Training, hours building and first job prospects in America
Join Date: Dec 2008
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Sorry I should have been more specific. When I said first job I meant first "real" job. As in already done the instructor route and have gotten to around 1000 hours.
I've looked through the majority of the thread that you are referring to, as well as doing other research, and haven't found exactly the answer i'm looking for. It may very well be in there and I just missed it. If anyone can shed some light on the situation it would be appreciated.
I've looked through the majority of the thread that you are referring to, as well as doing other research, and haven't found exactly the answer i'm looking for. It may very well be in there and I just missed it. If anyone can shed some light on the situation it would be appreciated.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: An Irish dude in Houston, TX. I miss home!!!
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Alright, so you've got your thousand or so. It's probably time to look into the GOM or Vegas tours or something like that. Find out what the hiring minimums are for the big players in that area of the industry that you're interested. Once you meet them, follow their guidelines for applying to them for employment.
I've PM'd you some links that will give you more info for this stuff. Having trained for 200+ hours and instructed through 800 odd hours over the past number of years, I would find it hard to believe that you haven't picked up some contacts along the way that would be able to hook you up with an interview or 2. It's time to start making those calls!!
I've PM'd you some links that will give you more info for this stuff. Having trained for 200+ hours and instructed through 800 odd hours over the past number of years, I would find it hard to believe that you haven't picked up some contacts along the way that would be able to hook you up with an interview or 2. It's time to start making those calls!!
haven't found exactly the answer i'm looking for
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DirtyB,
First you say you want to do the Commercial Helicopter, and when you accrued enough hours etc, etc. Then you state you've already done the instructor route and have a thousand hours?! Which is clearly impossible if you don't have a commercial. Maybe you have a fixed wing cpl/cfi but those hours won't help you.
Until you have a few thousand hours you will have to move where the jobs are, that's what helicopter pilots do.
First you say you want to do the Commercial Helicopter, and when you accrued enough hours etc, etc. Then you state you've already done the instructor route and have a thousand hours?! Which is clearly impossible if you don't have a commercial. Maybe you have a fixed wing cpl/cfi but those hours won't help you.
Until you have a few thousand hours you will have to move where the jobs are, that's what helicopter pilots do.
Last edited by HillerBee; 27th Dec 2008 at 09:25. Reason: spelling
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: An Irish dude in Houston, TX. I miss home!!!
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I'm considering getting my commercial helicopter license.
From what I can tell---he is talking about first "real job" assuming one has a thousand hours----he obviously does not see being a CFI as a real job.
Join Date: Dec 2008
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reading comprehension is fundamental
What ARE you looking for?
Does everyone that works in this industry live near the base? Considering that a lot of operators work 7/7 or 14/14 shifts is it feasible to live in your current location and then fly to and from the base?
Obviously it would be ideal to live nearby but i have more then myself to consider.
First you say you want to do the Commercial Helicopter, and when you accrued enough hours etc, etc. Then you state you've already done the instructor route and have a thousand hours
I'm considering getting my commercial helicopter license. However, one of the main sticking points for me is my inability to relocate far from my current home in Northern California.
Until you have a few thousand hours you will have to move where the jobs are, that's what helicopter pilots do.
Where in Nor-cal are you?
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"Between ENG, tours, and police work there is a good amount of helicopter traffic. Especially when you add in Oakland and the surronding areas. However, I realize there is no way I would get any of those positions right after being a CFI."
Yes you can get these positions after working as a CFI, but police might not be too easy to get into.
As said before, you should be willing to travel anywhere!
Yes you can get these positions after working as a CFI, but police might not be too easy to get into.
As said before, you should be willing to travel anywhere!
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: An Irish dude in Houston, TX. I miss home!!!
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When I said first job I meant first "real" job. As in already done the instructor route and have gotten to around 1000 hours.
Having done my training in Fresno, there didn't seem like too many options in that area after instructing. Most of my buddies moved away to either Vegas or the Gulf. I do know one girl who went instructing down in L.A and has gotten into some sort of tour flying through her contacts. I know one other who got to do some frost protection flying which is pretty common around your area in the winter. Through that kind of work you could make the contacts needed to end up flying AG. But with AG flying, be prepared to spend at least a year on the ground doing the grunt work before they let you start flying for them(You may get to ferry the ship to and from the site).
What I AM looking for an answer to this question:
Does everyone that works in this industry live near the base? Considering that a lot of operators work 7/7 or 14/14 shifts is it feasible to live in your current location and then fly to and from the base?
Does everyone that works in this industry live near the base? Considering that a lot of operators work 7/7 or 14/14 shifts is it feasible to live in your current location and then fly to and from the base?
Does this answer your question?
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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Instrument Training in a 300C in Los Angeles?
Does anyone know if there is a place in the Los Angeles area where I could do my instrument training in a 300C? Seems like the majority of the schools use the R44 with a few using R22's. Would prefer to continue to fly the 300C hence the original question.
Thanks
Thanks
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Thank you Stoey,
Right now there seems to be three schools out of Van Nuys: Group 3, Orbic Air and Twin Air... all teach Instrument in the R44. Group 3 has three or four CBI heli's but they are not full instrument equipped... Orbic has one 300C but I have not seen the ship in person yet to see what instruments it has but was told that they teach instrument in the R44. Twin Air is all Robinson. So in the end, it may just have to be in a R44, but I'm old fashioned and like the cyclic between my legs, lol, have never liked the whole Robinson teetering t-bar set up and I don't plan on flying Robbies after the whole affair, so don't care about Robinson hours.... so I guess we'll see, if I track one down I'll post it here...
Right now there seems to be three schools out of Van Nuys: Group 3, Orbic Air and Twin Air... all teach Instrument in the R44. Group 3 has three or four CBI heli's but they are not full instrument equipped... Orbic has one 300C but I have not seen the ship in person yet to see what instruments it has but was told that they teach instrument in the R44. Twin Air is all Robinson. So in the end, it may just have to be in a R44, but I'm old fashioned and like the cyclic between my legs, lol, have never liked the whole Robinson teetering t-bar set up
and I don't plan on flying Robbies after the whole affair, so don't care about Robinson hours.... so I guess we'll see, if I track one down I'll post it here...
New School Program in California
This program being allied with a State Supported College should (fingers crossed) a professional program with good oversight of the operation. One would be wise to do an assessment prior to committing any money to the operation.
College of Sequoias Launches Helicopter Flight Training Program in Visalia and Paso Robles, California
College of Sequoias Launches Helicopter Flight Training Program in Visalia and Paso Robles, California
Friday, April 10, 2009 - College of Sequoias
The College of the Sequoias is proud to announce the addition of a new helicopter flight training program. The college is partnering with Blue Sky Aviation of Tulare, California to bring this unique training program to Central California. Blue Sky Aviation has a reputation for integrity and quality instruction that made them a natural partner in this venture.
The new program will offer a certificate and associate of science degree as a professional pilot – helicopter. All courses and training are FAA Part 141 approved. This program was designed as a fast-paced academy format. The total completion time is 9 1/2 months to earn all pilot ratings up to certified flight instructor – instrument. Students complete both flight and ground instruction through the college. After completing the helicopter pilot courses, students may then complete their general education courses to earn an associate degree. It is important to get students the helicopter flying skills first, so the students can work as flight instructors to build experience while completing their general education requirements.
To insure that all students have access to acceptable weather, the college will operate concurrently in Paso Robles and Visalia, California. Tule fog settles in the central San Joaquin Valley during the winter months, making training unpredictable at the Visalia campus. As a result, classes have been structured to avoid training during the months of December, January and February in Visalia.
Housing is available for students in the Paso Robles campus, so students can relocate easily. Paso Robles is located within 30 miles of the Pacific Ocean, but protected from coastal fog affecting most of California's coastline. With over 340 days of sunshine, students in Paso Robles essentially do not have weather restrictions and make it an ideal flight training location.
The school has significant financial aid resources available to help keep the training costs low for students. In addition to federal grants and scholarships, the school has access to several lending institutions that are still willing to support accredited college programs. While students still have access to the SallieMae career training loan, there are other lending options available to flight training students at the College of the Sequoias.
Veterans may use their benefits at the College of the Sequoias program to save 60% on all training costs beyond the private pilot certificate. This savings, coupled with other financial aid, make the out of pocket cost for veterans significantly lower than non GI Bill eligible students.
International students are welcome to train under the College's F-1 Visa program. Students may stay for up to 4 years while they are enrolled in courses leading to a degree. During this time, students may work in their degree field to build experience. The school is currently working on work-study programs for qualified foriegn nationals that participate in the training program allowing non U.S. citizens to build experience as part of the training program. It is expected this training component will be available in 2010.
Classes start June 8th, 2009 at both Paso Robles and Visalia.
Friday, April 10, 2009 - College of Sequoias
The College of the Sequoias is proud to announce the addition of a new helicopter flight training program. The college is partnering with Blue Sky Aviation of Tulare, California to bring this unique training program to Central California. Blue Sky Aviation has a reputation for integrity and quality instruction that made them a natural partner in this venture.
The new program will offer a certificate and associate of science degree as a professional pilot – helicopter. All courses and training are FAA Part 141 approved. This program was designed as a fast-paced academy format. The total completion time is 9 1/2 months to earn all pilot ratings up to certified flight instructor – instrument. Students complete both flight and ground instruction through the college. After completing the helicopter pilot courses, students may then complete their general education courses to earn an associate degree. It is important to get students the helicopter flying skills first, so the students can work as flight instructors to build experience while completing their general education requirements.
To insure that all students have access to acceptable weather, the college will operate concurrently in Paso Robles and Visalia, California. Tule fog settles in the central San Joaquin Valley during the winter months, making training unpredictable at the Visalia campus. As a result, classes have been structured to avoid training during the months of December, January and February in Visalia.
Housing is available for students in the Paso Robles campus, so students can relocate easily. Paso Robles is located within 30 miles of the Pacific Ocean, but protected from coastal fog affecting most of California's coastline. With over 340 days of sunshine, students in Paso Robles essentially do not have weather restrictions and make it an ideal flight training location.
The school has significant financial aid resources available to help keep the training costs low for students. In addition to federal grants and scholarships, the school has access to several lending institutions that are still willing to support accredited college programs. While students still have access to the SallieMae career training loan, there are other lending options available to flight training students at the College of the Sequoias.
Veterans may use their benefits at the College of the Sequoias program to save 60% on all training costs beyond the private pilot certificate. This savings, coupled with other financial aid, make the out of pocket cost for veterans significantly lower than non GI Bill eligible students.
International students are welcome to train under the College's F-1 Visa program. Students may stay for up to 4 years while they are enrolled in courses leading to a degree. During this time, students may work in their degree field to build experience. The school is currently working on work-study programs for qualified foriegn nationals that participate in the training program allowing non U.S. citizens to build experience as part of the training program. It is expected this training component will be available in 2010.
Classes start June 8th, 2009 at both Paso Robles and Visalia.
Join Date: Apr 2009
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florida
anyone done some or all training with the helicopter academy in palm beach?also known as boat-pix.com
would like to hear about good and bad experiences
especially before i spend my life savings(and a few more besides)from zero to helo,pilot
would like to hear about good and bad experiences
especially before i spend my life savings(and a few more besides)from zero to helo,pilot
Join Date: Apr 2008
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not familiar with boat pix but done some hour building with ocean helicopters at west palm beach..... perhaps they have changed names???? all good there and i hear good reports from cloud 9 who operate from the same air field.
Hovering AND talking
Join Date: Feb 2003
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As far I am aware, Boatpix is a separate company to Ocean Helicopters.
Heliwanab, are you after an FAA licence or JAA as boatpix don't do JAA.
The main issue with Boatpix has been JAA hour-building pilots logging PIC time under FAA rules; you'll need to be clear which licence you wish to obtain and how you want to use that licence.
Cheers
Whirls
Heliwanab, are you after an FAA licence or JAA as boatpix don't do JAA.
The main issue with Boatpix has been JAA hour-building pilots logging PIC time under FAA rules; you'll need to be clear which licence you wish to obtain and how you want to use that licence.
Cheers
Whirls
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As an ex-instructor at Ocean, I can tell you they are seperate from Boatpix.
All I can (unbiasedly) recommend is phone around.
I say that (biasedly), because I have a great respect for Ocean, as do many others in the industry, and think you'll be impressed.
I'll say no more.....
All I can (unbiasedly) recommend is phone around.
I say that (biasedly), because I have a great respect for Ocean, as do many others in the industry, and think you'll be impressed.
I'll say no more.....
Join Date: Apr 2008
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il second that i found the whole faa versus jaa thing a mine field and to this day do not understand it all..... i did some robinson training at ocean and it was a productive time.... although i logged the hours in my book they did not count towards hours for my r22 r44 type conversion. no training is wasted in my book its all good.... i did go on the impression that the hours would count towards my type rating though.
so before parting with cash establish exactly which licence you want before going for it.
so before parting with cash establish exactly which licence you want before going for it.