GOT

Study this very important thread before you proceed:

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...highlight=fold :}

Check if there are any map folding courses offered in Sweden...

Nomex: overall, gloves, balaclava ...

@PTKAY What the hell he needs a balaclava for???:confused:
His intention is to become a helicopter pilot, not a terrorist or bank robber:ugh:

@ShyTorque Sticky notes are also very handy putting them on torque meters when slinging:}

:ouch: my chief pilot read it.

Spencer17

As an ex-instructor, I would only advise you to get a baseball cap as mentioned previously. (oh yes, and take the little button off the top.)Don't worry about glasses/headsets/and all that cr*p. You don't need it yet as the school will supply headsets for now. Get one when you feel you'll be doing enough flying to justify it's use then get a reasonable noise cancelling one.


Don't go out and buy these expensive pilot packs of books/kneeboards etc. You can buy that as you go along and get them off ebay or somewhere to save money. Save money where you can.

One other thing, enjoy it and don't get too stressed if you can't do everything first time. Lot's of us here have all done the same thing.

Helimutt wilco!

I really what it to be february soon, it will be so fun! I have actually, this autumn, been studying for a PPL-A but just the theory part and I have not made any exams for the CAA. So I believe I'll have a lot of knowledge already at course start so I hope I can start the actual flight training quite early!!

GOT

I believe it is important for some Helicopter Pilots to have a neatly trimmed bush! :eek:






http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1...d/HeliBush.jpg

As seen at B&Q Evesham for £99.

I seem to remember there was a great video of an R44 lifting into an over hanging Hangar door which trashed the aircraft. I think that the pilot was wearing a baseball cap.
Go figure

Have to agree with Whirlybird and helimutt, DON'T take anything to start with other than your enthusiasm and a determination to enjoy what will be a fascinating, frustrating, rewarding, sometimes depressing but ultimately uplifting experience. Nothing is actually required but some things will make your life easier especially at the times when you'll be concentrating so hard you won't even be able to remember your own name! Your instructor will point you in the right direction as to what you'll need.

I've been flying helicopters for over 20 years now for various organizations some of which provided you with everything and others which gave you absolutely nothing. Personally I don't get on with kneeboards, I bought a pair of Randolph Engineering sunglasses once because I thought that's what I needed, don't even know where they are now, but the one thing I have bought for myself is a noise cancelling headset. Should have bought one years ago. Helicopters are noisy, especially the R22 with it's perfectly fitting doors :p so anything that can make your learning environment a more relaxing place has got to be worth it in my opinion. They're expensive and you don't need it just yet but it would be first on my list if you've got the money.

Have fun.

Well I am taking the plunge and starting training tomorrow morning in the R44. This what I have had already:)

1) RSH Aircrew police /parapublic leather flight jacket
3) Enough subs to Vertical Magazine, Heli Ops and Heli Tac as well as my AHS Vertiflite and HAI publications
4) Shades of course!!:ok:
5) Snake Pilot by Randy Zahn

Cheers

stuff!
 

170 I'd like to see a photo of your writing on the window whilst in flight. I fly a Longranger and it's quite a reach to the front window with my hand. I prefer a knee board but I normally just remember anything like clearance etc.
I will try and write with my finger on the window on my next flight but I don't think I can reach. Please post a photo in flight if you can, it will be interesting
Cheers

A different perspective on "stuff"
 

I am in strong agreement with those who advise being frugal at the beginning and not spending money on gadgets. In 40+ years of flying, I have lost track of all the gadgets I have purchased and later abandoned. Jackets,sunglasses, caps etc may make you feel good but will not make you better pilot. My suggestion: spend your money on a copy of Shawn Coyle's book "Cyclic & Collective." This is a well written, easy to read, and comprehensive book on the practical aspects of flying helicopters, with just enough theory here and there to promote better understanding. I believe that you will progress faster in your training when you understand what is coming and why; this book enables that understanding in a way that is enjoyable rather than a burden. :ok:

EN48

Heliringer..

"I fly a Longranger and it's quite a reach to the front window with my hand. I prefer a knee board but I normally just remember anything like clearance etc"

I write on the window also with a sharpie--either write on the door window or at the very top of the front window--its no big deal.

Gordy, I know it's no big deal but if your writing why not use a Knee board? Although it's smaller than the door/windscreen, You guys might be writing novels or something:)

When flying on fires, 90% of the time we have the right door off, therefore the knee board on the right a leg is not the most secure, and it gets in the way of the collective on the left leg---therefore, it is easier to just write stuff on the window. More importantly, I just dont like knee boards--they are too bulky, and never seemed to fit right. Another plus to the window is the information remains when the relief pilot fly. I am also not talking novels either--normally just frequencies and stuff like that. Sometimes I also draw an outline of the fire and annotate the division breaks on it.

After a few months of flight training, I use:

- A cap without the button on the top (thanks for the tip!)
- Ear-plugs custom made to fit my ears. Even though they cost a lot, they are of great value, I strongly recommend this.

GOT (skill test on Thursday!)

Good luck mate!

Don't know where you are training but here is my advise:
Dress for the environment and fill your pockets with handy stuff because often times when aircraft crash the survival kit is inaccessible and all you have to survive with is what you're wearing.

Carry at least a lighter, pocket knife, signaling device, and during summer in remote areas always have insect repellant with you.

The test to see if you are appopriately dressed: spend a couple of hours outside after dark -preferrably midnight- , just sitting around -wearing what you would normally have with you when flying,. If your not shivering after a couple of hours then I would say you are appropriately dresssed.

I'm Canadian so thinking about survival is essential, Of course if you fly in an urban environment an Amex card would probably suffice.

IHL
Given that it is Canada (or perhaps any country) that you are referring to and that the trainee may embark on xcrountry trips now and then, I venture an addition or two to your list.

1. space blanket.

2. Personal ELB (both of which must be on "on person")

3. A head full of knowledge as to how far away the nearest rescue machines are, in minutes, complete with pre-flight briefing. Plus 20 minutes for sat detection of your ELB and central SAR to mobilise and action rescue.

4. A personal ETA well before last light back spaced to include the above time interval.

5. A seriously good head attitude that you have checked off all the items heretofore referred to in this entire thread.
good luck!!:ok:

My personal list involves, Water, Space blanket, ELB, thermos of coffee, sat phone, field dressing, and coat and matches in case the flight time goes toward last light or it's bloody cold.
TET

good kneeboard: Hendricks 9G
and 20mil poly plates (custom):

have a look if you want some (R44):

http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/664...ml#post6431793