Rat Posted May 31, 2009 Report Share Posted May 31, 2009 The average cost for R44 instrument training is $450.00/hr. vs. $275.00/hr. for the R22. Does it matter which aircraft you get your rating in ? It seems for obvious financial reasons the R22 is the way to go. Thanks in advance for your reponses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darren Hughes Posted May 31, 2009 Report Share Posted May 31, 2009 The R44 is a way more stable platform to do instrument training on but not many can afford that luxury. The problem with the R22 is the weight of the damn thing after you get all the necessary instruments into it. It doesn't leave much room for the instructor and student. Also the R22 instrument trainers are hard to come by, around these parts anyway. We're the only school within 2 hours drive of NYC with one that I know of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ksvendsen Posted May 31, 2009 Report Share Posted May 31, 2009 Well you could use the R22GT.....glass trainer. It solves some of the weight problems; however, it is still an R22. We are working on the finishing touches of the first one out here in California and I have to say I am really impressed with the PFD so far. Anyway, I don't want to use this as free advertising but that was just my 2 cents. You could PM me if you have any questions. Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IFLY Posted May 31, 2009 Report Share Posted May 31, 2009 We use the R-22 for instrument training and it's problem is running out of forward CG before hitting max weight. I did my instrument training in the R44 and find the R22 Ok as a trainer, it will definitely clean up your flying for the commercial. Jerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldy Posted May 31, 2009 Report Share Posted May 31, 2009 Well you could use the R22GT.....glass trainer. I've checked out the GT at Heli Expo. I just dont like how small some of the gauges are on the display...like rotor RPM. Maybe its just the 50 year old eyes trying to read it! Goldy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomPPL Posted May 31, 2009 Report Share Posted May 31, 2009 (edited) For anyone interested there's some great photos here:http://www.r22r44.com/R22GT/Video_Photo.html#0 Also, a video here:http://www.looptv.aero/LTVCategory103/1021...0%93INAR22.aspx Edited May 31, 2009 by TomPPL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam32 Posted May 31, 2009 Report Share Posted May 31, 2009 I vote for a 300/269 instead of either Robbie... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darren Hughes Posted May 31, 2009 Report Share Posted May 31, 2009 How much weight are you saving with the Glass Cockpit versus the old gear? We use the R-22 for instrument training and it's problem is running out of forward CG before hitting max weight. Jerry Yeah I guess we have the same problem also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ksvendsen Posted May 31, 2009 Report Share Posted May 31, 2009 The R22GT came out at about the same weight as a standard equiped R22, slightly less than the instrument trainers. The good news is the weight displacement is much better- the screens don't weigh that much and the brains of the operation are under the CFI seat....much closer the the mast thus there is not as much of a CG problem. Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miloe Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 Speaking of instrument trainers, anyone know of schools using stuff other than the typical r22/r44/300c for instrument work?Just kinda curious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heligirl03 Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 Ya know, even as a 125lb girl, with my 220 instructor we couldn't top off in an R22B instrument trainer...19gal was it. I did all my instrument (pre-commercial, 44hrs) and CFII (1yr later, 6hrs) training in that aircraft and it sure did clean up my flying both times! IMO the only reason to do anything in the R44 is if you are limited by W&B or you don't have access to an R22. Same old argument, don't pay for experience you WILL get later if you are industrious, determined and patient (including R44, turbine, LL, mtn, etc). HG03 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharyouTree Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 I liked the 206, myself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravity1 Posted June 13, 2009 Report Share Posted June 13, 2009 I train our students in a R44 II and it works awesome, we had a 300c trainer and it still couldnt hit altitude. The problem with instrument training is that in order for the students to actually learn they need to be in the system. This is completly impractical with anything except an R44(training wise) and so it is definitely the best aircraft to train in. If you dont ever plan on using your instrument rating and just want it for your resume than the 22 or 300 is probably fine. But i have taken CFII's up in the 44 who didnt understand how an actual IFR flight would go cause they trained in 22 or 300's. 44 all the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lelebebbel Posted June 17, 2009 Report Share Posted June 17, 2009 that depends on where you are.. i fly around under IFR all the time in an R22 beta instrument trainer, but we have plenty of airways and areas where the MEA is 6,000ft or below.The main problem is really the weight. Instructor, student and the DPE all have to be light enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hovergirl Posted June 18, 2009 Report Share Posted June 18, 2009 Bear in mind, when you are out there and looking for a job, if a school has an R44 they are going to want to hire instructors that can fly it. It may make a negligible difference in the quality of your training right now, but if you can't check that one box on your resume you may have problems later on. (I've only noticed this in the last couple of years -- seems like every Robinson school is getting a new R44 and suddenly we're all required to be able to fly it. Makes it a lot cheaper to learn on the Schweizer, practically speaking, but I digress....) If you can afford the 44, go for it. Or if you have cross country time to burn up find one of those schools offering cheap 44 time and fly one around VFR. If you ain't got the money, and these days that's getting common, it's better to get the rating than not, IMHO. Good luck whatever you decide! HVG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDHelicopterPilot Posted June 18, 2009 Report Share Posted June 18, 2009 I did my ride in an R-22 before the days of GPS. Same problem as those already reported, CG and weight issues. The R-44 is a much more stable platform and better IFR trainer in my opinion. The R-22 works, gets the job done but it's just easier in the R-44. Side note, I am suprised it has taken this long for "Glass" to come into the light helicopter market(R-22,R-44 and the 300 series). It's expensive so the is proable the main reason. However, you see "Glass" a lot more in the fixedwing training side and it is the future. My how things have changed in the time I've been flying. I all of a sudden feel OLD! JD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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