European Helicopter Academy
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Titusville, USA
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
European Helicopter Academy
Hi all,
Just wondering if anyone has heard of EHA (European Helicopter Academy) based near Dublin, Ireland. I have a friend who is thinking of training there and would appreciate some feedback, good or bad.
Thanks,
Fay
Just wondering if anyone has heard of EHA (European Helicopter Academy) based near Dublin, Ireland. I have a friend who is thinking of training there and would appreciate some feedback, good or bad.
Thanks,
Fay
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: No where
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Did my PPL and my ground school with them, extremly professional and excellent trainers, can't fault them at all! Barrys' ground school classes were fantastic and really well rehearsed. can't speak higher of them! A1+++++++++ 
Ireland is always expensive, training not overly brilliant. Lots of wasted time weather etc.
Being a graduate of the 'Titus' I would be much quicker to recommend that path even for the modular course. PPL will cost half as much!
My information of EHA school is of delusions of grandure, p*ss*d many a student and professional pilot off and issues of students paying money up front and not getting the full value in return!
May have improved but it's Ireland so be bloody careful.
Happy to give advice on schools in UK or HAI if required!
My career was certainly boosted by having trained with HAI.........
Being a graduate of the 'Titus' I would be much quicker to recommend that path even for the modular course. PPL will cost half as much!
My information of EHA school is of delusions of grandure, p*ss*d many a student and professional pilot off and issues of students paying money up front and not getting the full value in return!
May have improved but it's Ireland so be bloody careful.
Happy to give advice on schools in UK or HAI if required!
My career was certainly boosted by having trained with HAI.........
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: On an island West of the prime meridian
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Fay,
The above 'Northernstar's' post seems like it should be taken with a pinch of salt!!!Not quite sure what they are getting at in the post,
may I also be pedantic and point out that they have managed to spell 'grandeur' arseways 
LOL. Ive completed training in Florida before and although Florida's weather is brilliant for expedited training, Ireland offers a more marginal weather climate which demands better pilotage skills and possibly decision making IMHO even though it may take slightly longer!I did give some serious consideration to training in HAI as they have an excellant rep, but Ireland suited me better this time for reasons such as full time college, work etc. I'm a student at EHA and so far so good, ground school is excellant whilst also being good craic and most students in my class achieved first time passes. The school is very professional and has a good atmosphere amongst students and instructors and they sometimes organise trips like group flying and paintballing. They fly the Schweizer 300CBi, with a recent brand new one to their fleet, which are brilliant aircraft to train on. As far as I'm aware all their aircraft are relatively new. The instruction is excellant and thorough Ive noticed and the weather has very rarely been the cause of a complete lesson cancellation. The training environment is excellant because there is many commercial helicopter operations out of this busy airport and it has a tower frequency with ATIS and a VOR on base. The student doesn't have to travel far to the air training area either. Not sure what other info I can provide but feel free to ask a student who is there for a real opinion! 
All the best,
The above 'Northernstar's' post seems like it should be taken with a pinch of salt!!!Not quite sure what they are getting at in the post,
may I also be pedantic and point out that they have managed to spell 'grandeur' arseways LOL. Ive completed training in Florida before and although Florida's weather is brilliant for expedited training, Ireland offers a more marginal weather climate which demands better pilotage skills and possibly decision making IMHO even though it may take slightly longer!I did give some serious consideration to training in HAI as they have an excellant rep, but Ireland suited me better this time for reasons such as full time college, work etc. I'm a student at EHA and so far so good, ground school is excellant whilst also being good craic and most students in my class achieved first time passes. The school is very professional and has a good atmosphere amongst students and instructors and they sometimes organise trips like group flying and paintballing. They fly the Schweizer 300CBi, with a recent brand new one to their fleet, which are brilliant aircraft to train on. As far as I'm aware all their aircraft are relatively new. The instruction is excellant and thorough Ive noticed and the weather has very rarely been the cause of a complete lesson cancellation. The training environment is excellant because there is many commercial helicopter operations out of this busy airport and it has a tower frequency with ATIS and a VOR on base. The student doesn't have to travel far to the air training area either. Not sure what other info I can provide but feel free to ask a student who is there for a real opinion! All the best,
Last edited by Blade Sailin; 21st Jul 2006 at 23:17.
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Spain
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First class operation...Did my FAA-JAA conversion there.
Straightforward guys who get you through the hoops !
They're a joy to do business with...
Added benefit is you get to deal with the IAA and not the CAA...What more can you ask for?
PM or email if you need more, but might take a few days for a reply...
170'
Straightforward guys who get you through the hoops !
They're a joy to do business with...
Added benefit is you get to deal with the IAA and not the CAA...What more can you ask for?
PM or email if you need more, but might take a few days for a reply...
170'
EXCELLENT post BS. I know several former students of this establishment with opinions positive and negative. The purpose of such a post is to make sure the prospective student has eyes open and armed with all available information. This reduces the potential mysery if issues arise, financial or otherwise. We are duty bound to assist those following in our footsteps to assist them in finding the best training solution for them, cost effective yet best possible results and reputation for career progression etc. You would be surprised how much this can make a difference!
The three most recent posts give good opinions, in some case praise. This may be warranted, this flight centre like any other has had its issues in the past. As I did mention, the state of play may have changed, this comment was ignored. But there are students of every flight school with different experiences, positive and negative, so the student should hear both before parting with a penny, sorry cent!
During my training, especially my IR, asking around and taking my time meant I achieved the result but in some cases with less hassle or expense than any advertised course and at a time convenient to ME, the most important thing!
None of this takes away from the cost of training in Ireland.
What is the hourly rate on an EHA 300CBi?
Another Real Opinion!
I know several former students of this establishment with opinions positive and negative. The purpose of such a post is to make sure the prospective student has eyes open and armed with all available information. This reduces the potential mysery if issues arise, financial or otherwise. We are duty bound to assist those following in our footsteps to assist them in finding the best training solution for them, cost effective yet best possible results and reputation for career progression etc. You would be surprised how much this can make a difference!The three most recent posts give good opinions, in some case praise. This may be warranted, this flight centre like any other has had its issues in the past. As I did mention, the state of play may have changed, this comment was ignored.
But there are students of every flight school with different experiences, positive and negative, so the student should hear both before parting with a penny, sorry cent!During my training, especially my IR, asking around and taking my time meant I achieved the result but in some cases with less hassle or expense than any advertised course and at a time convenient to ME, the most important thing!
None of this takes away from the cost of training in Ireland.
What is the hourly rate on an EHA 300CBi?
Another Real Opinion!
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: On an island West of the prime meridian
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yea well I totally agree that a balanced view needs to be provided to a prospective student in their best interest, Ive been through the process of selecting schools and its probably one of the toughest and grueling decisions to be made about training but I do think your post is quite of the mark, especially since I'm a current student and your info didn't quite add up, which is why I felt the need to post, not sure what the stab at about what the green isle has to offer is about either!
Anyhow I don't think your comment is ignored but since its not through your own personal experience and that its possibly just outdated 'hear say' as you suggest, I think the more current posts should be better heeded from current students for a more informed, unbiased opinion. I certainly agree that every school develops and adjust from the early years, this I know first hand from the school in Florida I trained in but EHA would be well past that by now!!
I wonder does her friend live in Ireland, if they do then EHA is definitley the best bet. Not sure if you realise but EHA is the only licensed FTO (H) in Ireland providing instruction (check here http://www.iaa.ie/safe_reg/lic_fto.asp#1) and that they teach the ATPLs to their fixed wing counterparts in the well respected FTO next door. The heads in EHA are also skill test examiners which certainly proves their competence in the Irish heli industry and of their experience to train prospective heli pilots. The training I've received has been first class. EHA are very straight laced too and really do act in the best interest of the client especially since turning blades is not cheap! Ive seen this myself and maybe thats where you might have heard some negative comments! Do you think the IR was worth every cent, I mean penny
as a chopper pilot? The hourly rate is competitive with other non FTOs, but EHA are really the only FTO with a fleet of H269s and plenty of flying hours under their belt Would you not consider the UK to be as equally, maybe in some cases more expensive to train in than Ireland?!
Anyhow I don't think your comment is ignored but since its not through your own personal experience and that its possibly just outdated 'hear say' as you suggest, I think the more current posts should be better heeded from current students for a more informed, unbiased opinion. I certainly agree that every school develops and adjust from the early years, this I know first hand from the school in Florida I trained in but EHA would be well past that by now!! I wonder does her friend live in Ireland, if they do then EHA is definitley the best bet. Not sure if you realise but EHA is the only licensed FTO (H) in Ireland providing instruction (check here http://www.iaa.ie/safe_reg/lic_fto.asp#1) and that they teach the ATPLs to their fixed wing counterparts in the well respected FTO next door. The heads in EHA are also skill test examiners which certainly proves their competence in the Irish heli industry and of their experience to train prospective heli pilots. The training I've received has been first class.
EHA are very straight laced too and really do act in the best interest of the client especially since turning blades is not cheap! Ive seen this myself and maybe thats where you might have heard some negative comments! Do you think the IR was worth every cent, I mean penny as a chopper pilot? The hourly rate is competitive with other non FTOs, but EHA are really the only FTO with a fleet of H269s and plenty of flying hours under their belt Would you not consider the UK to be as equally, maybe in some cases more expensive to train in than Ireland?!
Which bits don't add up?
Where am I off the mark?
How much per hour? (In Euro or Pounds!)
Your posts are hardly unbiased, you don't work there per chance?
Interesting that the examiners, who I'm sure are in some way linked to the IAA, are also the operators of the only FTO(H) on those shores.
Its very advisable to get some instruction from people with as broad a spectrum of flying experience as possible, it will serve you later.
The IR opens up the world of an almost just reward for your efforts!
And for your own sake BS, every school gives the heir of having your interests at heart, when it suits them. All students learn this sooner or later.............
Another interesting script from the devil's advocate, I hope you await the next installment with baited breath!
Where am I off the mark?
How much per hour? (In Euro or Pounds!)
Your posts are hardly unbiased, you don't work there per chance?
Interesting that the examiners, who I'm sure are in some way linked to the IAA, are also the operators of the only FTO(H) on those shores.
Its very advisable to get some instruction from people with as broad a spectrum of flying experience as possible, it will serve you later.
The IR opens up the world of an almost just reward for your efforts!
And for your own sake BS, every school gives the heir of having your interests at heart, when it suits them. All students learn this sooner or later.............
Another interesting script from the devil's advocate, I hope you await the next installment with baited breath!
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: On an island West of the prime meridian
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey northernstar,
LOL, nope I don't work for EHA, if only, then I would have a CPL and instructors rating and probably more ratings on top of that!I'm merely just a PPL student at the moment going through their paces!
No need to be so skeptical just because my experiences have been positive so far, if credit is due, then it should be paid in my opinion!
Where are you off the mark you ask...where do I begin...,
Briefly
Not really, I dabble with different categories and types of aircraft and I'm a full time Uni student who works part time to fund their required weekly fix of aeronautical acitivities in order to maintain a certain amount of desirable sanity I usually fly the chopper twice a week and the plank if I get the opportunity. Yea I budget heavely but its an investment
. I could probably fly more often than twice but I choose to undergo training at a more leisurley 'expedited' pace as it happens to suit me currently. Before, I did ask EHA about maybe flying more often, I used to fly twice a day in Florida, but I don't think EHA encourage this cramming/factory like approach to training. I entirely agree with this attitude as the student is more likley to absorb the information as opposed to maybe just retaining the important aspects! Not sure how you can make such a sweeping statment as you say " Irish instruction not overly brilliant" have you undertaken training in Ireland and how can you vouch for such a sweeping statment? Its doubtful that you can and I'd imagine such silly statments are better unsaid. Ive trained in both Ireland and Florida and found both places to be excellant for instruction although the flying conditions vary greatly! You mention that there is "lots of wasted time weather etc"... really?again not quite sure what your talking about...yea Ireland has more marginal like weather which requires better pilot skill, which, I think is more beneficial rather then aiming to get the licence in the shortest time possible.Yea you might cram better in Florida although Ive had lessons cancelled there too! I have had a couple of lesson cancelled here because of wx in or around SPL limits ,which may of been flyable with a more experienced student, but the instructor, in their experience, may decide that I might just not get the benefit out of such a lesson in the early days, that definatley demonstrates that they do act in the best interest of the student as turning avgas into noise is not cheap, and as you know the instructor is well capable of flying outside those conditions to build hours, with compliments, but thats not their work ethic! Ive not flown with all instructors but in general the instructors are brilliant, loads of time for us and very student focused, demanding perfection, especially if you make them aware that you have commercial aspirations.
Ive never experienced such delusive behaviour and I would consider them to be professional in every respect, always have given me ample advice when I asked for their respected opinion. EHA get the results as Ive mentioned about my class
and all the rest... You also mentioned about paying upfront...Ive never had to pay up front all of the time and it has happened that I had two or three lessons payments due, which I paid the next time I was flying, simple as that. I always feel like I get value for money, I'm a Uni student as Ive previously mentioned, funding myslef but as expensive as turning blades is, I am always pleased with the lesson as I can see progress and even when constructive criticism is given, its advice that is to be taken note of! Also, the odd time an instructor has advised me not to book a flight as I would not get the full benefit from the lesson, for such reasons as tiredness, that also demonstrates to me that they do act in the best interest!
EHA, like any other FTO, would of earned such status..pretty bizzare statment to make
, I mean there are other examiners in the country that probably instruct in schools aswell!!
Not quite sure what that is about, it suggests that you know your info is either outdated or just incorrect anyway and I find it quite contradictory
as you said that Ireland is always expensive, well is the UK not just as expensive if not more?!Ive seen some school quotes
You might of noticed that I havn't commented on HAIs training specifically as I have no experience with them other than correspondence, and so to comment on their instruction would be completley inappropriate on my part, if you get my gist.
Not entirely interested, but thanks all the same
Good luck
LOL, nope I don't work for EHA, if only, then I would have a CPL and instructors rating and probably more ratings on top of that!I'm merely just a PPL student at the moment going through their paces!
No need to be so skeptical just because my experiences have been positive so far, if credit is due, then it should be paid in my opinion!Where are you off the mark you ask...where do I begin...,
Briefly
Originally Posted by Nothernstar
Ireland is always expensive, training not overly brilliant. Lots of wasted time weather etc.
I usually fly the chopper twice a week and the plank if I get the opportunity. Yea I budget heavely but its an investment. I could probably fly more often than twice but I choose to undergo training at a more leisurley 'expedited' pace as it happens to suit me currently. Before, I did ask EHA about maybe flying more often, I used to fly twice a day in Florida, but I don't think EHA encourage this cramming/factory like approach to training. I entirely agree with this attitude as the student is more likley to absorb the information as opposed to maybe just retaining the important aspects! Not sure how you can make such a sweeping statment as you say " Irish instruction not overly brilliant" have you undertaken training in Ireland and how can you vouch for such a sweeping statment? Its doubtful that you can and I'd imagine such silly statments are better unsaid. Ive trained in both Ireland and Florida and found both places to be excellant for instruction although the flying conditions vary greatly! You mention that there is "lots of wasted time weather etc"... really?again not quite sure what your talking about...yea Ireland has more marginal like weather which requires better pilot skill, which, I think is more beneficial rather then aiming to get the licence in the shortest time possible.Yea you might cram better in Florida although Ive had lessons cancelled there too! I have had a couple of lesson cancelled here because of wx in or around SPL limits ,which may of been flyable with a more experienced student, but the instructor, in their experience, may decide that I might just not get the benefit out of such a lesson in the early days, that definatley demonstrates that they do act in the best interest of the student as turning avgas into noise is not cheap, and as you know the instructor is well capable of flying outside those conditions to build hours, with compliments, but thats not their work ethic! Ive not flown with all instructors but in general the instructors are brilliant, loads of time for us and very student focused, demanding perfection, especially if you make them aware that you have commercial aspirations.
Originally Posted by Northernstar
My information of EHA school is of delusions of grandure, p*ss*d many a student and professional pilot off and issues of students paying money up front and not getting the full value in return!
and all the rest... You also mentioned about paying upfront...Ive never had to pay up front all of the time and it has happened that I had two or three lessons payments due, which I paid the next time I was flying, simple as that. I always feel like I get value for money, I'm a Uni student as Ive previously mentioned, funding myslef but as expensive as turning blades is, I am always pleased with the lesson as I can see progress and even when constructive criticism is given, its advice that is to be taken note of! Also, the odd time an instructor has advised me not to book a flight as I would not get the full benefit from the lesson, for such reasons as tiredness, that also demonstrates to me that they do act in the best interest!
Originally Posted by Nothernstar
Interesting that the examiners, who I'm sure are in some way linked to the IAA, are also the operators of the only FTO(H) on those shores.
, I mean there are other examiners in the country that probably instruct in schools aswell!!
Originally Posted by Northernstar
May have improved but it's Ireland so be bloody careful.Happy to give advice on schools in UK or...!
as you said that Ireland is always expensive, well is the UK not just as expensive if not more?!Ive seen some school quotes
You might of noticed that I havn't commented on HAIs training specifically as I have no experience with them other than correspondence, and so to comment on their instruction would be completley inappropriate on my part, if you get my gist.
Originally Posted by Nothernstar
I hope you await the next installment with baited breath!
Good luck
Last edited by Blade Sailin; 28th Jul 2006 at 20:27.
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Belgium
Age: 60
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Slagging the Irish instructors is absolutely ridiculous. What give you the right in the first place ("Northernstar"). Have you flown with all of them? Have you flown in Ireland at all?
A lot of schools have examiners on staff, all over the World.
In Florida you have bad weather too. Every day to be precise, around 4 pm the Thunderstorms kick in with extremely heavy rains. Only in Dec-Apr it's better, but you can have a lot of rain (for days) in that period as well.
I lived/worked in Florida for a few years, now I live/work in the South-West UK, and fly an awfull lot in Ireland.
I think you should be objective and try to help the prospective student.
What did the Irish do to you? Just curious.
Hillerbee
A lot of schools have examiners on staff, all over the World.
In Florida you have bad weather too. Every day to be precise, around 4 pm the Thunderstorms kick in with extremely heavy rains. Only in Dec-Apr it's better, but you can have a lot of rain (for days) in that period as well.
I lived/worked in Florida for a few years, now I live/work in the South-West UK, and fly an awfull lot in Ireland.
I think you should be objective and try to help the prospective student.
What did the Irish do to you? Just curious.
Hillerbee
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: uk
Age: 48
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This turning into an irish-english thing? 
Northernstar : you seem quite emotional?? all opinions are biased, thats generally what an opinion is. seems like yours based on heresay vs actual student? maybe everyone should give Mr Bush their money then return to british isles and wonder what happened to all the flight schools?
just a thought
Northernstar : you seem quite emotional?? all opinions are biased, thats generally what an opinion is. seems like yours based on heresay vs actual student? maybe everyone should give Mr Bush their money then return to british isles and wonder what happened to all the flight schools?
just a thought
Yes my opinion is biased, correct NB.
Far from slagging Irish instructors, a badly worded comment more about weather than anything. Many an Irish colleague instructing all over the world. All countries have weather issues, I have trained in UK and had problems but seemed to find US easier to get things done. Again an opinion.
Other opinions are based on third party experience, not sure if thats heresay.
I would have thought they can remain valid. They may be negative, it doesn't mean they are untrue. They are based on peoples past or previous experience, surely this doens't invalidate them. Giving an alternate opinion, so thats objective to me. As I said, keeping a students eyes open!
Still waiting on that prce per hour on that EHA 300..........!!
Emotional? I'm a bloke, not in my vocabulary!
Far from slagging Irish instructors, a badly worded comment more about weather than anything. Many an Irish colleague instructing all over the world. All countries have weather issues, I have trained in UK and had problems but seemed to find US easier to get things done. Again an opinion.
Other opinions are based on third party experience, not sure if thats heresay.
I would have thought they can remain valid. They may be negative, it doesn't mean they are untrue. They are based on peoples past or previous experience, surely this doens't invalidate them. Giving an alternate opinion, so thats objective to me. As I said, keeping a students eyes open!
Still waiting on that prce per hour on that EHA 300..........!!
Emotional? I'm a bloke, not in my vocabulary!
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: uk
Age: 48
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
northernstar, comment noted on price, how much is charged??? Eastenders has replaced the world cup so i did some digging. To be seen as fair i checked some of our schools too and will reflect cost in a real currency (sterling). I must admit that The Devil is in the detail with some of the schools 
and I got a bit confused with breaking up training costs. so here goes...(taken from schools websites)
Cabair : R22 £160 + VAT(17.5%) + Instructor £50 + VAT(17.5%) =£246.75/hr (based on instructor being charged only for flight time) + membership + fuel surcharge(both unknown)
Oxford : H269 PPL(H) £11995 based on 45hrs = £266.55/hr ( not sure in this includes VAT or not)
Dragon Helicopters :H269 £260/hr + VAT(17.5%) = £305.50/hr
European Helicopter Academy : H269 Total :£260-£270/hr (based on exchange rates €1 = 65p-69p. Price includes instructor,pre and post flight briefs.
I actually rang thanks to tesco internet phone as their website was down, (I need the premiership to start again soon
)
What I did find troubling was the confusion in the hidden extras when trying to cost from the websites but as far as being major rip off?? I'm afraid they're in the same ballpark (even the cheaper end) as our U.K schools.
I must admit, I was hoping to find EHA charging £500/hr but sadly not, So we'll just have to bash Paddy for ripping us of with riverdance for a bit longer.
NB
and I got a bit confused with breaking up training costs. so here goes...(taken from schools websites)Cabair : R22 £160 + VAT(17.5%) + Instructor £50 + VAT(17.5%) =£246.75/hr (based on instructor being charged only for flight time) + membership + fuel surcharge(both unknown)
Oxford : H269 PPL(H) £11995 based on 45hrs = £266.55/hr ( not sure in this includes VAT or not)
Dragon Helicopters :H269 £260/hr + VAT(17.5%) = £305.50/hr
European Helicopter Academy : H269 Total :£260-£270/hr (based on exchange rates €1 = 65p-69p. Price includes instructor,pre and post flight briefs.
I actually rang thanks to tesco internet phone as their website was down, (I need the premiership to start again soon
)What I did find troubling was the confusion in the hidden extras when trying to cost from the websites but as far as being major rip off?? I'm afraid they're in the same ballpark (even the cheaper end) as our U.K schools.
I must admit, I was hoping to find EHA charging £500/hr but sadly not, So we'll just have to bash Paddy for ripping us of with riverdance for a bit longer.
NB
EHA
Howya,
Go and pay them a visit. I think they have good points but a lot more bad ones.
Not as professional as some of the lads here say they are.
Check out the other Schools there,
Eirecopter are a good bunch of lads and freindly and Reliable
Premier are good
Blue star in Waterford and Cork are a new school and are good I hear
Go and pay them a visit. I think they have good points but a lot more bad ones.
Not as professional as some of the lads here say they are.
Check out the other Schools there,
Eirecopter are a good bunch of lads and freindly and Reliable
Premier are good
Blue star in Waterford and Cork are a new school and are good I hear
