Rich

Don't understand that they were there last week training

Heather said they use it a lot for training but are not basing from at the moment. A shame really because Breighton is a much shorter journey than Humberside - 1hr 30 each way according to Google! The extra petrol cost might make Multiflight or HeliNorth a better option?

Who does training in Scotland? Pref near Inverness ... I can only find HJS in Aberdeen, Scotia and Kingsfield down Perth and Glasgow way ...

HG Helicopters?

Any recommendations?

Spanks. SP.

Scotia
 

Hello SP.

I've used Scotia a few times when working up that neck of the woods. I think they're excellent. Maybe shoot over there for a flight with John Pearson! Well worth it! Wise fella! Diamond instructor and just an all round gentleman!

Was trying to do some flying out of Inverness but i think that school has disappeared!

Cheers,

375

:)

Flight school suggestions
 

Hi

Been keeping an eye on here recently - I'm finally in that position where money and time permit me to complete one of my ambitions, and thats to get a helicopter...

First I need the PPL, so my question is pretty simple..

I need some recommendations for schools that can train me on a Jetranger (as this is what I've decided I want to buy) in the Midlands area, and hopefully in the next couple of months..

Anyone with any suggestions, good (or bad!!) to help me along

Thanks in advance

Ed(CB)

Not really in the Midlands but you might try knocking on some doors at Gloucestershire airport. Plenty of schools.

I did my PPL training there with HeliflightUK and they are an awesome crew. Did I mention they have a B206 permanently at the school?

Or you could try A LOT closer to home;

East Midlands Helicopters - they have 2 bell 206s on staff and experienced instructor pilots that know how to fly them. :) Can highly recommend Pete & Dan and if you pass your Skills Test with their boss then you know you're ok!

Advice on choosing a School / Instructor.
 

Hello all.

Help is needed to decide on a school and an Instructor.

Lots of schools about in the UK and abroad. Funds just about in place, what now?

I am based in the West Midlands and have flown the R22, Schweizer, Cabri. The R22 felt a little cramped as I am 6,2" and lanky. Love the Cabri and the schweizer.

My options at the moment.

- One school nearby, HeliCentre in Leicester offers the chance of a CPL-H scholarship after my PPL-H (be it slim) its still worth enquiring. Great people and a possible chance to hour build /get discounted repositioning turbine hours/ work as an instructor in the future. They seem a really forward thinking company.

I have flown with Rise in Staverton and the instructor was a great guy. He seemed like he had quite alot of experience. But as I have mentioned the R22 was a bit cramped, although I felt in control. Great landscape to fly.

Move to Florida for 1+ years and do it all at Bristow. PPL / CPL/ FI/ IR. While the savings may be negligible when living costs/ flights etc are taken into consideration. Separating myself from the distractions of home could help with the ground studies etc. I have been told Bristow really help you with the exams while UK schools tend to leave you to it. Also do Bristow prefer to Hire their own? I want to go down the offshore route. On the flip side I am sure my relationship and business at home will suffer.

Or any suggestions apart from the above.

I would like an instructor who is not just hour building. Someone with the confidence and knowledge that comes with experience.

But I would like it if my training at least gave me a small foot in the door with a decent company.

All help gratefully received.

Locations / Prices for PPL training in a Schweizer 300 helicopter in the UK
 

Hi All,

I am looking for flying schools in the UK that i can do the PPL(H) training in a Schweizer 300 helicopter.

I have found a few so far, does anybody know any that i should contact and also the hourly rates?

Thanks

If you want to come down to the West Country I have a couple at my school !

Hughes500 could you send me details? Thanks

Can I ask what sort of price you would expect to pay for an hours training in an R22 and a Cabri these days please?
My local FTO are charging £390 and £450 inc vat respectively which seems a tad high to me.
Many thanks.

That does sound a bit pricy, around £310 inc vat in an R22 and around £370 inc vat in a G2 are the prices around the south west. £10 discounts per hour for 10 hours up front are normal.

You are being gouged by your regulatory regime, not the UK schools that are barely scraping by with less students all the time.

R22 with instructor is about £175/hr in Florida. But then you won't have the option of the far superior Cabri (see the "if not Robinson then what" thread) at 3 times the price. Your license -or should I say licence- document will look the same.

Agreed, it does seem a bit pricey having now researched varies FTOs.

Has anyone got any experience with the rotary flying schools at Elstree aerodrome?


Elstree is local to me, so very handy.

I had a lesson at Elstree Helicopters and found them to be excellent.
I hope to be going into VVB Aviation asap too.

Just wondering if anyone has any opinions or recommendations?


Thanks.

My son is training with Elstree helicopters at the moment. He is progressing well. They appear to have high standards so expect to complete a higher number of hours before your skills test but I'm OK with that: I'd prefer a competent pilot next to me rather than someone chasing a pass after 45 hours.

Yeh I did get that impression with the whole 60hrs package that they offer, but I'm like you, I'd much rather get as much training done that I need really. Plus, any hours stay with you forever, so its not like they wouldn't count towards anything!


Is your son aiming towards commercial too, or sticking with private?

Thanks for the reply. Is there anything I should be wary of?

VVB have a simulator, which is a big positive for me.

Just to be clear so that some undeserving school doesn't get a bad rap, this thread makes it sound like there are 2 schools at Elstree, but I understand that there is 3