pilotspencer Posted April 12, 2015 Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 Hey All, I am a current high school freshman, looking to begin flight training this summer. In the Seattle Area, I have a few schools available, all but one flying the Robinson R22. However, I am currently 6'2, about 210 pounds, and will likely reach 6'5, 260 pounds by the end of high school. With the R22's strict weight and balance requirements, this leaves me hesitant to begin in the R22. One school operates the Schweizer 300 series, which I heard is more accommodating for people my size. Is this the case? Will I be able to fit into an R22 with an average sized instructor? Also, I heard the R22 is a better initial trainer as it includes a governor, would this make it a better choice? Sorry for the packed post,Spencer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldy Posted April 12, 2015 Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 Hey All, I am a current high school freshman, looking to begin flight training this summer. In the Seattle Area, I have a few schools available, all but one flying the Robinson R22. However, I am currently 6'2, about 210 pounds, and will likely reach 6'5, 260 pounds by the end of high school. With the R22's strict weight and balance requirements, this leaves me hesitant to begin in the R22. One school operates the Schweizer 300 series, which I heard is more accommodating for people my size. Is this the case? Will I be able to fit into an R22 with an average sized instructor? Also, I heard the R22 is a better initial trainer as it includes a governor, would this make it a better choice? Sorry for the packed post,SpencerSpence- Unless you have 30 inch biceps, 260 is a bit big for a guy 6-5. I'm a pretty big guy at 6-5, 240...and 240 is the max seat weight in the R22. Just find a 120 pound blonde gal CFI...ok, she doesn't have to be blonde,....and you'll be fine. You don't need full tanks when training, most of your flights should be an hour or 1.2......that also saves on weight. Besides flying at max gross is a skill you should get good at, cause you'll be doing a lot of it later in life. Who knows what airframe will be the up and comer in a few years. There are a few new contenders in the marketplace. I'm not a fan of the 300 simply because Sikorsky, the owner, isn't a big fan of the 300. If they were, it would show in their marketing and support of their product. 2 years ago they didn't even have a 300 on display at Heli Expo (I missed this year). Chances are you want to learn in whatever airframe you are going to teach in. Good luck in your future flights. Goldy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Meyrick Posted April 12, 2015 Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 Also, I heard the R22 is a better initial trainer as it includes a governor, would this make it a better choice?Yummy. Wait for it... wait for it... somebody is gonna rise to this bait... I'm thinking... ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotspencer Posted April 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 Goldy- Thanks for the advice. I'm a football player so it helps to be big, so I believe I will be somewhere around 250 by the end of high school. Anyways, how does it feel for you to sit in the R22? Do you fit with any extra room? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carpenter Posted April 12, 2015 Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 (edited) Pilotspencer- I started my training at 6'4" 226lbs in an R22 in the Seattle area way back when. That isn't a problem for you. What will be a problem is if you desire to make a career out of this training being above 200lbs. Some will argue this as there are always exceptions. The flight schools more than likely won't say this to your face as they want to pick your pocket for $. If you are seeking flying opportunities for recreational purposes you will be okay and Seattle is a wonderful place for training with its scenic beauty. Good Luck! Edited April 12, 2015 by Carpenter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotspencer Posted April 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 Carpenter- Where did you train? Classic Heli? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotspencer Posted April 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 Also, I plan to make a career out of it. I hope to attend UND, or SUU for college/flight training depending on where I can play football. Will my size limit this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carpenter Posted April 12, 2015 Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 (edited) pilotspencer- That is correct, however that was many years and owners ago and at the former location at the north end of the field. If you want to make a career attempt with this training you'll best be served by going to Snohomish Flying Service and fly the Schweizer aircraft. You will not be able to become an instructor in the Robinson products at your weight, barring a rich uncle that will hire you. I don't know your personal situation, but do your research before you get ripped off unless you are independently wealthy. Look at the job ads and you will mostly see restricted weight requirements of 185 or less. Send me a PM if you would like some personal coaching. Good luck in your endeavor. Edited April 13, 2015 by Carpenter 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotspencer Posted April 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 Snohomish was the original plan in the Schweizer 300. Seems somewhat reputable, haven't heard much about them but maintenance seems to be above par for FW aircraft, not sure about RW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotspencer Posted April 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Since the R22 is out of the question, would there be a benefit of a few hours in an R44? Cash flow is not limitless, as I will start out with about $2,000 but acquire more cash once I receive my Eagle Scout, which will cover roughly 3/4 of the process. I am looking for a summer job after this year, which should give me enough. So, would it be wise to spend some of that on R44 time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eagle5 Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Yummy. Wait for it... wait for it... somebody is gonna rise to this bait... I'm thinking... ?? I'd take a whack at it but the bullshit claim is usually that the 300 is a better trainer because it doesn't have a governor. In other words we robbie rangers are spoiled! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RagMan Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Get a summer job at the local airport, something helicopter related if possible. That was my first gig in high school, and it was actually working for a utility helicopter company. Fun times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotspencer Posted April 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 RagMan- What'd you do at the helicopter company? Are there any common age requirements? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spike Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 (edited) In my humble experience, the 300 is better simply because it’s easier to fly and thus, students are able to gain certification closer to the minimums, if not at minimums…… Edited April 13, 2015 by Spike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotormandan Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 If you're old enough to get a cdl class c with hazmat, i think you have to be 18 for a cdl, you could get a fun summer job as a fuel truck driver for some of the utility companies on fire. You'd meet a lot of pilots and mechanics and get introduced to a lot of cool helicopters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eagle5 Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Hey All, I am a current high school freshman, looking to begin flight training this summer. In the Seattle Area, I have a few schools available, all but one flying the Robinson R22. However, I am currently 6'2, about 210 pounds, and will likely reach 6'5, 260 pounds by the end of high school. With the R22's strict weight and balance requirements, this leaves me hesitant to begin in the R22. One school operates the Schweizer 300 series, which I heard is more accommodating for people my size. Is this the case? Will I be able to fit into an R22 with an average sized instructor? Also, I heard the R22 is a better initial trainer as it includes a governor, would this make it a better choice? Sorry for the packed post,SpencerSince you say you're going to start this summer and you are currently 210lbs I'd say at least get your private rating in the 22, you are light enough. If you gain too much weight later you can always switch to the 300 (that is if its still around, the one near me dissapeared a few years ago and I haven't seen one since). Its definitely easier to go from the 22 to the 300 than to later find out that you can't find work in the 300 and have to turn around and get 50 hours in a 22! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotspencer Posted April 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2015 Thanks for the tip. They look to be around the same per hour cost so I might end up with the 22. Definitely one school with another possible operator in my area with a 300. Any idea why the 50 hours is required? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-aron Posted April 14, 2015 Report Share Posted April 14, 2015 The R22 and R44 have specials rules that apply to them called SFAR 73. You need 50 hours in order to operate as the pilot in command. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotspencer Posted April 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2015 It only applies for the R22 and 44 but only 5 hours from the 22 to 300? Also, what is the transition from the 22 to 44 like? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eagle5 Posted April 14, 2015 Report Share Posted April 14, 2015 The 44 is just a 22 with a back seat. If you can fly the 22 the 44 is a piece of cake! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-aron Posted April 14, 2015 Report Share Posted April 14, 2015 It only applies for the R22 and 44 but only 5 hours from the 22 to 300? Also, what is the transition from the 22 to 44 like?Not too bad. I switched back and forth between them this last semester and I just had to remember the 44 was more sensitive. You really should have no issues besides maybe a few bad pick ups and set downs at first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotspencer Posted April 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2015 A-aron are you a college student? You mentioned semester... If so, where are you flying? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary-mike Posted April 14, 2015 Report Share Posted April 14, 2015 While considering this as a career, check out the job postings. You may notice that many have weight limits. 225lb seems to be popular, which you fit into now but with your predictions, you will not later on. Also, consider this factor when choosing where to train, and ask the school about it. Schools at higher elevation in hot areas ( high DA) set limits below factory seat weight, because you couldn't put enough fuel in an R22 to have time for a reasonable lesson. If you have a shot at making it into pro football, I'd say go for it, chances of making it happen depend on hard work and sacrifice either way, and NFL players make a shitload more than heli pilots do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spike Posted April 14, 2015 Report Share Posted April 14, 2015 Hey Spencer, First of all, what do your parents say about this? I ask because I have two kids, a freshmen and a sophomore, and when you ask the questions you do, I think of my own kids asking the same questions (and they haven’t yet, thank goodness). With that, please understand, you’re a freshmen in high school. That is, at your point in life, getting an education is way more important than flying a helicopter, by a factor of 100. Specifically, flying helicopter as a career will always be an option well through your 30’s. You see, as you get older, a degree is far more difficult to get and I don’t think I need to remind you how important a degree is in today’s job market. Right? Mind you, if my kids asked the same question, I’d tell them the same thing…. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotspencer Posted April 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2015 Spike- My parents know I have loved everything that flies since preschool so they have grown accoustomed to flying. They were thrilled with me attending FW flight training, but still a little worried about RW. After going on their first helicopter ride last week they seemed much more into the idea. They strongly encourage the idea of student first, and all other priorities such as athletics and flying are second. That means they do not entertain the idea of a flying degree from UND/SUU/USU, so I would likely major in something other than flying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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