So then Maximum,

It is all confusing...

So you're saying a JAA/CAA id better to get generally as it give easier conversions, but they cap it off for doing FI at min 300hrs. However under FAA it's less than that? That seems to make sense, as a large Helicopter training facility if the US says that as part of the commercial course you can do an FI rating, but i am assuming that it's under FAA rules, where the number of hours is less to enable one to teach?

Ok, so then what about if you go to the states, as you say it's cheaper but do an approved JAA/CAA course, with an FAA CPL as well, and then an FI. The FI would only be valid in the US until you did 300hrs or so for the JAA side? But then would you still need to convert? aggh is it this compliated on purpose or is there some practical reason??

As far as Bristows are concerned, and i am aware, the upper age limit..is wait for it...21!! counts me well out!

I heared a rumor the other day that Canada and New Zealand will recognise each other's CPLs as of later in the year.
There is also a trans tasman agreement between N.Z and Aussie licences involving only a bit of paperwork and a few dollars (about A$60) to convert :ok:

helislave, that's about it, yup.

If you do the CAA/JAA CPL(H) at the big school in Florida I think you're talking about(!), then that's what you've got, a CAA/JAA CPL(H), so no conversion needed when you get back. If you also do the FAA CPL(H) and an FAA FI rating, then get employed as an instructor, you'd still need to do the CAA/JAA FI course when you got back.

******, that's a bit tough isn't it!

Typical England, make it hard for the little guy! Part of the reasosn i live in Germany, and the beer of course...:D oh and the snowboarding!

This big school, then, i think we're talking about the same one as it's the only one that does JAA CPL(H). Any good? Because if i were to train , it would be at this one.
Any alternatives?

Thanks Maximum.:ok:

Yes, its got a good reputation, and as you say, it's the only one doing CAA/JAA CPL(H). Not sure the beer's as good as yours though..........:}

Try a search for training in the USA for more info.

Heliport

After asking advice here (thread now merged), I had six days of mountain training in New Zealand at Simon Spencer-Bower's outfit, Wanaka Helicopters, which I thoroughly enjoyed, couldn't fault and would recommend unhesitatingly. I have a PPL(H) but think that it would be equally good for a CPL/ATPL holder.

FlyAnotherDay

New Zealand flying schools
 

Hi

Just wondered if anybody could help. Has anybody been really impressed with a particular flying school in NZ and for what reasons? I hold an Australian CPL(H) and will be travelling to New Zealand (Auck) early Feb. I need to find a flying school to do my mountain flying course and any other courses required to convert my license. I am also optimistically hoping to find some work.

I am aware PPrune does not allow advertising so if your reply may be deemed as advertising please email [email protected]

Thanks:E


No problem with genuine recommendations.

Heliport

I had a bad experience with an Aviation College in Nelson about 5 years ago.I travelled over there from Oz with the intention doing my CPLH flying (I had about 100hrs on a pvt licence and it was cheaper to fly over there).I had limited time and made them aware of that.Every thing was ready to go and I was speaking to them almost on a daily basis up until I left OZ.On arrival in Nelson I found their R22 had 6 hours to run till a 2000hrly and was expected to be out of the air for 6-8 weeks.Needless to say I was pretty disgusted with them, but had a good holiday in a beautiful country and finished my flying back in OZ.......Kiwi mafia strikes again!!

Ag work NZ
 

All

What opportunities exist in NZ doing crop spraying etc, bearing in mind I have 150hrs??

All replies appreciated.

If you want to get straight into a flying slot, absolutely nothing.

If you are happy to work as loader driver and ground crew for year or two, then probably slightly better chance.

Autorotate.

Heli-Flight NZ, any opinions?
 

Ok, so this is an age-old question does anyone have any thoughts on a particular school?

I am researching ALL of my options before I jump in, and am now looking at Heli-Flight in NZ.

Any words from the wise would be greatly appreciated, from their web site and literature; they do look professional, maybe a touch to professional.

Im like a second hand car, and will need some degree of after care, such as pointers to enhance my low hours.

Any insights would be greatly received.
;)

Heli flight NZ
 

Heliflight NZ is a good company. They look a bit professional these days as they pick up they University contracts in NZ now so have to. Train at the Wairarapa base if you want more laid back and down to earth as that is where they started from and as far as I know the boss Andy Mackay still lives.

You could try Shoreline Helicopters is you want real flying one on one. Excellent instruction.

Not sure why you would think they look too professional. I stop out there from time to time and they run a very good operation. Good ratio of instructors to students and good depth of background there. All the instructors love what they are doing and it shows.

I think its great that schools here in NZ are acting more professional. Gone are the days of the she'l be right attitude. With students paying out serious money I would prefer to go to a school that isnt completely laid back.

They have two operations one in Auckland and one in Masterton. Both offer different things. Auckland is at a busy controlled airspace area, and Masterton has some great mountain flying areas. Both bases compliment each other so you would get the best of both worlds.

Students arent rushed and if they need more flying then they get more flying. With the expansion of their commercial side the chance for future employment is great and Andy McKay, the owner, is not one to let the grass grow under his feet. He has a lot of big plans and many of them are coming to fruition.

Bottom line, if you want a good school to train at, then yes Heliflight would be a good choice.

Autorotate.

Thank you for your posts,

I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and have provisionally made a tentative decision. :p

If all goes to plan, (Which is a moot point, & I am prone to change my mind) get my J-1, shoot off to NZ, get my PPL at Heliflight, this will give me the opportunity to judge the school first hand.

If I feel comfortable, I will stay for the duration and get my CPL, if not then jump on a jumbo go to Orlando and complete at HAI.

Sounds like a plan to me...
:ok:

Just to say fully agree with autorotate, I to often visit Heli-flight and have always been impressed.;)

crash
 

One of there machine's rolled over today.

Dude - Dont know where you got your info but its B/S.

Just got off the phone with Heliflight's owner, Andy Mckay. Here's what REALLY happened.

The guys were flying a 300C and heard a loud noise from behind them, they did an auto to the ground and it resulted in a heavy landing, no rolling over, no fireball, no injuries, just some slightly bent skids.

Since its Sat here, they are changing the skids and transmission on Monday and its back up in the air again.

Cause was a snapped transmission pinion.

Autorotate.

AGL - You sound like you have a real burr up your backside about Heliflight, what happened, you didnt make the grade or what.

Amazing how much you read into my post when all it does is say what happened. Yes they had an accident or two, so what, other operators have and if you fly the number of hours Heliflight do then the odds are against you. My god you must be einstein, yes it was a snapped pinion on the R-22, congrats, what do you want a medal or a chest to pin it on.

BJ has about 3000 hrs and is the Akl base manager so I would say he is experienced.

And in case you are wondering no I dont work for them, he asked for opinions and I gave mine. You dont like it then so be it. Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one, including you.

Autorotate.

AGL - How is life at Helipro.

Autorotate.

AGL.

Sorry mate, but I beg to differ! Our students are NOT treated as "just a number". I know when I trained with them, I wasn't.

In fact, I belive our students are treated very well, and before you say anything, I have trained with other schools, ( not mentioning names) so I do have some experience of differant training organisations.

Which is why I choose HeliFlight (NZ).

I will agree with you though, on the fact that it was "Great to hear there was no injuries"

My rant over.

Safe flying all.

:ok:

Hughesy.

I too have flown on occasions at Heliflight amoung other training organistions and have found them very good and not just another number.

If you fly the hours these guys do you can expect the ocastional problem.

The courses there are run very professionally with some very good instructors.

Cheers

The Count;)