough instructors around to answer questions etc, this will give you a feel for the place, if you are happy try a TIF (you can log it towards training, so nothing to loose) then if all goes well start your PPL with them.

Good luck with your expensive hobby:ok:

[spinwing]

Mmm ....

I can readily recommend "The Helicopter Group" .... I have known the 'Zipper' for years and seen his organisation grow.

They have the ability to produce a good no nonsense pilot and good credibility within the industry .... with them you will not be disappointed ..... and they will lead you on to you CPL seamlessly once you PPL has been achieved.

:D:D:D