UK helicopter schools (Merged)
 

Any starters for 10!

I am keen to ditch my current profession to persue one in aviation. Can anybody adivise a starting point for researching into a career flying helicopters rather than planes?

Who with?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Many Thanks All!!

If you want to do it, and you have the aptitude there is no time like the present.

Fly with Mike Smith (Heliair). He was my instructor a while back and he will give you an honest opinion if he can in the limited time.
If he can't just enjoy the experience of flying with, I would say, one of the highest houred pilots in the world.

See what you've started BOSSCAT.
Seriously, if you have a few pennies available to start a new career in helicopters, either become an avionics engineer (they are looked after), or go to a place that offers good value for money for flying training.
With the market today being as international as it is, I would get a reputable U.S. or Canadian company to train you. They are half the price that you would pay over here, and then you would most likely be offered a job as instructor (another debate), and of course a holiday at the same time.
Licensed to fly an N- reg or C- reg aircraft is you knocking on the door world-wide, and a conversion to a U.K. license isn't too traumatic. In times of stress the North Sea Helicopter companies will even do that for you.
Also, as a structural engineer from Glasgow, maybe you could help Eurocopter to build their next machine from good old steel girders instead of plastic.

If you knew any thing about physics you wouldnt want to fly a whirlymagig anyway.
:) :) :) Everybody knows that if god had meant them to fly he would have glued the wing on so it could be seen. http://www.fontsnthings.com/3d/0004/uppern.gif :) :)

[This message has been edited by The wizard of auz (edited 18 May 2000).]

BOSSCAT. The stuff about Heliair is bang on, they are V good. There is an instructor there now (Glen) who also has CPL so onestop shop maybe..

I have been trying to contact HeliAir but their web page is under construction and the the email address [email protected] doesn't work. Any body have a posting address or contact telephone No for anyone who can provide literature etc on the school?

Thanks All

BOSSCAT

BOSSCAT Heliair: 01789 470476 and say Pete Chapman recommended - then there will be laughter..

BOSSCAT,
I have to agree with all of the above plus points directed to Heli-air. And no I don't work for them or have an interest in the company either, but I do have a long history of dealings with both the Wellesbourne and Denham offices. You will be hard pushed to find two higher qualified instructors than Mike or Quentin Smith, and when you consider that they are the level all their employed instructors are aspiring to, you know you're getting quality whoever you end up with.

Yes, there are bigger training organisations about, but remember it not the size its the Quality that counts!!

I work for a Single Engine AOC Operator and we contract 15 Freelance commercial pilots throughout the year. Currently about 50% of our guys learnt to fly with and have gone on to be Instructors with Heli-air, 25% in the Forces and 25% abroad.

Don't hang around thinking about it. If you've got the budget get on the ladder!!

flying in the uk..
 

Hey guys/gals ,
Can anyone give me any info on flying schools or helo operators in the midlands as I am from Safrica and in desperate need of getting some air between my butt and the earth...any help will be appreciated...

Try East Midlands Helicopters, they`re quite close to Nottingham.

Going by they`re web site they operate R22`s B206`s and AS355`s.Telephone number 01509 856464

If you prefer the West Midlands, there's Tiger Helicopters at Shobdon, near Leominster, phone 01568.708028.

To Fastback and R22 , Thanks for the info guys..will give them a call.

Thanks again...

The bear...

Yogi, let me know if you're going to Tiger Helicopters; I fly from there regularly; maybe we can meet up.

If you're anywhere near Stourbridge I can vouch for Heliflight. They operate out of Halfpenny green airport and have just expanded their op down to Staverton. I've logged a couple of hours with them and they seem like a friendly lot.

Bristol - any damn good helicopter flying schools?
 

My dream in life has always been to fly a helicopter, and now finances allow the time has arrived to give it a go.

Can anyone recommend any damn good flying schools in the Bristol area please? Not only must they be reasonably priced but also have very good, helpful instructors.


Thanks in advance


Paul

You could try these websites: http://www.helicopters.uk.com/Training/training.html
and http://www.flyer.co.uk
The Flyer website is geared towards general aviation in the UK and so will have a link or a list of flying schools.

My advice is to visit all potential schools, I used to drive past one to get to the one I learned with as they were much friendlier and the machines were a lot better. Good luck.

Hey mate
Sometimes you have to travel to get the best service. If you don't have any luck in the Bristol area give me a call and I will point you in the direction of one of the better schools in the South with outstanding instructors.
good luck.

have a look at www.plh.co.uk they have links to schools all over the place and will give you good advice (what you need I guess)

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El Pirata

Try Staverton Flying School, 01452 712388. They´re based at Glos, but that´s not so far from Bristol

Try Bristol & Wessex Helicopters on 01275 474868 they are the biggest on the field at the moment both for aircraft and staff.