Glacier Aviation and others...

[thrilsekr]

I plan on moving soon. Either to Olympia, WA, or Austin, TX. Don't ask why, just those are the most feasible options right now. Although anywhere else is not out of the question...

 

So I visited Glacier Aviation in Olympia, WA. Took a demo flight with them. Talked to the owner quite a bit. Seemed like they have their stuff together.

Seems like a really good school. Have several R22s. Don't remember for sure, but I think 4 of them. Also teach fixed wing.

Does anyone know about this school? Have you heard anything about them? Do you know anyone who went there?

 

Also, I may be considering moving to Austin, TX. But my web searches have not found any Heli schools there. I think the closest was about an hour away.

Does anyone know of a school that is actually in Austin? If there is, is it any good?

 

Thanks

[rmiller4292]

I live in Austin, and would highly recommend moving here...its a great place to live....Check out Proflight Aviation Services....They are now in New Braunfels which is not too far south of of Austin. Roger Sharp is the Owner. They have a nearly new 300C and a great crew of instructors. Definately worth checking out.

 

www.proflightav.com

 

Ryan

[thrilsekr]

www.proflightav.com

 

So, I know I am looking for a flight school, not a web design academy. But really?

 

rmiller, thanks for the info. I will call them...

Did you go to school with them, or know someone who did?

 

Thanks

Edited November 18, 2008 by thrilsekr

[rmiller4292]

I did my commercial add on with them....it was very professional and well taught. Roger handles alot of the flight training for Law Enforcement pilots in the area...No complaints at all...

 

 

Ryan

[jaredsega]

Only one answer for this one. Mountain flying with the best flight school in the great North West.

or flat hot nasty flying.

You will get such incredible experience in Olympia you will be so glad u went there. and Mike thielen the Owen is a awesome dude and a good guy and the chief pilot Mike Everett is such a badass it doesn't get better , when u do fulldowns with him you will know what im talking about.

 

JARED

 

O and you will be in the most beautifull place in the US.

I just took a 206B to cali and brought back a 206L and whent thought OLM. the MTs are so amazing down there.

[kodoz]

Also, I may be considering moving to Austin, TX. But my web searches have not found any Heli schools there. I think the closest was about an hour away.

Does anyone know of a school that is actually in Austin? If there is, is it any good?

 

Thanks

 

I found this on the other forum...not an endorsement for him or Austin, but just thought it'd be helpful.

 

I moved from a bump in the road north of Austin up to Seattle. While the Hill Country has it's charm, going back has never crossed my mind.

--c

[joelpry]

At the end of the day you want to go to a school that will help you achieve your goals and treat you right. Lots of schools can get you your 200 hrs and send you on your way to go instruct but its the quality of those hours and the overall experience that will make a difference.

 

look for:

a diverse fleet of aircraft, and the availablity of them

dynamic weather, wide variety of conditions (wind, rain, snow, heat)

variety of scenery (flat, mountains, city, rural)

a good reputation

longevity in business

financing availablity

 

You cant go wrong with Glacier

[rotorway2000]

I have researched schools all over the country. There are great schools out there, but choosing the right one for you is a personal choice. I can say that the ones with the most awesome websites, don't hold up in person most of the time. You have to visit them. I say this because the last school I visited Glacier Aviation in Olympia, was an outstanding place, but I passed over even checking them out numerous times because their website wasn't very informative and appeared a small mom and pop operation. Glacier helicopter fleet includes the Robinson R22 and R44, Hughes 500, and Bell 206, in addition to numerous fixed wing aircraft.

I visited some big schools like Helicopter Adventures(now Bristow), and Quantum just a couple of months ago, but although a professional school, not personable. If you choose a school, you need a professional environment, but also you need the ability to communicate on a level above just professionalism.

Glacier has thier stuff together. They adjust schedules and tailor their program to give students the best outcome. They have 11 aircraft and 3 locations in Washington state. So heres what really put me over the top with this school: They care. The fuel cost are always the same, the CFI's can fuel their own aircraft. Why pay overhead and time waiting for a fuel truck to come by, when you can do it yourself. They vaccuum and wash their aircraft daily. They take great pride in thier equipment. The older aircraft look just as good as the new ones.

So if you need a school that

1) offers student options

2) unique and adjustable training programs

3) professional yet personable

4) respect for their school, equipment, students, and most

importantly share your love of the industry. I highly recommend you visit them.