R44 Training And Schooling

[HELI-TEK1]

hey guys,

just looking for a little bit more information as far as initial training in an R44 vs the 22. I realize they are more stable, however, do you think it is a bad thing at the same time considering the fact that it doesnt get you in the habit of dealing with the carb. heat and how much faster everything can happen in a 22. Just a little curious as im sure a few other are as well. Thanks

[Bootcamp]

hey guys,

just looking for a little bit more information as far as initial training in an R44 vs the 22. I realize they are more stable, however, do you think it is a bad thing at the same time considering the fact that it doesnt get you in the habit of dealing with the carb. heat and how much faster everything can happen in a 22. Just a little curious as im sure a few other are as well. Thanks

 

I would suggest starting training in the R22 instead of the R44. Flying the more difficult ship will ultimately make you a better pilot - more aware about power restraints, carb heat, reaction time in the event of an engine failure, etc. Not to mention the cheaper price tag. I would still recommend getting 25 hours in the R44 sometime after you get your private rating. Also, keep in mind that in terms of the SFAR requirements (to act as PIC and to instruct), you can credit 5 hours/25 hours in the R22 towards the 10 hours/50 hours minimum for the R44. The reverse is not true.

[Fly the LV Sky]

That's great advice Bootcamp! I was just going to echo those details.

 

The R22 training will be much cheaper

The lighter ship will really hone your sensitivity to the aircraft

SFAR 73 requirements financially favor going R22 to R44 meaning:

25 hours of R22 will count toward your 50 required in R44

If you start with R44 you will still need all 50 in R22 at a later time

= even more expense

 

It just seems more efficient in many ways

 

good luck!!

[rollthbns]

When I was actively instructing I had the privilege of taking a guy from zero to private in a personal R44. It was a blast! Most of my other instruction was given in H269C's, and I found the R44 to be plenty challenging yet safer than the 22 in many ways. It really depends on what YOU are planning to do. If instruction is in your future, then I personally think 22 experience is a must have. If it is for personal use and you plan on owning or renting a 44, then you might as well learn in what you will be flying for fun. So many variables to this one!

 

On a side note, I respectfully disagree with the assumption that the 22 "makes you a better pilot". Lots of variables to that one too! Fly safe and enjoy your experience!

[r22butters]

Unless you have a job lined up in one, or are lucky enough to be able to buy one, don't waste your training dollars on the R44!

 

Don't get me wrong, I love flying it! So far its my favorite helicopter (of the ones I've flown), and that includes a Jet Ranger and a 500. Its just not worth the added expense, when you consider your gonna get the same training no matter what you fly, so it may as well be for less $.

 

If you really want some time in one, after you get your Private, just go somewhere like Heliquest, where you can get it for R22 prices!

 

Besides, training in an R22 will make you a better pilot! We're the best, of the best, of the best,...LONG LIVE ROBBIE RANGERS!

Edited June 11, 2011 by r22butters

[Trans Lift]

do you think it is a bad thing at the same time considering the fact that it doesnt get you in the habit of dealing with the carb. heat

 

You do use carb heat in some of the 44's. Raven 2 and Clipper 2 don't as they are fuel injected. The other models are carburetted.

[HELI-TEK1]

Yes. Thank you Trans Lift, I should of made myself more clear on that.