Rotor add on training question

[machtuck]

Open to any input:

Im a dual rated pilot, fly full time for airlines and Im considering buying a helo and teaching mostly "add on" ratings in central florida. Question... Does anyone think I will stay busy or am I dreaming. Just looking to offset some expenses. Numerous pilots have approached me to desiring the rating....

 

[mattpilot]

If you would consider leasing out the helo you should be able to rack up the required outs per year to break even. Otherwise i would have to say no, you wouldn't stay busy.

 

[Hobit]

I would imagine getting VA approved and gettting the Army folks for CFII and or ATP may catch a few people.

Then again I have no idea how bad getting VA approved is.

 

[machtuck]

A lease is an option, and I will look into the VA thing. thanks guys

 

[nosehair]

What kind of helicopter?

 

[NightHauler]

My guess is that you would be better off doing fixed wing for the VA guys, not rotary wing, as most of them are looking for fixed wing transitions, rather than the other way around.

 

[Hobit]

Not necessarily. I am looking to get my ATP R/H added, and maybe CFII R/H if the part 61 NPRM doesn't allow an automatic add on, in a year or so. I know several people that have absolutely NO intention of going FW and could have and ATP & CFII pay for them selves over time with some companies bonuses.

 

[Phrogboy]

For the mil rotary wing folks, and I guess the fixed wing folks as well, there are certainly ways to get your FAA ratings in military aircraft. A lot easier in training aircraft than in major weapon systems, but it might still be possible. I managed to get my ATP and CFI in the helicopter I was instructing in while in the Navy. Just takes a little legwork and research.

 

[Pilot_Ryan]

I think you would be swimming upstream in that market right now. It is doable. The insurance will eat you up, of course. I doubt you'd make money, the question is how little could you lose.

 

[XBOEINGDRVR]

My plan was to buy a R44, thanks for input.

 

[helimech]

Like PilotRyan said, the insurance will eat you up. If you put commercial insurance on it you're looking at anywhere from $10-18K/year for the R44, depending on if you do charter or anything else with it.

 

[bizjet800]

I am interested in a helicopter add-on. What would it take and how much would it cost?

 

[deadstick]

Like PilotRyan said, the insurance will eat you up. If you put commercial insurance on it you're looking at anywhere from $10-18K/year for the R44, depending on if you do charter or anything else with it.

That must be the Frank's cousin's brother-in-law's Caymen Is insurance company. I'd do a ton of research before going with them.

1) Helo insurance is a lot worse than fw.
2) To get VA approval, you must be 141.

Best of luck.

 

[helimech]

That must be the Frank's cousin's brother-in-law's Caymen Is insurance company. I'd do a ton of research before going with them.

Yep. that's the one.

Sad thing is they're the cheapest. Especially since this guy up here only has 500 hours rw, none commercial.

 

[NuGuy]

Heyas,

I ran a ATP/instrument add on thing back in the early 90s, right when the new insurance regs were motivating people into getting their IR/RW.

We did it in an IFR equipped R-22, and it ran great unless you had a guy too big for the R-22. We advertised a 6 hour program, which included the checkride. I must have signed off 20+ people over one summer.

The problem with these types of courses is that it is a requirement that the students already have their IR/FW AND be instrument current and competent. I had a number of headaches with students who had, ahem, overestimated their compentency and started to scream when they went over budget.

Be that as it may, it is VERY, VERY difficult to run this kind of op with a single ship. Guys who are looking for a IR or ATP add on are usually in a hurry, and want the thing to be done in 2-3 days over a weekend. We had a fleet of R-22s, and two full time mechanics and a store room full of parts, and we STILL had show stoppers.

Trying to get AOG service on the weekend will make you go broke quicker than you can say "Frankie Robinson".

If you are considering doing add-ons with guys with NO helio time, then you are talking guys flying solo, and now your insurance is on a rocket ride to Jupiter.

Honestly, if you want an R-44, make sure you have enough cash to own it without trying to make any money with it. If you can do some casual ratings in it, consider it found money.

Another thing to consider is that when guys approach you for ratings, the first thing in their minds is "hey, I've got a buddy who will let me do this cheap!". When you show them what it will really cost, most will say "ahh, I've got do some stuff on the boat...maybe next summer!".

Nu