I live in DC area, as well.

Advanced Helicopter Concepts has a 206, but I just got off the phone and it's not insured for training. They are based out of Frederick, MD and are probably the closest to D.C. (about 45 minutes north off I-270).

Jet Services out of Manassas has one and only one R22. They have purchased an R44, but it's not operational for training, yet.

Helicopter High has R22, R44, and 206. I just gave them a quick call, and their 206 isn't insured for flight training either.

There used to be an operation at DCA (Reagan-National), but they moved after the flight restrictions. I think they went out of business shortly after that because most of their clients were executives, congressman, and the like.

Good luck!

Hmm. $750 / $850 an hour is more than the 206 here in the UK - a first, perchance ?

Bert - it needs to be 206 to do the type rating bits when we get back. No namby-pamby insurance company is going to get its mitts on the qualifications to fly a 206 here, that's the CAA's job.

The alternative is to spend some of the money I save by not flying in the US buying beers - any RotorHeads bods fancy that ?

Just wondering on a similar note, are there any self fly hire 206's about in the US for PPL's or CPL's?
Anybody know how to convert FAA type rating to JAR?

UKFT
 

I had a great time there and the owner takes personal responsibility to get you completed.

Have a good time and Good Luck.

dave

Give me a ring I know of a 206 that you can get for a lot cheaper

Thanks VINIL,
Now I'll be able to sleep tonight!:ok:

Helicopter Adventures Inc - Florida
 

Has anyone any had an experience with these guys? Preferably in FL but CA too...

I m looking to doing some 'add ons' there and probably JAA CPL checkride later this year.

Not worried about $ as that info is easily available from their info pack, (incidently their CPL training, per hr, is less than 1/2 the UK price I have been quoted),... looking more for 'customer service' and personnel issues.

PM or email if you prefer.

Thanks.

PW.

I don't know about their FL operation but I flew an hour with them in Concord CA and found them professional.

The Government Flying Service out here in HKG used them for basic PPL(H) training (may still do, I'm not sure...) and seemed to be well satisfied. I guess they would have done some research on the better schools around for their purpose and GFS are a serious outfit.

FWIW

I had a few friends up there that went through it, nice operation, friendly personnel.

I did my FAA instrument rating there, very professional, good training, well maintained aircraft.:cool:

I did my JAA CPL(H) at Titusville FL with them in 2001 and found the training to be at a very high standard. All instructors at the time were either Norweigan or English and friendly. Email me if you require any further info.

At Titusville now. I have also found HAI to be proffeshional. I have flown / trained in 2 other countries. There is the usual US situation of having low time instructors, but to be fair they are good. The CFI program is very thougher and the Check pilots and Cheif ensure high standards and uniformity in training. As you can already fly, there is no problem anyway. I have flown in Cali' also which is great but more expensive than FL. The only down side is the lack of elevated terrain, which isn't great. This place may not have every thing, but it has a lot. A good choice.

The FAA use HA for recurency and of course the UK's Bristow primary training for the North Sea is done there also!

PM if you have q's

Thanks for the replies!

Guess I ll be in Florida later this year then!! :D

Flight schools in the Chicago area
 

Anyone know of any flight schools in the Chicago area that they would recommend? I'm prepared to drive to nearby Indiana and Wisconsin if needs be.

I actually have a private rotorcraft license and am looking to build time, so entities not offering instruction but reasonable rental would be beneficial too.

Thanks,
PCL

General information only - no 'inside' info.

Sun Aero in Lansing, IL www.sunaerohelicopters.com

WW Helicopters in East Troy, WI. www.wwhelicopters.com

Drive a lot further east to Canada and do it with Modak Aviation in London Ontario. Save you a few bucks that will......

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the standards are a little more tight in Canada.
This should make your FAA check ride much easier.

I can recommend Sun Aero - got my PPL through them. They operate three R22s, one R44 and a 206.

The 22 goes for $205/hr wet, but block rates are available.

Anyone know of other schools around? I'm also looking to build cheap time =)

Not in the Chicago area, but these guys rent R22 for $160/hour. BoatPix has a program for $100/hour - but there seems to be some negative opinions about there business practice (I won't go into it here). Anyway, Manassas, Virginia...

http://www.jetservicesfbo.com/flight_training.htm

Nice and cheap, but sort of a long trip from Chicago =)