GeogiaHeloDriver Posted May 28, 2011 Posted May 28, 2011 Looking for an option for a helo school in Colorado ....interested in a private add on for a private fixed wing friend. I know there are several out there just looking for suggestions and advice. Quote
Shaun Posted May 28, 2011 Posted May 28, 2011 http://www.coloradoheliops.com/ I have not taken any lessons, but through volunteering and hanging out there, it is clear that the management cares very much about the customer. Most of the other schools I have been to would never even use the word customer, I've spent over $200,000 at a place where my advisor did not even know my name. Colorado is an awesome place to get training where ever you may end up, PM me if you would like more information about anything. Good Luck! 1 Quote
Trans Lift Posted May 28, 2011 Posted May 28, 2011 I've spent over $200,000 That was a bit crazy... Quote
Shaun Posted May 28, 2011 Posted May 28, 2011 (edited) That was a bit crazy... Couldn't find a sane way to be a helo pilot. I'll spend 200 more if that's what it takes. That's not the normal cost GeogiaHeloDriver don't freak out. Edited May 28, 2011 by Shaun Quote
clay Posted May 29, 2011 Posted May 29, 2011 (edited) 1. not ALL instructors get paid only if they fly. I was on salary, as well as a few other instructors that I knew that were on salary. You think I cared if you liked me or not? I had multiple students that didn't like me. They could tell you that, and I knew it. But they learned what they needed to learn and stayed safe. 2. Industry connections.... While it is not the end of the world if your school doesn't have some kind of industry connection, it sure makes it nice if they do. The school I learned at wasn't so much Industry connections, but the reputation of the owner/DPE. The first job I got was because of where I trained. Granted the school didn't make the phone call for me or try and find me the job, but when I got to the interview the CP new where and who I trained with and actually told me "this is why i'm hiring you" 3. R22's in Colorado? they CRASH there. plain and simple. most of the Denver airports are close to 6000' MSL. MANY days your above 10K D.A. Shopping around is very important. I would tell you go talk to DP and CHO, go talk to Gina and Mike at ROTR's, and go talk to Jack at M1 helicopters if you are interested in Colorado. after going back and reading your statement "Every one wants to fly right away but get the most flight hours for your money a long with good industry contacts and the best training is more important then jumping at the first nice instructor." I dont know if I understand that sentence. And I do not work at CHO, never have.. doubt I ever will. Actually, I worked for one of their competitors in the Denver area a few years ago. Edited May 29, 2011 by clay 3 Quote
RkyMtnHI Posted May 29, 2011 Posted May 29, 2011 What is funny is every one talks about including the news how great Colorado HeliOps is but They do not know how to return emails......... They have no R-22 and they say on there site they do not use them because 300 perferom better at altitude but they do not fly your whole course high as high altitide training. Maybe there email is broken or they have enough students they do not need to email any one back who knows. But just really read their website, I personally think there is better schools. Make sure you shop around. Every one wants to fly right away but get the most flight hours for your money a long with good industry contacts and the best training is more important then jumping at the first nice instructor. They get paid if you are flying remember that. Thanks for your post about Heli-Ops, we ARE having some minor issues with our website email accounts, over the last week our web guru switched us from one server site to another and we have had to update passwords on all our accounts.. we are still trying to sort that all out again. Sorry for your troubles getting in touch with us, you can email me directly at dp@coloradoheliops.com (i just checked that one and it's working now), or send me a personal email here on this site.. i am always available. You could also call our office. I totally agree that you should shop around; we recommend that every single potential customer go by all of the schools in our area and check them out as well, in fact, we give them a sheet of paper with school names and address so they can find them. We also suggest questions to ask to make them more informed about what they should be looking for in a flight school. We want the best fit for the student and for the flight school. Most important thing to remember... NEVER GIVE A FLIGHT SCHOOL A LOT OF MONEY UP FRONT! aloha, dp 4 Quote
RagMan Posted May 29, 2011 Posted May 29, 2011 (edited) What is funny is every one talks about including the news how great Colorado HeliOps is but They do not know how to return emails......... They have no R-22 and they say on there site they do not use them because 300 perferom better at altitude but they do not fly your whole course high as high altitide training. Maybe there email is broken or they have enough students they do not need to email any one back who knows. But just really read their website, I personally think there is better schools. Make sure you shop around. Every one wants to fly right away but get the most flight hours for your money a long with good industry contacts and the best training is more important then jumping at the first nice instructor. They get paid if you are flying remember that. Sounds like another Tom reply. Lynn should cross check the IP addresses where all these 1 post accounts are being created from. I would be willing to bet a lot of them are coming from one source... Edited May 29, 2011 by RagMan 2 Quote
Goldy Posted May 30, 2011 Posted May 30, 2011 Looking for an option for a helo school in Colorado ....interested in a private add on for a private fixed wing friend. I know there are several out there just looking for suggestions and advice. I agree you should shop around. No one school fits every student. That said, if you didnt spend a day at CHO, you would be cheating yourself. No sane person flies an R22 at those kind of altitudes. Actually no sane person flies a helicopter, (let alone at 10K DA !!) but welcome to the club! Best of luck in your search. 1 Quote
EYW-MIA Posted May 30, 2011 Posted May 30, 2011 Let me apologize if I offended any one. I was not trying to bash on nor discredit any body or their school! I am not going to rehash the statement I made ether. I am not tom, for which people refer to often. The owner of VR can validate that with the donation I just made. I have been flying planes for fun since I was 16 with my dad. I want to do vertical flight for a living. Check my IP address is fine. I do not know where it will show up because I am in Afghanistan working and this is a government computer in a war zone. I am shopping for schools. I have been looking. Mostly at high altitude places because it is hard to get that training later from my understanding. I am very very picky. When I pay cash out my pocket at a rate of 75k+/- for a change in career and I have that right to be. I am here to learn and take the first step before traveling across the US to physically check out flight schools and move. I do have some questions and I am not trying to be a smart butt. One: why do you all prefer the S300CBi over the R22bettaII? I know the R22bettaII has a max operating altitude of 14000 feet. I do know that is the max and air density plays in affect with other environmental affects. Please educate me. Two: Honestly which flight school owner has the best reputation in the industry? 3: If money and moving was not an issue what flight school would you go to for the first step in starting your career that would be most beneficial? Once again I was not trying to trash talk any school or any one. I am not looking to make people angry or talk hot air. Look forward to chatting and learning with you all. 2 Quote
Pohi Posted May 30, 2011 Posted May 30, 2011 1. Not everybody prefers a 300 over a R22. That's like saying everybody likes porterhouse steak more than a tri tip. 2. There is no best owner. There are good ones and bad ones. The helicopter world isn't like boxing, NASCAR, or basketball. There isn't an undisputed champion to which all other organizations strive to be. If you narrow down what type of flying you want to do, then you might be able to find a school with connections in that particular area. Three. See posts 1 and 2. I think the biggest first step is a discovery flight at a place or two, and where you do that really doesn't matter. Then find a school that fits you and your style. Hopefully one that will have a really good chance at hiring you after your CFI, if you choose that route. Good luck and welcome to VR. Quote
beckwith Posted May 30, 2011 Posted May 30, 2011 EYW, I'm at Rotors I love it, PM me if you would like to talk more about it. That said take Clay's advice and check out all the options. Quote
gary-mike Posted May 30, 2011 Posted May 30, 2011 As stated already, wether you choose them or not check out Colorado Heli-ops. It would be my first stop. No I'm not trying to advertise for them, and I am in no way affiliated with them. I have however been there and checked them out, I was impressed with the way they run thier business. That and it will save you some leg work, they have a list of all the local schools and what type and how many heli's each one uses posted right on the wall. They will even print it out with addresses for you. If you make it there schedule a flight with Mark, and try to do it when Dennis is around. Utah also offers high altitude training an many options for schools, and the Cost of living may be a little lower depending on the area you choose. Upper Limit currently offers one of the very few programs that is compliant with ch. 33 benefits (100% paid for).Many others are well on their way to getting there; Mountain Ridge, Cloud 9, Whirley Birds, and Utah Helicopters. Good luck, and return home safe! Quote
gary-mike Posted May 30, 2011 Posted May 30, 2011 I forgot to add, all the schools here in Utah fly Robinsons, Whirley birds also has an enstrom they use for Instrument training. There is also the option of going into the Guard or Reserves, if you are interested in that fairly close to most of the schools in northern Utah. Quote
EYW-MIA Posted May 31, 2011 Posted May 31, 2011 Sorry for your troubles getting in touch with us, you can email me directly at dp@coloradoheliops.com (i just checked that one and it's working now), or send me a personal email here on this site.. i am always available. You could also call our office. aloha, dp Thank you for looking into the email issue. I will email you today. It means a lot when the man in charge gives his personal email. Sorry If it seemed as if I was slandering your school I was not. Some people seem to take it very personally and took it out on my reputation in the forum. That to me shows you must be a great school. Look forward to chatting with you. 1 Quote
Goldy Posted June 2, 2011 Posted June 2, 2011 Thank you for looking into the email issue. I will email you today. I happen to know DP was flying the last 3 days or so, I think he gets back to Colorado tonight, so don't feel left out if he hasnt replied to your email. The other thing I was going to mention. Some schools just teach, others teach and have commercial operations. All things being equal, the school with some commercial ops is going to have more opportunities for you as a student. Maybe some photo flights and some tours, some second seat time options that you wouldnt get in a "school" only operation. 1 Quote
EYW-MIA Posted June 2, 2011 Posted June 2, 2011 I happen to know DP was flying the last 3 days or so, I think he gets back to Colorado tonight, so don't feel left out if he hasnt replied to your email. The other thing I was going to mention. Some schools just teach, others teach and have commercial operations. All things being equal, the school with some commercial ops is going to have more opportunities for you as a student. Maybe some photo flights and some tours, some second seat time options that you wouldnt get in a "school" only operation. Thank you he did email me back. You where right he was traveling. But like all you pilots stated he is a great guy. 1 Quote
Captain Ron Posted June 25, 2011 Posted June 25, 2011 Looking for an option for a helo school in Colorado ....interested in a private add on for a private fixed wing friend. I know there are several out there just looking for suggestions and advice.Check out Front Range Helicopters. It's the number one school in colo. piston,turbines,robbies,bells,schweizers... Quote
MileHi480B Posted June 25, 2011 Posted June 25, 2011 Wow! I'm beginning to think I have "cooties". My post is gone! I thought it was quite constructive ... asking beckwith to let us know all the positive things about Rotors. I meant it! There have been some terrible rumors and innuendos and I thought a first hand account from someone on the inside would be a good perspective. Why all the PMs? Once accusations are made publicly, I think its only fair to give the other side -- publicly. Oh, oh, will this post be nixed too? 1 Quote
Pohi Posted June 25, 2011 Posted June 25, 2011 Wow! I'm beginning to think I have "cooties". My post is gone! I thought it was quite constructive ... Oh, oh, will this post be nixed too? I have noticed the same thing happening lately, pretty disturbing. Kind of reminds me of when I was in Korea. After your post, I read the forum rules and it clearly states that any thoughts that disagree with the mods will be removed. Quote
DieselBoy Posted June 25, 2011 Posted June 25, 2011 MileHi480, There's another thread similar to this in the Training forum about ROTR that you may be thinking of. Quote
beckwith Posted July 1, 2011 Posted July 1, 2011 (edited) Wow! I'm beginning to think I have "cooties". My post is gone! I thought it was quite constructive ... asking beckwith to let us know all the positive things about Rotors. I meant it! There have been some terrible rumors and innuendos and I thought a first hand account from someone on the inside would be a good perspective. Why all the PMs? Once accusations are made publicly, I think its only fair to give the other side -- publicly. Oh, oh, will this post be nixed too? 480 I responded in the other thread and your question is still there, I also found it reasonable. I don't think you have been censored. Edit -- oops someone beat me to it. Edited July 1, 2011 by beckwith Quote
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