Training, hours building and first job prospects in America
Join Date: Oct 2001
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Pompano Helicopters
Hi!
Has anyone of you experience with this place in Florida or heared how they are?? Looking for a place to get more training and possibly want to start working there as a CFI.
any comments welcome!
Thanx,
flyheli
Has anyone of you experience with this place in Florida or heared how they are?? Looking for a place to get more training and possibly want to start working there as a CFI.
any comments welcome!
Thanx,
flyheli
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Georgia
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Hey,
I've never done any training there but haven't heard any good things about them either. I did hear that it wasn't run very well.
To be fair, you should make your own judgement. I do like volar helicopters. They're just across the freeway from them.
nik.
I've never done any training there but haven't heard any good things about them either. I did hear that it wasn't run very well.
To be fair, you should make your own judgement. I do like volar helicopters. They're just across the freeway from them.
nik.
Helicopter Pilots Get It Up Quicker
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New York Schools
Can anyone recommend a good, sensible, safe school in the NY area who could do me a Bi Annual and check out for renting.
Can anyone give me an idea how restrictive SFH is around the city currently? Is it relaxed enough for us to do a sightseeing trip?
And yes - it will be cheaper than doing an organised tour and I get my biannual done too!
PM if you prefer or think you might be advertising!
Can anyone give me an idea how restrictive SFH is around the city currently? Is it relaxed enough for us to do a sightseeing trip?
And yes - it will be cheaper than doing an organised tour and I get my biannual done too!
PM if you prefer or think you might be advertising!
Join Date: Jan 2003
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NY schools
There was a post on JH a while ago where someone posted the following list of NY schools;
Helicopter Flight Services
68 Stacy Haines Road
Medford NJ
08055-4106
USA
Contact: Doug Herlihy
Phone: 609 265 0822
Fax: 609 923 3228
KD Helicopters
38 Hope Road
P.O. Box 247
Blairstown NJ
07825-0247
USA
Contact: Kim Darst
Phone: 908 362 6277
Fax: 908 362 6277
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kdhelicopters.com
New England Helicopters
84 Citation Drive
Washingtonville NY
10992
USA
Contact: Bob Warfield
Phone: 845 462 6115
Fax: 845 497 7003
Email: [email protected]
Centennial Helicopters, Inc.
49 Miry Brook Road
Danbury CT
06810
USA
Contact: Michael DiMarchi
Phone: 203 798 9632
Fax: 203 798 9673
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.centennialhelicopters.com
HELICOPTER FLIGHT TRAINING INC.
2111 SMITHTOWN AVE
RONKONKOMA, NY 11779-7364
Helicopter Flight Services
68 Stacy Haines Road
Medford NJ
08055-4106
USA
Contact: Doug Herlihy
Phone: 609 265 0822
Fax: 609 923 3228
KD Helicopters
38 Hope Road
P.O. Box 247
Blairstown NJ
07825-0247
USA
Contact: Kim Darst
Phone: 908 362 6277
Fax: 908 362 6277
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kdhelicopters.com
New England Helicopters
84 Citation Drive
Washingtonville NY
10992
USA
Contact: Bob Warfield
Phone: 845 462 6115
Fax: 845 497 7003
Email: [email protected]
Centennial Helicopters, Inc.
49 Miry Brook Road
Danbury CT
06810
USA
Contact: Michael DiMarchi
Phone: 203 798 9632
Fax: 203 798 9673
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.centennialhelicopters.com
HELICOPTER FLIGHT TRAINING INC.
2111 SMITHTOWN AVE
RONKONKOMA, NY 11779-7364
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Employment prospects in US/Canada etc - PLEASE HELP
Hi, i am considering going to train as a helicopter instructor/commercial pilot in the U.S. next year (I am currently doing my PPL in the UK), I have been told (by the flying school i am planning to go to) that employment prospects for heli instructors in the US are good. Before I pay about 40,000 dollars I want to find out if this is true and also what the prospects for employment as an instructor or a commercial pilot are like in the US/Canada and Central&South America. (or anywhere else in the world)
I plan to go to the US on a 2 year 'J1' visa (as i am a UK citizen). I am concerned that after my 6 months training I wont be able to get an instructor job, and also, I am concerned that after gaining about 1000 hours instructing and my J1 visa has expired I wont be able to get further employment.
If anyone out there can give me some advice, I'd really appreciate it
Thanks
Dave Smith
I plan to go to the US on a 2 year 'J1' visa (as i am a UK citizen). I am concerned that after my 6 months training I wont be able to get an instructor job, and also, I am concerned that after gaining about 1000 hours instructing and my J1 visa has expired I wont be able to get further employment.
If anyone out there can give me some advice, I'd really appreciate it
Thanks
Dave Smith
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Dave,
I trained in the U.S. at HAI about 10 years ago and now work in the industry back in Ireland. People often ask me about this stuff.
I always say that if youre going to do it then go there and get your CAA license while youre at it.The decision to make is not where to go but if to go. Talk to as many guys in the north sea, flying charter, police etc. as you can, and decide if what they are up to is where you want to end up.
HAI is a great school and will match your effort. Over the years guys go there and achieve different results. A lot of it is down to how you apply yourself.... keep your mouth closed and your head down. There are guys who have applied themselves and made the right choices and didnt get where they really wanted...you do need luck chasing jobs etc.... but most guys who stick with it over five to ten years eventually get there. There are instructor jobs and you have to chase them. Having done your ppl in the uk first is smart as it will give you more time to instruct and build those hours. The industry is always cyclical and timing is important... if you hit a lull then you may have to be patient....
Best of Luck.
I trained in the U.S. at HAI about 10 years ago and now work in the industry back in Ireland. People often ask me about this stuff.
I always say that if youre going to do it then go there and get your CAA license while youre at it.The decision to make is not where to go but if to go. Talk to as many guys in the north sea, flying charter, police etc. as you can, and decide if what they are up to is where you want to end up.
HAI is a great school and will match your effort. Over the years guys go there and achieve different results. A lot of it is down to how you apply yourself.... keep your mouth closed and your head down. There are guys who have applied themselves and made the right choices and didnt get where they really wanted...you do need luck chasing jobs etc.... but most guys who stick with it over five to ten years eventually get there. There are instructor jobs and you have to chase them. Having done your ppl in the uk first is smart as it will give you more time to instruct and build those hours. The industry is always cyclical and timing is important... if you hit a lull then you may have to be patient....
Best of Luck.
Join Date: Feb 2002
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I'm sure if you have at least "average" ability you will have no problem getting job flight instructing, there are tons of schools looking for people. I don't know if I would call it a job though, you get paid very poorly and when there are no students you don't get paid at all, But it seems to be the only choice for many.
About getting a job afterwards, that's whole different story, it varies widely from country to country, but at least in the US I know that with 1 year left on a J1 your chances are slim for anything more than flight instructing.
Good Luck
About getting a job afterwards, that's whole different story, it varies widely from country to country, but at least in the US I know that with 1 year left on a J1 your chances are slim for anything more than flight instructing.
Good Luck
Join Date: Jun 2002
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The job situation in Canada is pretty pathetic right now. The fixed wing market is attrocious with many new pilots working as dispatchers and dock-hands at fly in lodges etc. with the hope that in one or two years they will get a right hand seat and then maybe a few years later the left hand seat.
There is a possibility that the rotary market will be short of experience very soon.
So, basically, give Canada a miss right now.
Just heard the worst possible rumour that Air Canada are going to lay off approximately 800 pilots. When they flood the market then there will be no room for any pilots coming into Canada. Immigration may even disallow applications for residency if you are a pilot and looking for work in Canada.
There is a possibility that the rotary market will be short of experience very soon.
So, basically, give Canada a miss right now.
Just heard the worst possible rumour that Air Canada are going to lay off approximately 800 pilots. When they flood the market then there will be no room for any pilots coming into Canada. Immigration may even disallow applications for residency if you are a pilot and looking for work in Canada.
Last edited by KENNYR; 21st May 2003 at 05:55.
When have Immigration Canada EVER been encouraging of pilots coming to Canada?
Never in my experience.
From a helo perspective if you have a 1000hrs of anything rotary then Canada is a perfect place to be. They are screaming for experienced drivers at the moment due to the hike in insurance rates.
Never in my experience.
From a helo perspective if you have a 1000hrs of anything rotary then Canada is a perfect place to be. They are screaming for experienced drivers at the moment due to the hike in insurance rates.
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That's right! I have a Mexican friend who got called to work down there doing the heliski thing in 212's (whistler) because they a slight shortage of experienced people. Seem CA could be a good place.
Join Date: Nov 2002
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Unfortunately I may not sound so optimistic on this one, I have known a lot of people taking out large loans to learn to fly helicopters, and then not been able to finish there training due to under budgeting, or else getting a CFI job that will leave you struggling to live off, not to mention pay back a loan.
Flight schools are always going to tell you what you want to hear, obviously because it’s in there interest. Of course there are some success stories but for every success story..........
If this was the case how come there are so many 1000+ hour CFI's out there? And they are the lucky ones who get jobs were they get to do a bit of flying, some schools you may just end up being an extremely poorly paid receptionist and you may get an hours flying in here and there.
Then when your visa is up all you have is a huge debt and nothing on the horizon to look foward to then sitting in groundschool for 800+ hours for the JAA exams, if your still interested in the business and you can afford to.
It’s a harsh business to get involved in and the sad truth is, if you can not afford it, you cannot do it.
Flight schools are always going to tell you what you want to hear, obviously because it’s in there interest. Of course there are some success stories but for every success story..........
If this was the case how come there are so many 1000+ hour CFI's out there? And they are the lucky ones who get jobs were they get to do a bit of flying, some schools you may just end up being an extremely poorly paid receptionist and you may get an hours flying in here and there.
Then when your visa is up all you have is a huge debt and nothing on the horizon to look foward to then sitting in groundschool for 800+ hours for the JAA exams, if your still interested in the business and you can afford to.
It’s a harsh business to get involved in and the sad truth is, if you can not afford it, you cannot do it.
I would do some serious homework FIRST before setting out on this adventure, and then get a 2nd and a 3rd opinion! I suspect if you are already a helicopter pilot (PPL) then you might not get the work permit from the INS, you might have to be enrolled in the whole CPL course first (and not PPL to CPL) to qualify for working privileges in the US. Anyway, that is what I was told by a few reputable flight schools. So I'd be aware before setting out, things will never go smoothly and according to plan when you eventually get to the US, you can be assured of that!!
IHL:
It is exactly the same process for a Canadian to head down under. Most under 30 get in with the 1yr working visa so they can enjoy a working holiday in NZ and OZ.
As for pilots - same hassles to immigrate but there really isn't the capacity in the industry there to accomodate foreign pilots to the equivalent numbers of antipodeans that come to Canada.
But! there are plenty of Japanese and German pilots in NZ and I know that Marty C from Airbourne spent quite a bit of time flying in the outback. Canadians are predominant in PNG as well.
Additionally there are a few canuks flying fixed wing for the likes of Quantas and other regionals.
It is exactly the same process for a Canadian to head down under. Most under 30 get in with the 1yr working visa so they can enjoy a working holiday in NZ and OZ.
As for pilots - same hassles to immigrate but there really isn't the capacity in the industry there to accomodate foreign pilots to the equivalent numbers of antipodeans that come to Canada.
But! there are plenty of Japanese and German pilots in NZ and I know that Marty C from Airbourne spent quite a bit of time flying in the outback. Canadians are predominant in PNG as well.
Additionally there are a few canuks flying fixed wing for the likes of Quantas and other regionals.
Join Date: Feb 2001
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Steve 76:
I do know that the Helicopter Industry in Canada is quite stable, I've been in it for more than 20 years and if a pilot has a 1000 hours he shouldn't have a problem earning a modest living. I have never been without fulltime employment in 18 years.
I know quite a few Canucks who/have work/worked for various companies in PNG. I don't think PNG has much of an infastructure to produce pilots though.
I was under the impression that OZ and NZ were/are very protective of their industry, and it is quite difficult to get in.
You mentioned the one year visa in OZ. Do you have landed imigrant status in Canada?
I think Canada is quite liberal ( pardon the pun); I have flown with guys from every continent except Antartica. None seemed to have any real problem getting in; one pilot even defected from the former Soviet Union.
Canada is a great company in spite of an incompetent self serving government.
I do know that the Helicopter Industry in Canada is quite stable, I've been in it for more than 20 years and if a pilot has a 1000 hours he shouldn't have a problem earning a modest living. I have never been without fulltime employment in 18 years.
I know quite a few Canucks who/have work/worked for various companies in PNG. I don't think PNG has much of an infastructure to produce pilots though.
I was under the impression that OZ and NZ were/are very protective of their industry, and it is quite difficult to get in.
You mentioned the one year visa in OZ. Do you have landed imigrant status in Canada?
I think Canada is quite liberal ( pardon the pun); I have flown with guys from every continent except Antartica. None seemed to have any real problem getting in; one pilot even defected from the former Soviet Union.
Canada is a great company in spite of an incompetent self serving government.
Join Date: Jun 2002
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I just got back from the airport and heard monthly helicopter hours are down, training and solo as compared to a year ago. Hopefully the economy will pick up.
Do get the info on the J1 Visa as you already have the PPL.
From what I’ve seen over the last several years is four Norwegians came through HAI and taught at the flight school, one went off for logging and fire-fighting. When they went home most of them had 1,000 hours plus. Two definitely have jobs, one might check out in the S-92, another was close to getting a job, and last I am unsure, as I do not have his email address.
Your budget might be a little low, you always need more money than you plan for. You might also need a car and car insurance and a drivers license to get around and track down jobs, pubs, etc.
Do get the info on the J1 Visa as you already have the PPL.
From what I’ve seen over the last several years is four Norwegians came through HAI and taught at the flight school, one went off for logging and fire-fighting. When they went home most of them had 1,000 hours plus. Two definitely have jobs, one might check out in the S-92, another was close to getting a job, and last I am unsure, as I do not have his email address.
Your budget might be a little low, you always need more money than you plan for. You might also need a car and car insurance and a drivers license to get around and track down jobs, pubs, etc.
Join Date: Apr 2003
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good training at HAI in florida.
Insurance requirements from Pathfinder are 300 hrs to instruct from wich I believe 200 in R-22.
Other insurances still 200 with S-far sign off.
If you meet these requirements, you will find a job quickly.
Look on Justpilots.com for positions.
I got my job on the day I got my 200 hrs and sign off.
Anything less than that and you will have to compeat with hundreds of new cfi's for that one schweizer 300 cb job which has no minimum requirements.
Look into the possibillity of going on a M-1 student visa first, and get your instrument rating, work towards your commercial, and get your J-1 just before your checkride for commercial.
That is where you need the J-1.
The worst that can happen, they subtract your M-1 time from your new J-1.(they didnt with me)
Get your instument instructor as well, will highly increase your chances to get your job.
Most important, as I found out, train at a school with a known and good reputation, and you made it trough the first selection.
HAI, PBH, Hillsboro, Quantum, Sierra, Vortex,
I am sure there are more good schools but knowing what I know now, I would go for one out of the first 3.
What happens afther your instruction time, get another M-1 and do your conversion to european at HAI, or open a buissines in the US and work through that.
You dont need a J-1 or any workvisa to be in the US, you just cant be on any payroll.
You can still bill through your own buissines and leave the country every 3 months.
I know people who do it either through US or Dutch companies, owned by themselves, dependt on the agreement between the 2 countries.
I still have my previous Dutch companie, and this is my backdoor when the time is there
I never so far regretted my decission to go and live my dream for one moment, Just make sure you have all the money available, to train and to built time to meet the requirements, and live and buy a car, and a couple of 1000 more for traveling to interviews, jobhunting, and surviving the first 2 months afther you have a job.
Good luck
Insurance requirements from Pathfinder are 300 hrs to instruct from wich I believe 200 in R-22.
Other insurances still 200 with S-far sign off.
If you meet these requirements, you will find a job quickly.
Look on Justpilots.com for positions.
I got my job on the day I got my 200 hrs and sign off.
Anything less than that and you will have to compeat with hundreds of new cfi's for that one schweizer 300 cb job which has no minimum requirements.
Look into the possibillity of going on a M-1 student visa first, and get your instrument rating, work towards your commercial, and get your J-1 just before your checkride for commercial.
That is where you need the J-1.
The worst that can happen, they subtract your M-1 time from your new J-1.(they didnt with me)
Get your instument instructor as well, will highly increase your chances to get your job.
Most important, as I found out, train at a school with a known and good reputation, and you made it trough the first selection.
HAI, PBH, Hillsboro, Quantum, Sierra, Vortex,
I am sure there are more good schools but knowing what I know now, I would go for one out of the first 3.
What happens afther your instruction time, get another M-1 and do your conversion to european at HAI, or open a buissines in the US and work through that.
You dont need a J-1 or any workvisa to be in the US, you just cant be on any payroll.
You can still bill through your own buissines and leave the country every 3 months.
I know people who do it either through US or Dutch companies, owned by themselves, dependt on the agreement between the 2 countries.
I still have my previous Dutch companie, and this is my backdoor when the time is there
I never so far regretted my decission to go and live my dream for one moment, Just make sure you have all the money available, to train and to built time to meet the requirements, and live and buy a car, and a couple of 1000 more for traveling to interviews, jobhunting, and surviving the first 2 months afther you have a job.
Good luck
Cool as a moosp
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I flew about 20 hours with them working towards a PPL(H) in 2000. Friendly, professional and their engineering looked good too.
They operate off their own heliport so no delays, and Gulfport is five minutes away for ATC experience. Good fun mixing it with the military too. Not many civil schools where you have to extend downwind for a B1 and F16 escorts.
Economical accommodation close by with the casinos of Gulfport to throw your money at. Oh and you'll put ten pounds on by eating po'boys for lunch and dinner. They sure eat well in the deep south...
They operate off their own heliport so no delays, and Gulfport is five minutes away for ATC experience. Good fun mixing it with the military too. Not many civil schools where you have to extend downwind for a B1 and F16 escorts.
Economical accommodation close by with the casinos of Gulfport to throw your money at. Oh and you'll put ten pounds on by eating po'boys for lunch and dinner. They sure eat well in the deep south...