Instructor rating
 

Any body out there with information of good school .Want to obtain instructor rating.Already checked a couple out , but was,nt to impressed. Have already got Jaa cpl. Thanks

Mike Green at Helicopter Services, High Wycombe (Booker) will give you a good course.

I am bout to make the same decision ref instructors rating,

What should I be looking for in the instructor/school before committing which helps me decide if they are going to be good or not?

I've spoken to a number of people who have said such and such is a good instructor when going through training, but I guess they have had no other experience to measure against.

Anyone out there who examines the instructors or has had experience of working in a number of schools who can advise? I am talking UK here.

Without wanting to sound too flippant, basically the place that you are most likely to get work.

This will be determined by lots of things: do you already know the school involved (ie have you trained there already... remember your 'network')? How flexible are you? (ie are you willing to move? - there seems to be a few instructor jobs going in the NE at the moment - no good if you insist on living in London). What aircraft are you going to do the course on? (It would be a very brave guy/girl who didn't have the R22 on their Instructor's ticket?)

If you've got the time, go through the list that the CAA produces of all the FTOs and the courses they offer then go and visit all the schools offering the FIC. It would even be worth visiting the schools who don't offer an FIC to see where their instructors were trained. I'm sure that the same names will keep on coming up...

For the record, I did my course with Mike Green at Wycombe due to various recommendations. It was a great course (I managed to pass and got a job very soon elsewhere) but I personally wouldn't recommend Mike. PM me if you want further details.


Hope this helps,

B73


PS copter2424 - Not directly related to this thread but a small word of advice: Please don't offer to work for free. You're not doing any of us any favours...

Mike Bill down at London Helicopters at Redhill has a good reputation, and Mike Smith for Heli Air up at Wellesbourne would be worth a look too. Bravo73 has hit it on the head, decide where and with whom you would like to work and go for there. You could also ask Fred Cross at the CAA since he has contact with most of the schools and instructors. Whilst I'm sure he wouldn't be so indiscreet as to express a preference, he will be able to tell you the lie of the land.

copter2424 & jemax,

Check your PMs.


B73

KMS,

Missed you over the weekend :(

No first hand training experiences, but have recently had to fly with a recent CPL and a recent FI trained by the Yorkshire source you mention.

Would be fair to say that I'd consider very carefully before going there.

Copter 2424 I have no links with the Yorkshire training provider mentioned but if you are considering them I'm more than willing to ask the two guys I've trained recently to PM you detailing their thoughts and first hand experiences.

Find a school and an Instructor you like. Visit a few. Check pass rates and ask to speak with any recent students. I've found that whilst you definately get what you pay for, sadly there are times you pay and don't get all you should. Past students are a good source but try and keep you're q's purely factual and accept that there will be possibly some personality clashes.

Would echo, try not to work for free, it helps none of us.

FI course will teach you more about your own flying than anything else. Enjoy

intructor rating
 

I seem to have upset a few people out there , I apologise ,it was,nt intended, majority of you were very constructive and helpfull of your views and i have taken them on board. for that I thank you , However the ONE that was making comments of my ratings on the 22 /44 as being "inadequate" and quote " Get some real ones. " Im sure theres lots of pilots who disagree including Frank. We all had to start somewhere and im sure there are lots of other pilots who would like to make comments about that. I have his e-mail if anybody wants to comment.

Anyway guy,s I dont need to fly for free now I have the few hours I needed to continue with my instructor course. All paid for by myself. It was just an option which at the time thought was a good idea , We live and learn,

Thanks again for all the constructive comments and I will be calling the schools you fellas have mentioned

regards

FI courses
 

I agree with puntosaurus
Check your PM's
H3