AS355 vs EC135 for Initial JAA IR(H)?

[Aucky]

This may be impossible to answer, but I was wondering which is now considered the preferable platform for an initial IR(H) rating? Obviously the 135 would cost more, but with it being the best selling light-twin in the last 10 years (apparently), and the police/air ambulance/onshore vip & off-shore wind farms using them more and more in practice (and asking for IR's these days) would it be the preferable option to the slightly less expensive 355? Having flown both yesterday the 135 has (IMO) a far superior cockpit instrumentation system, autopilot, fadec system etc for the job, and closer crossover to the 155 and other larger aircraft commonly used in the onshore/offshore roles... But is it worth the extra £££ for an initial rating?

[Pandalet]

Is it correct to assume you have enough hours that it would make a difference? If you only have a few hundred hours, what you do your IR in probably doesn't matter as much as having the piece of paper, unless you're lining up for a particular job.

[explorer99]

If you don't currently hold a type rating for either the AS355 or EC135, then you will have to gain a TR on the relevant type before you can undertake the IRT - this should be part of the quote that you obtain from each the training providers (I'm guessing Bristow vs Bond at Stav?). I suppose it would than come down to a decision based on which type rating you think would be the more useful, balanced against your available budget.

E99

[Aucky]

Pandalet - In a year or so when I hope to undertake the practical course I expect to have around 1000hrs, so no, not a great deal, but perhaps more than some. I agree that without a specific job in mind, the cheaper option is probably the best to simply get the piece of paper full stop, as with low experience looking for a job in a left seat (probably offshore) role it would be unlikely to be in either type, but I would't like to overlook anything if there are benefits to doing it in a more modern aircraft.

explorer99 - you have hit the nail on the head, i'm not type rated in either aircraft at present, and with it's popularity on the rise I would rather have the 135 type rating on my license incase any multi-crew 135 left seat roles VFR or IFR became a possibility. I'm not sure whether the 135 or 355 ratings are more likely to open doors? More 355's about, but more people moving towards the 135...

[griffothefog]

The preferable platform???
The free one.....

[Aucky]

Griffo - hmmmmm, if only. I have however considered that if one were to undertake the type rating only first as a more affordable stepping stone, then in a fortunate turn of events it may be more likely to get a bonded IR on the 135 than the 335... perhaps.

[helisdw]

What about the A109 as an option for doing your IR?

I'd asked a similar question (AS355 vs A109 for initial twin TR and IR) of a seasoned UK pilot - he said there wasn't really a lot to choose between them, although the A109 TR would probably be a bit more useful in the long run.

The thought process behind my original question was that I felt there was more chance of getting some co-pilot work on the A109 than the AS355. I don't have any figures to back this hunch up, but just a general feeling of the UK charter market.

Simon

PS I haven't yet pursued the TR or IR, so I can't give a definitive answer!

[Sliding Doors]

I'm assuming that the 1000 hours arent on a twin.
The majority of the 135 roles you mention are probably flown single pilot.
To assist as a second pilot on a single pilot certificated aircraft would you need a type rating and an IR?
Realistically without some relevant experience your chances of walking straight into a 135 position are very slim - be that two crew VIP (as most are single pilot), and your opportunities are even slimmer in an unsupervised SPIFR role.

On that basis I'd be inclined to go for the cheaper 355 option. You stand a better chance getting some VFR 355 work.

Just my opinion, good luck.

[Bladecrack]

My answer = EC135 is best for the IR without a doubt. I have flown both types but have way more time on the AS355, and I eventually completed my IR on it too, (after originally being booked on a 135 IR course) and boy did I make hard work for myself... My only major regret in my helicopter flying career so far is NOT doing my IR in the 135. If you want to pass an IR I wouldn't focus on what you think you might fly in future (chances of co-pilot work on either type is slim as has been said) but which course is best all round, and in my opinion it's the 135, even if it does cost more £££.

Good luck,

BC

[Helinut]

Not much P2 work in either of those 2 types. They are a bit small for that sort of thing in a practical operation.[There are odd exceptions].

Another possibility to consider is that the training school you go to could be a possible source of future work, if their associated operation uses the type you train on. During an IR course, they will get to know you quite well. Some outfits use that when work next becomes available.

[bolkow]

The only co pilot position I recall being advertised for ann ec135 T.2 was the position for co-pilot on the cork kinsale oilfield 135 EI-KEL sometime last year, and that was offerred at 32500 Euros before tax!

[Brilliant Stuff]

I agree with Bladecrack & Helinut.

Just to give you an idea Bond charge £1250/hr all in on the 135 & £600/hr on the 135 sim plus VAT of course. With the sim they do say it takes you a minimum of 2hrs to get used to it because it does behave a tad different to the real thing.

I don't know what a 355 costs to rent, but I would say the money is better spent with the 135. IMHO and no I do not work for Bond.