Fixed-wing or Rotary career? (incl Changing licence to Rotary)
Join Date: Aug 2000
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I did the same thing just before JAR came in but I don't think that the regs have changed that much. I was allowed 5 hours off the rotary PPL course and the only extra exam I had to do was the helicopter tech one. Budget around £10k for the whole thing, and don't do what I did and assume you will complete it in the minimum hours - very few do.
There are rotary training schools at Coventry, Wolverhampton, Shobdon. East Mids, Nottingham, Wellesbourne, Tatenhill to name but a few. Depends which side of Bham you live. You will enjoy it!
There are rotary training schools at Coventry, Wolverhampton, Shobdon. East Mids, Nottingham, Wellesbourne, Tatenhill to name but a few. Depends which side of Bham you live. You will enjoy it!
Join Date: Jan 2006
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You get credited with 10% of your fixed-wing PIC time, up to a maximum of 6 hours (so absolute minimum is 39 hours). You must also sit 1. Aircraft General & Principles of Flight, and 2. Flight Performance & Planning. You must do a minimum of 20 hours Dual.
Certain examiners also deem it unnecessary to undertake the solo x-country qualifier, however I have not seen that written down anywhere. I would suggest checking with the CAA.
I have trained a few fixed-wing converts in various helicopters, professional pilots and high-time recreational flyers. Although they managed it in minimum time it was a squeeze, and they all felt that it was considerably harder (but also more rewarding) than learning fixed-wing.
Costs depend on type, ballpark figures are £200-230 R22, £230-270 H269, £350ish R44 (all ex VAT)
Certain examiners also deem it unnecessary to undertake the solo x-country qualifier, however I have not seen that written down anywhere. I would suggest checking with the CAA.
I have trained a few fixed-wing converts in various helicopters, professional pilots and high-time recreational flyers. Although they managed it in minimum time it was a squeeze, and they all felt that it was considerably harder (but also more rewarding) than learning fixed-wing.
Costs depend on type, ballpark figures are £200-230 R22, £230-270 H269, £350ish R44 (all ex VAT)
Join Date: Dec 2004
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For legal requirements check LASORS 2006 (www.caa.co.uk) download. For training a JAA PPL(H) with a JAA PPL(A):
Flight training credits:
10% total time (Fixed Wing) or a maximum of 6 hours (leaving you with 39 to complete the licence)
Ground Exams Credits
All you need to take are:
Aircraft General / Principle of Flight (Helicopters)
Flight Performance & Planning
These are the minimum regs.
Flight training credits:
10% total time (Fixed Wing) or a maximum of 6 hours (leaving you with 39 to complete the licence)
Ground Exams Credits
All you need to take are:
Aircraft General / Principle of Flight (Helicopters)
Flight Performance & Planning
These are the minimum regs.
Don't expect fixed wing flying to help you out much when it comes to hleicopters - completely different, although general air experience, rules and regs, nav, met etc will help. Its going to be very expensive - if you get a month off it would be cheaper to go to the US - about half the price. You might be able to do a JAA PPL(H) there but I wouldn't bother - get an FAA one (JAA is restricted to type but FAA lets you fly anything under 12,500lbs)
Cheaper to get (FAA has no license issue fees), cheaper to maintain (fly with a CFI every 24months and you're good to go) and its perfectly valid in the UK.
Cheaper to get (FAA has no license issue fees), cheaper to maintain (fly with a CFI every 24months and you're good to go) and its perfectly valid in the UK.
Join Date: Jan 2006
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If you take the route rudestuff suggests, may I suggest you first visit the schools you will be wanting to hire from on your return to the UK.
Many schools are unaware of the finer points of licence recognition and in any event are within their rights to impose any number of restrictions before hiring you an aircraft.
Some schools are very good about it, others not so. The cost of either:
1. Travelling to a FAA friendly school everytime you want to fly; or
2. Complying with the schools requirements
may make the cost savings somewhat less.
Also even though you would be within your rights to fly in the UK on your fresh FAA licence, whether you feel comfortable doing so may be another matter entirely! Airspace and procedure is considerably different
Edit
Actually, you already have fixed-wing experience in the UK so that negates my last comment to a large degree
Many schools are unaware of the finer points of licence recognition and in any event are within their rights to impose any number of restrictions before hiring you an aircraft.
Some schools are very good about it, others not so. The cost of either:
1. Travelling to a FAA friendly school everytime you want to fly; or
2. Complying with the schools requirements
may make the cost savings somewhat less.
Also even though you would be within your rights to fly in the UK on your fresh FAA licence, whether you feel comfortable doing so may be another matter entirely! Airspace and procedure is considerably different
Edit
Actually, you already have fixed-wing experience in the UK so that negates my last comment to a large degree
Join Date: May 2005
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I loved flying the 150 and PA-28 x-c and got together with friends at least once a week to go somewhere, anywhere. Also made quite a few solo x-c flights just to see the country. I'm not sure why but one day a few months ago I thought it would be fun to take an intro ride in an R22. I've flown just a few hours fixed wing since, and am about to take my checkride for the helicopter add-on rating. Like the others said, it is expensive. But worth every dime. I suspect that the whirly girls will second that.
The only advice I can offer is to find an instructor you're comfortable with. You'll know pretty quickly if he/she isn't right for you and don't be shy about changing.
Don't think about the amount of money you're spending while training. It's an obscene amount, but worth every dime.
The only advice I can offer is to find an instructor you're comfortable with. You'll know pretty quickly if he/she isn't right for you and don't be shy about changing.
Don't think about the amount of money you're spending while training. It's an obscene amount, but worth every dime.
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cheers for the info guys. I did my PPL (A) in the states, so I have experience of the uk and the US , with regards to the FAA/JAA licence, is there any difference in the training and cost, or is it a fairly similar sylabus, as I would really prefer the JAA licence as I will spend most time in europe and it will probably make life easier regarding hiring aircraft etc. Just out of interest are there many JAA US schools around?
I was reading somewhere that if you want to go commercial, you can skip the PPL and just do the commercial training instead? don't knnow how true this is but sounds a bit bizzare to me?
, with regards to the FAA/JAA licence, is there any difference in the training and cost, or is it a fairly similar sylabus, as I would really prefer the JAA licence as I will spend most time in europe and it will probably make life easier regarding hiring aircraft etc. Just out of interest are there many JAA US schools around? I was reading somewhere that if you want to go commercial, you can skip the PPL and just do the commercial training instead? don't knnow how true this is but sounds a bit bizzare to me?
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I was reading somewhere that if you want to go commercial, you can skip the PPL and just do the commercial training instead? don't knnow how true this is but sounds a bit bizzare to me?
I recommend downloading LASORS 2006 as it will answer most of your licencing questions
Join Date: Aug 2005
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Fixed Wing to rotary
Hey Guys,
Does anyone now what training credits converting from full ATPL fixed wing to rotary. Heard CHC where running a sponsered IR propgram?
Cheers In advance
Does anyone now what training credits converting from full ATPL fixed wing to rotary. Heard CHC where running a sponsered IR propgram?
Cheers In advance
Join Date: May 2002
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Am in the same boat. Need to convert onto flingwings ( PPL(H) )and would appreciate any info on credits.
Could anyone point me to a website that spells it out please? Drawn a blank so far.
Ta.
FW
Could anyone point me to a website that spells it out please? Drawn a blank so far.
Ta.
FW
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I am a current B737 Captain with Southwest Airlines in the US. Looking back on my career...The most fun working with the best people was a two season stint flying the bush in a Highes 500D in Alaska during the late 70s early 80s. Not that I don't work with a good bunch now but I remember the times fondly
Clint
Clint
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Sounds interesting and I was considering the option to do the commercial add-on on my FAA license. This b/c www.heli.com offers the program for almost the same price as the private program for FAA PPL(H).
I already posses an written ATPL(A) and if I am right I'll get credits for 11 subjects??? I only have to do "Performance", "Principles of flight" and "Aircraft general knowledge"?
I
I already posses an written ATPL(A) and if I am right I'll get credits for 11 subjects??? I only have to do "Performance", "Principles of flight" and "Aircraft general knowledge"?
I
Can an old dog learn new tricks?
I am a 50+ experienced fixed-wing, instrument rated CPL.
I romped through pilot training as a 25 year old, but am I now too old to learn to fly a helicopter?
My current thinking is to buy an R44 and learn to fly it.
Anyone care to recommend a helicopter flying instructor in Qld? I am looking for someone with the grey hair that comes with lots of experience - and I suspect they will need to be very patient!
Dr
I romped through pilot training as a 25 year old, but am I now too old to learn to fly a helicopter?
My current thinking is to buy an R44 and learn to fly it.
Anyone care to recommend a helicopter flying instructor in Qld? I am looking for someone with the grey hair that comes with lots of experience - and I suspect they will need to be very patient!
Dr
FTDK, Frank Robbinson made the comment that the most dangerous helicopter pilot, is a fixed wing pilot. (I think I saw it in the back of a R22 flight manual)
Last edited by Flying Binghi; 18th Jan 2008 at 06:23. Reason: Spelling
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FTDK, Tub Mathieson (sp) at Chopperline Caloundra. Old info and may well be out of date. Much is made of a FW swapping over but I don't see it as any great problem. Good luck and enjoy the experience, as I'm sure you will.
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This old dog did...
I am 51 and also was an instrument rated Bonanza and Barron driver since I was 22. Got the chopper bug at 45 and had no problem adding on the rating. Made me feel very small and humble during the process though. I put 600 hours on my R22 before going to a R44 I have about 800 R44 hours and took delivery of my New ship last July. I gave up the fixed wing. It really no longer interests me and I dont feel as safe in the airplane. The utility of flying from home to landing right at fishing and hunting camp is great. Give it a try, you'll get hooked and your not too old.
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first post from a newbie :p
i'm 19 (living in Belgium) and thinking of going into rotary but with the same amount of money (which I'm still figuring out how to get together
) I could just as easily go for ATPL(A), earn the money back, live in a house (not in a car from what i've read so far). and just wait a while to then go into rotary. It would take a while longer but I'd be flying
(and living in that house)
so to all of you rotary pilots (lucky guys): what would you suggest/do?
PS: i know there's a thread about "would you do it again". but there's a slight nuance to this question.
) I could just as easily go for ATPL(A), earn the money back, live in a house (not in a car from what i've read so far). and just wait a while to then go into rotary. It would take a while longer but I'd be flying (and living in that house)so to all of you rotary pilots (lucky guys): what would you suggest/do?
PS: i know there's a thread about "would you do it again". but there's a slight nuance to this question.