Any Helicopter pilots here??
Discussion
It's always been a dream of mine to fly a helicopter, and I think I'm going to take up lessons. I realise that it's incredibly expensive compared plane lessons.
Just a few general questions really...
What type of lessons are recommened? I presume that the 1/2 hour £180 ones you can buy off lastminute.com etc are more aimed towards a one off experience?
How many hours would I needed to clock up for a license?
Any recommendations for the south of England?
Anything else you guys think is relevant?
Also, out of interest, is anyone a chopper pilot for a living?? Did that require a different license??
Cheers
_dan_ :D
Just a few general questions really...
What type of lessons are recommened? I presume that the 1/2 hour £180 ones you can buy off lastminute.com etc are more aimed towards a one off experience?
How many hours would I needed to clock up for a license?
Any recommendations for the south of England?
Anything else you guys think is relevant?
Also, out of interest, is anyone a chopper pilot for a living?? Did that require a different license??
Cheers
_dan_ :D
the 1/2 hour ones are just usually an experience flight with a clutch and some basic mooves demonstrated, they do give an idea of what it is all aboout though.
I did all my flying in the RAF and never converted my license but generally to fly for a living you need a CPL or commercial pilots license.
You might find this is best done overseas in Florida or other US states where there are schools that will give you either US or CAA certification up to CPL with all instument ratings etc. Australia similar programmes.
The main issue is that while getting experience in the second seat your pay will be rubbish and that can make it hard to pay back any loan for the training. Typically it was $25k in my day, must be more now.
I did all my flying in the RAF and never converted my license but generally to fly for a living you need a CPL or commercial pilots license.
You might find this is best done overseas in Florida or other US states where there are schools that will give you either US or CAA certification up to CPL with all instument ratings etc. Australia similar programmes.
The main issue is that while getting experience in the second seat your pay will be rubbish and that can make it hard to pay back any loan for the training. Typically it was $25k in my day, must be more now.
Eric Mc said:
Is LICENSE now the official English spelling?
Can anyone spell it correctly anymore?
Sorry, wasn't by any means expressing an Americanism!!! Just that spelling has never been my strong point!
So anyone got anything more constructive other than dissecting my sentences and sticking them under a microscope?
>> Edited by _dan_ on Saturday 30th July 09:42
I've tried an R22 Robinson (the Hillman Imp of the whirlybird world) and it was quite possibly the most difficult single act I've ever attempted: the coordination required is immense and I found it far preferable to pilot home an S1 Elise.
£150k for a second hand one and only marginally less insane to maintain than a floating Monacco gin palace.
I'll take the Maybach 62 or Phantom, every time.
£150k for a second hand one and only marginally less insane to maintain than a floating Monacco gin palace.
I'll take the Maybach 62 or Phantom, every time.
Judas bought me a helicopter lesson as a birthday pressie a few years ago in an R22 - utterly fabulous 
. It was with these guys www.helicopter-services.co.uk.
And yes he did turn the engine off and we glided quite nicely down on to Tollerton airfield. What a rush!
Unfortunately because I have been blessed with eyesight that resembles that of a dead mole (without glasses) I was not able to become a commercial helicopter pilot (one of those 'what do you want to be when you grow up' dreams
) So I would say if you want to do it, go for it and good luck 
Ace-T
>> Edited by Ace-T on Saturday 30th July 12:11
. It was with these guys www.helicopter-services.co.uk. And yes he did turn the engine off and we glided quite nicely down on to Tollerton airfield. What a rush!
Unfortunately because I have been blessed with eyesight that resembles that of a dead mole (without glasses) I was not able to become a commercial helicopter pilot (one of those 'what do you want to be when you grow up' dreams
) So I would say if you want to do it, go for it and good luck Ace-T
>> Edited by Ace-T on Saturday 30th July 12:11
Cheers for the replies guys.
It's one of those things that I've been thinking about for years now and just think "one day", but I'm knocking on a bit now (getting on for 30 now
) and if I don't start learning now then when? I don't want to get into my old age and wish I'd have at least had a bash at a life long dream!!
Money is a bit of an issue, but work is on the up so hopefully I'll be able to get a few hours under my belt over the next year or so. Also I think the GF is buying me a trial lession for my 30th next month (either that or a day of rallying - eithers good!!)
I can't wait to start!!!
It's one of those things that I've been thinking about for years now and just think "one day", but I'm knocking on a bit now (getting on for 30 now
) and if I don't start learning now then when? I don't want to get into my old age and wish I'd have at least had a bash at a life long dream!! Money is a bit of an issue, but work is on the up so hopefully I'll be able to get a few hours under my belt over the next year or so. Also I think the GF is buying me a trial lession for my 30th next month (either that or a day of rallying - eithers good!!)
I can't wait to start!!!
I am in the process of learning to fly an R22, (we use commercial pilots for our operations so I can get freeby lessons with them.) The trial lesson you are thinking of will show you round the controls and you will have a quick go to get a feel of how difficult it is.
Deresticter is absolutely right about how hard it is, there is no comparison between flying a helicopter and fixed-wing (fixed wing being far easier (and cheaper)) If you do decide to get a licence the minimum requirement is 45 hours, although people tend to take between 60-70 hours - largely because they spread the lessons out too much. As with any licence an intensive course is the best and cheapest option and the US will always be cheaper than doing it over here. You are looking at between £10-15k over here, if you want a commercial licence you will be at least £40k light.
It is hard and expensive but also incredible fun, besides - how cool do you look flying to a hotel!?
Deresticter is absolutely right about how hard it is, there is no comparison between flying a helicopter and fixed-wing (fixed wing being far easier (and cheaper)) If you do decide to get a licence the minimum requirement is 45 hours, although people tend to take between 60-70 hours - largely because they spread the lessons out too much. As with any licence an intensive course is the best and cheapest option and the US will always be cheaper than doing it over here. You are looking at between £10-15k over here, if you want a commercial licence you will be at least £40k light.
It is hard and expensive but also incredible fun, besides - how cool do you look flying to a hotel!?
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