tehehodi Posted October 25, 2009 Report Share Posted October 25, 2009 (edited) I have finally decided girls get in the way of everything and slow me down. So, I have decided this upcoming paycheck I'm going to take a discovery flight in a helicopter. I've already had a discovery flight at Airlake in Lakeville, MN in a fixed wing. I know there is a lot of pilots here from Minnesota so I need some help on where to go and some experiences and suggestions. I live in Rogers, MN. The one by Maple Grove. The closest school I see is Complete Helicopters and Hummingbird Aviation. I've visited Hummingbird and talked to a CFI there about flying in one of the Schweizer helos and he gave me a tour of the whole place and showed me all the planes. They seemed like very nice people there. You guys think I should maybe get a FW-PPL then get a rotary add-on later on? I'm trying to make a flying career whether it be a CFI some day or anything else out there that I can't think of this early in the morning. I just want some input from you guys so I can get the best bang for my buck. Thanks! Patrick P.S. Thought I'd share a little snippet of my first flight ever. It's a picture of Buck Hill.Also, I want to take my father up with me so I can share my passion of flying with him. I'm pretty sure the Schweizer won't provide enough seating, but something else to consider also. Thanks! Edited October 25, 2009 by tehehodi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1badz32 Posted October 25, 2009 Report Share Posted October 25, 2009 I just took an intro flight in a schiwzer, in Superior, Wi. I LOVE those heli's, alot of room and a very smooth stable aircraft. Unfortunatly i cant speak for the flight school's in your area, but there are a few peep's on here that can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MN Heli Flyer Posted October 26, 2009 Report Share Posted October 26, 2009 I am familiar with both schools you mentioned but before I offer advice I must ask one question. How much do you weigh? If you are over 240 then the R22 is out of the question. It has a seat limitation of 240. This would narrow your choices down to one school in the metro and one in Superior Wisconsin that 1badz32 mentioned. I can say both schools have been in business for a while which is a good thing. I would suggest talking to both and going with the one you feel fits you the best. If you want to take your dad up while you train your only option is a R 44. The Schweitzer does not have the room. I think if you except the fact that it is going to be expensive and most schools will not let you complete the course at the minimums unless you are exceptionally talented you will have a good time. Good luck and have a good time. Keep us informed of your progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helo08 Posted October 26, 2009 Report Share Posted October 26, 2009 If you'd like to take your dad up on the discovery flight Hummingbird Aviation has a 44 you can do that in. Then if you decide to continue with your training they have the Schweizers which are a great platform to train in. I know the instructors first hand at Hummingbird and they are top notch. If you have anymore questions feel free to PM me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tehehodi Posted October 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2009 I am familiar with both schools you mentioned but before I offer advice I must ask one question. How much do you weigh? If you are over 240 then the R22 is out of the question. It has a seat limitation of 240. This would narrow your choices down to one school in the metro and one in Superior Wisconsin that 1badz32 mentioned. I weigh about 160 and stand at 5'8"-5'9". My father is shorter and is a twig and weighs probably 140-150 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heligirl03 Posted October 26, 2009 Report Share Posted October 26, 2009 Careful now, not all girls get in the way! I help guys learn to fly every day!!! Happy flying! HG03 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1badz32 Posted October 26, 2009 Report Share Posted October 26, 2009 ^^^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Guardian Posted October 26, 2009 Report Share Posted October 26, 2009 Careful now, not all girls get in the way! I help guys learn to fly every day!!! Happy flying! HG03 It sounds to me like he was on the "Meals on Wheels" program, where you need the "hottest" car to take the girls to dinner.... now he's trading up to the "Fly n' Dine" program... so much more expensive but worth it for the flight hours alone! But enjoy the flying wherever you end up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tehehodi Posted October 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Careful now, not all girls get in the way! I help guys learn to fly every day!!! Happy flying! HG03 Well than, i need to find a woman like you or come to where you are and take lessons. Didn't mean to offend anyone, just girl problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loves Dauphins Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Funny thing is after reading the first part of your post I remember the same feeling...After every break up I got another rating...haha...It was the only way I could afford it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopper Tom Posted October 30, 2009 Report Share Posted October 30, 2009 I have went to several schools in MN. I got my commercial with with Complete. They did a good job. I got my insterment rating at Northern Helicopters in Hibbing and I liked them. I looked at humming bird and being I never flew a 300, they were going to make me fly a bunch of extra hours before starting my insterment training. That turned me off due to the added cost. I would recommend using a R-22 for your training. That time seams to be more valuable for low time pilots. I have nothing bad to say about the 300. Good luck and have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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