UK helicopter schools (Merged)
Join Date: May 2005
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A lot of the schools mentioned also use R22's.
The R22 is by far the most widely use machine for training
Enstroms are not the only machines at Barton
There is a new helicopter school started at Barton flying R22s and also there is a freelance instructor who has been operating an R22 and other machines out of Barton for at long time
At 100hr less per hour for the robbo than the enstrom i think MHC and FA might feel the pinch
The R22 is by far the most widely use machine for training
Enstroms are not the only machines at Barton
There is a new helicopter school started at Barton flying R22s and also there is a freelance instructor who has been operating an R22 and other machines out of Barton for at long time
At 100hr less per hour for the robbo than the enstrom i think MHC and FA might feel the pinch
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Well it's all about cost at the end of the day. I've paid for premium training and always felt like i'm just keeping the lights switched on. At the end of the day, contrary to some popular concensus recently here on pprune, you either have to hold the right mentality to be a safe and competent pilot right from the start, or you never will be !
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TFS.
I trained at both MHS and a robbie outfit at Blackpool and I felt I got good training at both places. It turned out the Enstrom was ideal for my needs and an R22 useless so I was happy to pay the extra. Its not just about costs for everyone. Practicalities figure as well.
I trained at both MHS and a robbie outfit at Blackpool and I felt I got good training at both places. It turned out the Enstrom was ideal for my needs and an R22 useless so I was happy to pay the extra. Its not just about costs for everyone. Practicalities figure as well.
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I've also noted some schools list other types, say 300 or Enstrom but cannot actually provide them. Either because the aircraft has since gone or the current FI staff isn't rated. Mind you I suppose most new potential pilots will not have an aircraft preference. Still, it is nice to have options, especially if 6'3" and a little on the large side!
Join Date: Jun 2005
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PPL School Advice
First post on here, so please be gentle 
I have decided that it's probably time to fulfil a long-standing ambition to learn to fly helicopters, so am thinking about starting the PPL(H).
I am based in Sheffield (UK), and have discovered 2 schools right here at Sheffield Airport.
Dragon Helicopters
and
Alpha Helicopters
Just wondered if anyone had heard anything good or bad about them? Or had any other suggestions of good schools near me.
I always wanted a career in aviation, but due to some very bad career advice early on in life I ended up ruling it out. I am now working in IT (IT Manager), and in my late 20's, so I think it would be silly to consider a career change. I just want to do PPL and recreational flying - as much as I would love to change careers, the uncertainty of helicopter jobs and cost of CPL etc. make it pretty much a non-starter.
Thanks
I have decided that it's probably time to fulfil a long-standing ambition to learn to fly helicopters, so am thinking about starting the PPL(H).
I am based in Sheffield (UK), and have discovered 2 schools right here at Sheffield Airport.
Dragon Helicopters
and
Alpha Helicopters
Just wondered if anyone had heard anything good or bad about them? Or had any other suggestions of good schools near me.
I always wanted a career in aviation, but due to some very bad career advice early on in life I ended up ruling it out. I am now working in IT (IT Manager), and in my late 20's, so I think it would be silly to consider a career change. I just want to do PPL and recreational flying - as much as I would love to change careers, the uncertainty of helicopter jobs and cost of CPL etc. make it pretty much a non-starter.
Thanks
Join Date: May 2005
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Simply put - Go and see them! Search for the training thread on this forum and glean as much info from it as you can before you do so though.
Choosing a school is about weighing up cost, type and availabilty of training machines, personalities of instructors, distance to travel, facilities on site.
Be slightly cynical and trust your gut having seen all the schools available to you.
Let them know they are being checked out and see how they react...
Choosing a school is about weighing up cost, type and availabilty of training machines, personalities of instructors, distance to travel, facilities on site.
Be slightly cynical and trust your gut having seen all the schools available to you.
Let them know they are being checked out and see how they react...
Join Date: Jan 2001
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The previous posts are all sound advice. However, do be aware that helicopter flying is VERY addictive - you may conclude once you start that the only way to do it properly is by doing it professionally. I did, and it has cost me a packet - Mind you, I don't regret it, because there is more to life than money.
Better red than ...
Join Date: Aug 2004
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Woohoo!, another Helicopter Pilot for Sheffield (that would make 5 when he finishes).
The main thing is to find a instructor who you like, is competent and you can get on which.
Could apply to either of the above. Competent people at both. People who fly with them swear by both. What takes your fancy?
Go talk to the CFI and the instructors at both.
The main difference I think is aircraft type flown for PPL. Dragon favour the 269 and Alpha the R22/ R44.
Wander over and say hello when you get going!
h-r
The main thing is to find a instructor who you like, is competent and you can get on which.
Could apply to either of the above. Competent people at both. People who fly with them swear by both. What takes your fancy?
Go talk to the CFI and the instructors at both.
The main difference I think is aircraft type flown for PPL. Dragon favour the 269 and Alpha the R22/ R44.
Wander over and say hello when you get going!
h-r
Join Date: Dec 2002
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I did my PPL with Tiger Helicopters at Shobdon - might be a bit far to travel for you, but they were very good. The other that springs to mind is Sloane who're based at Northampton. I've talked to a couple of people who trained with them and who reccommend them.
As for PoF - I did the ATPL exam a couple months ago and the Bible as far as the subject goes seems to be "Principles of Helicopter Flight" by W. J. Wagtendonk. You could have passed the subject on that alone. It's an excellent book - takes you from first principles into some depth, as well as covering areas more practical to real flying such as slinging and mountain flying.
Hope that helps,
Ioan
As for PoF - I did the ATPL exam a couple months ago and the Bible as far as the subject goes seems to be "Principles of Helicopter Flight" by W. J. Wagtendonk. You could have passed the subject on that alone. It's an excellent book - takes you from first principles into some depth, as well as covering areas more practical to real flying such as slinging and mountain flying.
Hope that helps,
Ioan
Join Date: Jun 2005
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SPINATO,
I can highly reccomend East Midlands Helicopters based just south of Nottingham. Great outfit, great machines and a very proffessional service!
I did my PPL back there and i thoroughly enjoyed it! They are a small company but with great instructors and a very good reputation in the commercial world.
Ask for Jan or Jonny and you will not go far wrong.
R22.
I can highly reccomend East Midlands Helicopters based just south of Nottingham. Great outfit, great machines and a very proffessional service!
I did my PPL back there and i thoroughly enjoyed it! They are a small company but with great instructors and a very good reputation in the commercial world.
Ask for Jan or Jonny and you will not go far wrong.
R22.
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I would second that. I did my PPL about 5 years ago with EMH at Costock and found them to be a very professional well organised outfit. For books, the best one I have found is "Cyclic and Collective" by Shawn Coyle. Very readable and easy to follow.
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The Thom PoF book is worth a flick through for the 'how instruments work' and the power-plant bits. Wagtendonk is definately the place to go for principles of flight, tho - check out the amazon second hand section for cheaper copies. Also, WH Smith is about the cheapest I've found for (new) Thom books.
Join Date: Jun 2002
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Are OAT still providing helicopter training?
Their website http://www.oxfordaviation.net seems only to mention fixed wing courses.
Thanks
Thanks
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Affirmitive RE: Groundschool training at OAT (or, alternatively, read the authoritative book "A Million Components in Loose Formation" by Ewe Mustbemad (deceased)
Regards
VC10 Rib22
Regards
VC10 Rib22
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TJF97
You're absolutely right regarding the lack of Information on Rotorvation and I for one do not know alot about the said company. They do have a website but the information provided is very limited!
However, I do know for a fact that Rotorvation use a small number of
free lance flight instructors that are among some of the best rotary pilots in the industry and the UK.
What I mean by the above is, they are not only helicopter flight instructors in their spare time but some of them hold positions as Hems pilots and respected freelance/charter/AOC pilots.
Therefore, if I was to undertake the PPL(H) all over again I would't hesitate to commence PPL(H) training with Rotorvation.
Just one rule to bear in mind - which ever of the flight training organisation (school) you select, ensure you pay as you go.
After you've initiated your training and you feel reasonbly sure that you would like to continue the training with the selected school, then and only then, try and to arrange an agreement where you can pay ahead in blocks.
I'd like to wish you all the very best with your PPL(H) and most of all, enjoy!
Captain Cop!
However, I do know for a fact that Rotorvation use a small number of
free lance flight instructors that are among some of the best rotary pilots in the industry and the UK.
What I mean by the above is, they are not only helicopter flight instructors in their spare time but some of them hold positions as Hems pilots and respected freelance/charter/AOC pilots.
Therefore, if I was to undertake the PPL(H) all over again I would't hesitate to commence PPL(H) training with Rotorvation.
Just one rule to bear in mind - which ever of the flight training organisation (school) you select, ensure you pay as you go.
After you've initiated your training and you feel reasonbly sure that you would like to continue the training with the selected school, then and only then, try and to arrange an agreement where you can pay ahead in blocks.
I'd like to wish you all the very best with your PPL(H) and most of all, enjoy!
Captain Cop!
Join Date: Dec 2001
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I have flown with Rotorvation for the past seven years since gaining my PPL(H). Additionally I completed my conversion onto their R44 Astro. There is plenty of information on the website at http://www.rotorvation.com (although I have just tried this and it doesn't seem to be working at the mo - not sure why) but my recommendation would be to phone Richard Woods (tel: 01322 865992) the owner, and arrange to go along, meet him and one of the instructors, and have a chat and a look.
Richard's R22 and R44 are immaculate and his instructors, as mentioned above, are highly experienced freelancers with thousands of hours to their names. The location is an unusual one and quite a confined area, with easy access to Rochester, Biggin, Redhill and the London heli-routes.
I should add that I have no commercial interest in the company, I merely self-fly-hire there (I also hire elsewhere) and have enjoyed doing so. Best of luck with your training, wherever you decide to learn.
DBChopper
Richard's R22 and R44 are immaculate and his instructors, as mentioned above, are highly experienced freelancers with thousands of hours to their names. The location is an unusual one and quite a confined area, with easy access to Rochester, Biggin, Redhill and the London heli-routes.
I should add that I have no commercial interest in the company, I merely self-fly-hire there (I also hire elsewhere) and have enjoyed doing so. Best of luck with your training, wherever you decide to learn.
DBChopper