R44 External Load/VR Training

[Tenacious T]

Who is offering R44 External Load/VR Training, how many hours do the courses average, and what is the average cost?

 

Thanks - T

[rick1128]

T,

 

I did a VR course with Twin Air out of Van Nuys, CA a few years ago. It was an intro course in the 44 of 5 hours. The school own Yoyo taught the program. It wasn't too bad, Yoyo at the time was flying for Erickson. However the course could have been more detailed. I don't remember the cost but it was around the $2K area. There will be a long line class at HeliExpo this year. From the information I have read, it looks quite interesting and informative.

[Goldy]

T,

 

I did a VR course with Twin Air out of Van Nuys, CA a few years ago. It was an intro course in the 44 of 5 hours. The school own Yoyo taught the program. It wasn't too bad, Yoyo at the time was flying for Erickson. However the course could have been more detailed. I don't remember the cost but it was around the $2K area. There will be a long line class at HeliExpo this year. From the information I have read, it looks quite interesting and informative.

 

You did? I should have ran into you at some point! Either way, Twin Air moved up to CMA, I don't know of a long line course there currently, but Yoyo still flies for Erickson. Elite Helicopters took their old spot at VNY and they do currently offer a program in the 44. No idea of the details....unless Alex or Mike want to post some info.

 

Otherwise I would call Mike or Alex, their website is www.elitehelicoptertours.com

[Whistlerpilot]

Hey TT,

 

Los Angeles Helicopters offers a longline course with the R44. I think it's 20 hours, not cheap but looks great.

 

http://www.lahelicopters.com/AdvancedTraining_Longline.html

 

Inland Helicopters in Spokane WA also offers a longline course with the R44. Probably more customized and not as expensive. Met the owner of the company at the RHC factory course last year and he seemed like a great guy with tons of experience.

 

http://www.inlandhelicopters.com/Inland_Helicopters/Flight_School.html

 

You can also find longline training in Alaska with several R44 operators who have lots of operational flying experience. Pollux Aviation (Wasilla), Alpineair Alaska (Girdwood), and Quicksilver (Fairbanks) all do training and utility work with 44's.

 

In Canada check out Chinook Helicopters, they do longline training in either Bell 47, 206, or R44. Very high time instructors.

[Goldy]

Forgot one- Western Helicopters in Ontario uses a 300 and a 500 in their program.