Lose

JHMAJ

Firstly, are we talking about an initial trial lesson? In which case, go for the R44 - no brainer!

However, if you wish to take training further, there is a Schweizer chap at Gloucester as well and I, too, would recommend that you learn in one of those. You will have to pass a medical and the AME might not pass you if your BMI is too excessive.

Putting on 2 stone (28lbs/12.5 kg) a year is more than just a poor lifestyle ... something's gone badly wrong and you might need some bloodtests :ouch:

Cheers

Whirls

Thanks again,

Fortunately I get Bupa screening every 2 years. I have had high blood pressure for 6 years, whether at a heavy or lighter stage in by body mass. Under treatment, the blood pressure is fine and under control. I would always be heavier than my ideal weight as despite being short the frame is stocky and muscle mass quite dense, hence BMI is a crude measurement for me. And to get an average of course you have above and below!

So apart from being fat, and presently unfit, I am pretty healthy!!!!:oh:

But yes initial trial lesson to see if the aptitude and fear can be under control! If so, then some saving up etc, during which I know I need to continue to get my weight under control and then that gives more options. No one needs to wade in with the explanations as to why losing weight is good for me, I know, I face it every day and intend to one day be able to win and avoid the yo yo, situation of weight on and weight off. Believe me, its easier to say than do.

But why is an R44 much better in any case, putting the weight element to one side, does it simply fly better?

Cheers,

Gaz

Hey I am quite possibly going to do my ppl with rise too. Don't quote me on it but I think that the price difference is as follows for the two, bit over £16k for an r22 and about £22k in an r44 so it is more but doable depending in budget, rough figuars depending on the hours you need though. I think that there is someone at staverton with a schwizer 300 which would be no problem and I don't think that it would be that much more than an r22 but again don't quote me on that though. I am not sure if Rise has acess to the 300 but well worth asking.

Gazzer: you are 'dimensionally challenged' my man, not fat! Political correctness is de rigour!
I was involved in an insurance issue surrounding helicopters and loads etc.
If the occupant exceeds the seat loading, be very clear - you will not be insured in a crash. I don't know what an R44 seat limit is but your weight will knacker its performance anyway!
Mind you - look at it positively: you can't fly in a R22 - brilliant news!
:mad:

Hi guys,

Rise suggest I would be more comfortable in the R44 and my son can come along too!!

Decision made!

Thanks for the input, humourous, caring and advisory.

I hope next year to post adventures from 2/3rd of my former self....

You never know!

Gaz

speak to jon lane at Heliflight he will look after you very well at Staverton:ok: