Rotorcraft in FL?

[88_MALIBU]

Does anyone know of a good company in Florida to get private pilot rotorcraft training from? I would like to learn how to fly them and was hoping to do it down there.

 

[great cornholio]

You could try Tomlison (sp?). In Ormond Beach (OMN). They seemed like a pretty decent sized school. I never used them, but I've also never heard anything bad about them. Also try Lantana (LNA) its just south of West Palm. I did a demo ride there a few years ago and they seemed pretty cool.

 

[mayday1]

I was just looking at Air Orlando's website, and they offer helicopter training.. from what I've heard, they're a good operation (although I have no first hand experience).

 

[FracCapt]

Does anyone know of a good company in Florida to get private pilot rotorcraft training from? I would like to learn how to fly them and was hoping to do it down there.

There are many good helicopter schools in FL...first thing you need to decide is what part of Florida you want to train in. Next, what type of helicopter?

Tomlinson at OMN uses Enstrom and Schweizer helicopters now(used to use Hughes exclusively, but from what I heard they got a sweet deal they couldn't refuse on the Enstroms).

Orlando Helicopter(aka Air Orlando) at ORL uses Schweizers.

Helicopter Adventures in TIX uses Schweizer and Robinson helicopters.

Palm Beach Helicopters at LNA uses Robinsons.

Heliflight at FXE uses Robinsons.

I, personally, don't like the Robinson line. Just look at the SFAR dedicated to it and you'll see there are some issues with it. None that can't be overcome with training, but I know of no other helicopter line that has a SFAR dedicated to it. Each type of helicopter will have their unique quirks and problems.

First things first....pick the area you are interested in, if anyplace specific. Pricing will be roughly the same overall at all of them, so if you're comparing prices as listed on their websites, make sure you equal everything in terms of hours included in that price. Some list FAA minimums in their estimate, some list realistic minimums.

One of the big things to consider is what type of helicopters are available in your area that you would possibly be renting. If there are only R22's, I would suggest training in an R22. If you have a helicopter license, you have to have 10 hours in type AND a signoff in your logbook(which has to be renewed every year I think, maybe every other year) before you can act as PIC on an R22 regardless of your previous time(some exceptions granted if you have time in the R44). As a student, you must have 20 hours in the R22 before you can solo it. If you train in an R22 and then go to rent a Schweizer, there are some aircraft specific things you will have to train on before any company will let you take it out solo.

 

[PaulThomas]

www.londonaviation.com

The name of the instructor is Joe. He's a great guy. If you want more info, PM me.

 

[PropsForward]

I was just looking at Air Orlando's website, and they offer helicopter training.. from what I've heard, they're a good operation (although I have no first hand experience).

Call me a tight-wad, but these jerks tried to charge me a $40 instructor surcharge for walking out to the helicopter and back. I told them I was only interested in paying for flight instruction not ramp time.

 

[FracCapt]

Call me a tight-wad, but these jerks tried to charge me a $40 instructor surcharge for walking out to the helicopter and back. I told them I was only interested in paying for flight instruction not ramp time.

Why did you walk out to the helicopter and back? Schedule a flight and change your mind about wanting to fly helicopters when you got out there? Cancel a flight due to weather? A bit more info would be necessary to determine whether or not they were justified in doing so.

 

[PropsForward]

No, did the flight. had a blast. but the CFI tried to tack on an additional $40 for "Flight Housekeeping" (Walking to/from the aircraft, tiedown, covers, etc). I didn't pay the surcharge and have not been back since...

 

[88_MALIBU]

Thanks alot guys. I appreciate the first hand knowledge, thats what Im looking for. I will do my training in an R22 as that is what I have access to fly, actually R44 but I think the transition would be easier from a 22 to a 44. Thanks again and I will post up when I finish my training.