Is R44 time worth the money?

[flyboy2233]

I'm about to start training again, after a 3 year break from flying. I need 30 hours minimum to get my CFI. So far all of my time has been in the R22. What are you're opinions about R44 time, would it be worth my while?

[Pogue]

I'm about to start training again, after a 3 year break from flying. I need 30 hours minimum to get my CFI. So far all of my time has been in the R22. What are you're opinions about R44 time, would it be worth my while?

If you can afford to get 25 hours in it, yes. Assuming you plan on becoming a CFI being able to teach in the R44 is one more thing to help make you hireable. Every little bit helps...

[Gunner]

I'm about to start training again, after a 3 year break from flying. I need 30 hours minimum to get my CFI. So far all of my time has been in the R22. What are you're opinions about R44 time, would it be worth my while?

 

I would have to say yes. I got a job flying ENG in an R44 that I would have not been able to get without the time in the airframe.

 

The R44 flies like a larger aircraft so it will also give you a leg up for that first turbine job.

 

I just recently took a job flying a 407 coming diretly from the R44. I would not be in my current position without shelling out a few bucks to get that R44 time.

 

Hope this helps.

[ADRidge]

If you have the money, absolutely do it.

 

edit: why the 30 hours? Are you doing CFI via a 141 course or something?

Edited December 15, 2010 by ADRidge

[Trans Lift]

I would for sure. Lots of commercial work for 44's outside of instruction too.

[rick1128]

Take a good look at SFAR 73. From what I can see you will need to take your checkride in a R22 for you to be able to instruct in it. Plus you will need 50 hours in the R22. I don't know your background, so I am making a blanket statement here. With a 3 year gap in flying, you will most likely need every minute of the 30 hours. Do you have your instrument rating? If not, I would suggest waiting until you get your CFI and then do you Instrument and CFII at the same time. That would be the time to get your 25 hours in the R44. Plus, I would also get on the schedule to do the Robinson school before you get your CFI checkride. They can be scheduled up as much as 6 months in advance. From what I have seen, most Robinson flight schools require that class prior to employment.

 

If you haven't already, I would suggest that you start preparing for the oral portion of the practical test. One good way would be to download the CFI-H PTS and start filling it out. For each item, start writing all the material for that item. It forces you to research, find and write the material. Go through all the Advisory Circulars and down load all the ones that pertain to helicopters and instructing. That should keep you busy for a bit.

[r22butters]

R44 time got me my one and only job interview!

[Hawkeye0001]

Go for the 44! I visited a LOT of flight schools all over the country and having those 25hrs + the checkout (piece of cake) is a BIG plus and will make a difference. I suppose you got 50hrs R-22 already so 25hrs R-44 will get you ready for the CFI checkouts for both.

 

The idea of doing the IR in it is nice although at least one flight school I know asks about how much of your Robinson time was under sim IFR - they didn't count it because it's mostly straight and level stuff (one may argue if that's a valid concern or not...)

 

Plus, I would also get on the schedule to do the Robinson school before you get your CFI checkride. They can be scheduled up as much as 6 months in advance. From what I have seen, most Robinson flight schools require that class prior to employment.

 

A 6 month waiting list was back in the days... when you take a look at the safety course schedule nowadays it's kinda sad to see that you can get a spot within 2 weeks notice. My course 12 month ago consisted of just about 15-20 people...

 

Anyway, even if you won't fly a Robinson later in your career this course is worth each and every penny.

[Inferno]

Like everyone else has said, YES. It can only help, and it will make transitioning to larger aircraft later much easier... I still remember the shock of picking up a 206b3 and thinking how it felt almost identical to the 44... The 206l3 is a whole different beast, but having the experience with a ship that can have such a drastic longitudinal CG change during flight is a huge help....

 

Back to the job thing, an employer (including flight schools that owns 44s) want pilots that can use all their equipment without having to transition them into it (at a large cost for 25 hours). My employer is the same way. We have 2 44s and 4 22s. There is no way we would bring on an instructor without 44 quals when there are tons of pilots who are qualified and want the job...