Helicopter Training USA

[gehenna]

Hi Folks

I have just under 2000 hours, mostly on seaplanes, and am considering doing a helicopter rating in the US.

I currently hold an FAA commercial with IR, and am a UK citizen.

Would anyone have any comments about a flight training centre in the US that they would recommend.

Thanks!

[206Fan]

You can find some information Here! (https://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/122944-faq-training-employment-prospects-please-read-before-posting.html)

Hillsboro Academy (https://flyhaa.com/) in Oregon seems to be a popular choice for International Students. There's also Jerry Trimble Helicopters (https://www.jerrytrimblehelicopters.com/) which is highly recommended!

[rudestuff]

Are you going for private or commercial? Have you got a sense of adventure? If so then consider getting a gyro-add on first - you'll avoid all the helicopter solo and PIC requirements (part 61.63) - you just need to train to proficiency.

[Robbiee]

For the lowest price, and a chance to fly with an older pilot who actually has real world experience, try Jerry Trimble in McMinnville, Oregon.

[Ovc000]

Yep Jerry Trimble in McMinnville, you won't regret it.
Not sure about rates but even if it was more expensive than Hillsboro, I would go to Jerry and Alison!

[helisdw]

You could also consider Canada - conversion of an FAA to TC licence just requires a written exam and medical (no flight test):

https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/reference-centre/advisory-circulars/advisory-circular-ac-no-401-001

You’ll get dispensation from some flight time and ground school requirements:

https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/acts-regulations/list-regulations/canadian-aviation-regulations-sor-96-433/standards/standard-421-flight-crew-permits-licences-ratings-canadian-aviation-regulations-cars#421_31

Canadian helicopter instructors tend to be older with an associated significant amount of industry experience. Choose a West coast school and you’ll get some beautiful (and challenging) mountainous terrain that will be similar to the USA’s PNW.

Cost wise, if you’ve got USD to hand then you’ll get extra spending power north of the border!

[206Fan]

Canadian helicopter instructors tend to be older with an associated significant amount of industry experience.

I second that, the main reason I wanted to do my Commercial in Canada. Taught by very experienced instructors and did a fare number of Full Down Autos!

[Robbiee]

I second that, the main reason I wanted to do my Commercial in Canada. Taught by very experienced instructors and did a fare number of Full Down Autos!

You can do full down autos with Jerry in Oregon

,...and afterwards you can go to the air and space museum across the street and see the Spruce Goose. :8

[hargreaves99]

https://palmbeachhelicopters.com/

[Winnie]

If you go the Canadian route you may save quite a few hours!

Convert your fixed wing license, get a rotor add on (requires only 60 hours for CPL).

[tandemonium]

I did my ATP there; wish I had known of them for my initial training. You might also check out https://flypureflight.com if you are interested in the Cabri.

[rudestuff]

If you go the Canadian route you may save quite a few hours!

Convert your fixed wing license, get a rotor add on (requires only 60 hours for CPL).
I heard of a gyro guy who did it in 13 hours..

[Torquetalk]

I‘ll swim against the hour saving advice and give a thumbs up to the go for experienced instruction advice. A background in fixed wing will make the transition to rotary much easier in many respects. But helicopters need time to learn in the low speed flight envelope. Reverting to fixed wing intuitions under stress can be very dangerous. Invest in the hours and enjoy rotorcraft safely.

[gehenna]

Thanks very much to all of you for your advice and opinions!

Time now to go through the links and names you have come up with, and hopefully have a plan.

Cheers!