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.

Brian Rowsell at Bristol & Wessex is very good. He's an ex Army Air Corps pilot, and still flies regularly with the Army as a TA pilot.
If you're prepared to travel further afield, Mike Smith at Heliair (Wellesbourne, near Stratford) is the most experienced heli instructor in the UK - and possibly the world. Without doubt the best civvy instructor I've ever had.
Good Luck.

What is your long term aim? That really must be your primary concern. The North Sea is in decline, any helicopter pilot with any sense is converting to fixed wing.

Surely you must look around you and see what you want is ludicrous in this present environment.

Tiger heli school moving to Welshpool
 

Anybody heard of a rumour concerning a helicopter flying school, possibly Tiger from Shobdon, looking at moving to EGCW in Mid Wales?

WWW

Yes, WWW. But for various reasons it is only a rumour at present. I should know more at the end of the month or thereabouts; I'll post it here if and when I do

Keep me posted. I'm not a million miles away (like 20)and have 5000 instructional !

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Old Beefer,
Aren't they paying you enough at DHS?

V insanus in Salopia

PPL(H) in the UK
 

A friend of mine has decided he wants to get his Helicopter PPL. He lives in Suffolk, so any info on UK flight schools within driving distance from there, would be gladly received.
If you have something to say that might set off a riot you can e-mail me and I'll pass it on.

Cheers in advance.



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Alright mate,

Try www.srg.caa.co.uk for a list of currently approved flight training organisations. That should give yer friend the approved local ones, then its probably best to visit a few and see which ones he/she likes.Good luck.

Quidam,

Cheers mate, already done that.

Kenny.

Try Direct Helicopters at Southend!

Probably the best is Heathrow. From there you can hop on a flight over to the US. The flight over its self is less the a hours hire and instruction in this country.

Heli Hire...
 

I'd like to put the Hughes (MD) 500 series on my licence, and then fly it occasionally either privately and / or freelance charter. Anyone help? ( All reasonable rates considered.) Based southern UK.

I may stand corrected, but I do believe that Heli Air @ Denham could help you out on that one, not sure on the rates though.

Drop them a line:- 01895-835899

HeliEng

You could try Biggin Hill Helicopters at er, Biggin Hill. Web site is www.bhh.co.uk

They do reasonable rates and offer block rate discounts

heli eng,

not saying they dont do it but I never seen an MD500 at denham, but I have at Redhill, EBG Helicopters, and maybe you could try London Helicopter centre also at Redhill.

also I have noticed that whenever people ask for training tips that heli air at Denham are always mentioned, they are OK as far as I know but why do they have so many unpaid reps does anyone know?




------------------
elpirata

Elpirata:

There indeed have been many H500's at Denham, I am just not sure whether they are available for training, or are purely Private machines.

Also, what do you mean by unpaid reps?

HeliEng

I think El P may be hinting at the heavy support for Heli Air on these BB's.

Hey El P, how's the IR coming on? Heard any good lay-by/fuel jokes lately

Balance!

Sorry, maybe I am being extraordinerally dense today. Still not catching your drift!

HeliEng

hi balance:

IR in a helicopter, they told me it would be busy but this brings busy to a new stratospheric level !, starting on the twin squirrel on monday !
as for fuel jokes - hmmn


hi heli eng: by unpaid rep I mean someone who recommends companies in the same way as someone would who was on commission based on sales.

what I want to know is what makes them any better than
1.Cabair - elstree
2.Flightworks - wycombe
3.cabair - blackbushe
4.london helicopter centres - redhill
5.EBG - redhill
6.Biggin Hill Helicopters - (guess where)

etc etc etc, I know Q is good but so are lots of other guys.

have I overcome your denseness yet?
also please dont take me too seriously just asking the question!



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elpirata

LAFalot
I don't think HeliAir at Denham offer training on the H500.
Elpirata
This forum is very useful for exchanging experiences of all sorts, including good/bad places to train/rent. Perhaps the reason lots of people recommend HeliAir is that they have good quality machines (and lots of them), give good service/training and, apart from the CFI who always looks as if she could do with something to put a smile on her face, very easy going and friendly.
Bad experiences/reports are just as helpful. eg The small place opposite Leeds Bradford used to be good but, since the change of ownership a few years ago, has consistently bad reports.
Knowledge is power - and can save lots of disappointment and dosh!