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

I don't think MHC will feel the pinch. You pay for the quality.

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 !

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'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!

PPL School Advice
 

First post on here, so please be gentle :D

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

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...

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.

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:)

I would recomend Kuki Helicopters at Sheffield. . .

Don't know about other two. .

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

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 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.

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.

Are OAT still providing helicopter training?
 

Their website http://www.oxfordaviation.net seems only to mention fixed wing courses.
Thanks

All helicopter training at OAT has now ceased since the CFI(H) retired. Not sure if they still do ATPL(H) ground school though.

Ox :)

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
:ok:

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!;)

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
:ok:

oops!
 

looks like their web domain name expired and they didnt/forgot to renew it. a company in the west indies now owns it!

And I thought my x-country to Duxford was an epic! :rolleyes:

TJF97,

If I can help any more please feel free to PM me.

Rotorvation
 

Hi there,

I used to fly with Rotorvation a few years ago, and agree with the above posters. Richard Woods has a hanger in his back garden and runs the school from there and as others have said, he keeps his aircraft in great condition. He uses experienced instructors probably because he feels safer letting his own aircraft go out with them, and I suppose I would too...
The location is very convenient when you want to take a friend down the heli routes and is close to Rochester airport. At the time, the prices were good too, so a worth a call to Richard. The only down side is that you have to pop over to Rochester to do airfield work such as autos/ quickstops.

Also a school i'd recommend is London helicopter centres at Redhill.

Fay

Yup, me too. The company I gained my PPL(H) with (under its then name of Thurston Helicopters) and where I also SFH. It is still an excellent place to fly, with superb facilities and friendly, knowledgable staff. May be a bit of a trek for the original poster though.

Fay, sounds like we may have crossed paths..?

You would need to start/finish at a licensed airfield (I was going to say 'licensed premises' but this may have been mis-interpreted) so unless the facility of R is licensed, either Rochester or AN Other licensed airfield/ helifacility.

h-r;)

Rochester is the preferred start/stop location for training as it is so close. LPCs are also carried out there from Rotorvation. Redhill is used for a combination of circuits / EOLs / sloping ground / confined area ops etc. but is a slightly longer hop past Biggin and across the North Downs.

I was talking to an ATCO the other day, and he mentioned that the licensed field requirements have now gone for PPL training. It was just casual conversation, so I didn't get a reference or check it out, but It's worth a bit of research. The Rotorvation people will probably know since it affects them.

I don't know whether it's worth considering, but there's a new school at Damyns Hall that might be quite convenient for you. I have no knowledge of them so can't recommend them, but might be worth a look.

I also did my PPL with Rotorvation and was completely happy with the training, My main instructor was called Pete Driver and I am not sure if he still works there but was very thorough.

I would agree with previois posters and get a few lessons before fully committing.

Good Luck - Duncan

007 - yes, Peter is still doing some work there although another QHI is doing the majority of the PPL training now, mainly due to Peter's other work commitments as I understand it.

The comments about changes to requirements for licensed locations are interesting. Anyone know any more?

It's always wise to be very cautious if you receive off-forum PMs from strangers.

Some are genuine and some have their own agendas dressed up as 'help'.


Heliport

Heliport

Well said !!

One of Rotorvation's FIs is a very experienced instructor, formerly of Bristow's FTS in its Redhill days. He also instructs commercial students for another nearby company, whose CFI is another ex-Bristow pilot and instructor. I believe there is yet another ex BHL line pilot who instructs for both these organisations.

OATS Heli Training
 

I understand from talking to OATS that Heli training at Oxford was stopped at Oxford as no suitably experienced replacement could be found !

No new school has opened as they are reserving the right to open again if a candidate appears - if this fails to happen they may allow another training organisation in.

Seems like there could be a job opportunity for a good CFI

Please note I have no commercial link with OATS - I was told the above when looking at basing a Heli there.

Helicentre aviation, Coventry...
 

Hi All,

I'm considering a career change from a Physiotherapist to a commercial helicopter pilot as the NHS is in such a bad way and i would be fulfilling a life long dream.

Have spoken to several schools around the UK that have provided an insight into the industry etc etc. I attended a "career seminar" at Helicentre aviation, Coventry airport on saturday, aimed at people like myself. As this is a school based at a relatively busy airport and is close to me, chances are they'll get my business. However, just wondered if anyone out there has had any prior dealings/training with them or is aware of their reputation within the industry?

Any info would be great!

Cheers
Dave

Dave,

first of all: I know no flightschool in the UK beside some websites i visited but (and therefore my post is not at all directed at the school you mentioned):
A flightschool in the end is a business, right? What is the aim of a business? Exactly. Who is bringing the money? Fine....so we do know what we are talking about. :ok:

Please have a look at the search function of this forum and take your time to read through the various (almost countless) number of threads covering this theme ('....if you do the license with us we do our utmost to get you into a job.....' ah, and some do not even mention it might be a job where you do not even need a license). :=

I was not promised anything at the school i did my license with but first of all it was ppl and at the same time i did not expect anything else besides receiving instruction worth the money and time and this i got.

Rgds,
Ready2Fly

Thanks for this Ready2Fly - As stated in initial post, if anyone has had any experience with the aforementioned school, any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Dave

Rise Helicopters
 

Has anyone here had any experiences of Rise Helicopters at Staverton?

Re: Rise Helicopters
 

I'll answer it myself: They are excellent!

Intensive PPL(H) in UK?
 

Have you asked them if they will do an intensive course for you ?

Dennis Kenyon used to do this, don't know if he still does.

It would not be a major issue to put together a training plan to get this done quickly the only embuggerance usually is the weather, which in the coming months can be interesting, although you are certain to find to some clear skies amongst them.

VeeAny, thanks for the reply. I'll ask the guys at Northumbria and see what they say, but I am aware that I've picked a difficult time of year to be starting out, from a metorological point of view.