Flight Schools around Denver

[ADRidge]

I fully agree with Mechanic. Since we're all about full disclosure now, I've met him, DP, and quite a few other fine folks over the years. I consider them all friends.

 

That being said, my recommendation as some anonymous screen name on a forum should mean little to someone who is shopping around for flight schools. For all you know, I'm a 60 year old dude in a wheelchair who has never even seen a helicopter, much less attained a rating.

 

But if you're going to invest at least one year of your life and a small fortune going after that golden ticket, you really need to do your homework. And I mean visit EVERY school you can. Show up unannounced whenever possible. Continue to visit schools even after you think you found the right one. Think on it... do I like the people? Do I like the owner? Do I like the facility? Is the price right?

 

You're getting into a long-term relationship with whoever you decide to train with, typically. I've trained at three schools now, and visited maybe 15. I'm incredibly happy where I'm at (which, by the way, is about 600 NM south of Denver) but it took a long time and alot more heartache than was probably necessary. Think very carefully about your investment, because it truly is an investment.

 

I'll get off my soapbox now, but I must say, if I had to do it all over again, I'd definitely get my ratings in a high altitude setting close to a class Bravo airspace.

[Goldy]

Hey Ridge, good to see you on here....

 

I just have to comment on the posts accusing DP of an advertisement.Here is a thread asking about schools in Denver area, and DP doesnt even enter the conversation until after his school is mentioned 3 or 4 times by other members.

 

Those endorsements didnt come from him...they came from me, and others. If you don't like my endorsements so be it. If you want to know who I am just PM me. I don't hide behind the internet, and as mentioned by Mechanic, I am an actual real human pilot that actually attends shows, flies every now and then and I have been to and seen first hand, CHO's operation.

 

Frankly, I would expect DP to speak up....after all, his school is the one being talked about in a thread.

 

BTW, I love 280fx's thread, it was a great recap of all the schools in the area....exactly what the OP was asking for.

 

Sometimes a simple thread spins out of control. I am done with this one! Apologies to the poor original poster who asked a simple question.

[Rogue]

 

 

I just have to comment on the posts accusing DP of an advertisement.Here is a thread asking about schools in Denver area, and DP doesnt even enter the conversation until after his school is mentioned 3 or 4 times by other members.

 

 

again the mountain out of molehills....

 

First of all - three people, whom I don't know ( and I don't know if they know each other ) all read the same thing and we all got the same impression.... funny.... Its not what he said but HOW he said it.

 

Secondly it was said twice by two people that no one thought he had bad intentions.

 

Third, so you are a meat servo pushing computer keys that also flies helicopters - what pray tell do you think we are exactly ? What are you trying to say exactly ? If you want to know more about me ask, but since no has - I haven't. I don't make it habit to put my name and where I live on the internet any more than I make it a habit to not shred any mail that has my name and address on it. If you are current military and have been to OPSEC briefings you just may understand a little better.

 

Fourth if you don't want to pollute the thread any further then why the post ? DP is a big boy, he can and has spoken for himself.

 

Fifth I'm going to go ahead and throw out there that yes this is one thread but I'm willing to bet that others are just tired of seeing the near incessant spamming of threads all over the board..... and this unfortunately is where that landed.

[HeliTed]

If anyone is still reading this post as a prospective student looking for advice on a school in Denver from a fellow student: I attended MountianOne this past summer and I can say it has been the best flight training experience I have had yet. I flew with four of their instructors one of which is an A&P(very convenient and insightful) and I had a great learning experience with all of them.

Two schools later and a thousand miles away I cannot wait to get back in Colorado and train w/them again. I would also recommend checking out as many schools as possible to find the right fit, as mentioned already in this post.

[helistar]

Hi everyone... I am planning on starting helicopter training next year so I'm doing a lot of research on schools. I would like to move to the Denver, Colorado area and would like some opinions on flight schools around there. Opinions on schools from other states are also welcome. My main goal is to become a CFI and eventually work Medevac.

 

izzy,

Disregard all the static that's been posted and listen to post #5 by 280fxColorado & post #9 by RkyMtnHI. Also make sure you visit as many schools as possible and then narrow it down to 2 or 3 schools that are at the top of your list. Then take a intro flight with each of them, because successful training is based on your ability to communicate and feeling comfortable with your flight instructor. Also find out if the person you just flew with is the same person you'll be taking lessons from, you might be surprised to learn it's not, however you can request that person, after all you based your decision on taking your intro with them. Ask how many hours the flight instructor has, because this will help you determine how much longer they might be teaching before moving on to their next job.

 

One of the things I did was talk to as many pilots as possible and ask them about their type of flying and which school they attended. I also inquired as to their experience with that school and if they had to do it over again would they choose the same school. I even spotted a lifeflight flying into the hospital one day and followed it. I ended up speaking with the pilot (JD) who just happened to be more then happy to answer any questions and gave me a few bits of information I hadn't even considered and even pointed me to this website. The helicopter industry while being global, is a small community overall and everyone I've met so far has been more then helpful, so don't let the static noise deter you from asking any additional questions.

 

The bottom line is to simply find someone you feel comfortable training with and then just doing it.

 

 

[ironranger]

I totally agree with AdRidge, Goldy and Mechanic. It is really great that we have people like DP on this website that take the time to provide good advice and personal experiences with the rest of us. He is very passionate about flying and helping others achieve their dreams even if they don't go to his school. If I was looking for a school in Colorado I'd definitely give him a shot.

 

Ironranger

[beckwith]

Hey Guys long time no see.

I've met DP when he was at Rotors and he is a good guy I don't think he is guilty of any impropriety here. That being said I'm still a student at Rotors of the Rockies and would highly recommend it to anyone. It seems that there is some bad blood over at Heliops but in my experience the people at Rotors are helpful, friendly, and professional. I love my instructors and have nothing but good things to say about the owners Mike and Gina.

 

I guess that what it comes down to is that the old advice is still the best. Go to the schools and talk to the people there then decide.

[dark11]

Hi everyone... I am planning on starting helicopter training next year so I'm doing a lot of research on schools. I would like to move to the Denver, Colorado area and would like some opinions on flight schools around there. Opinions on schools from other states are also welcome. My main goal is to become a CFI and eventually work Medevac.

 

This was my question too. What sealed it for me is the fact that Colorado Heli-ops is now the only school in Colorado that has been certified by the Department Of Veteran Affairs.(they are finishing up the last of the paperwork on the VA side so first students should be going there after the first of the year). It takes a very strong curriculum to get VA approval as fast as they did. This is why I am choosing them. Don't know if this helps but I figured I'd throw another strong support for them.