means5104 Posted April 3, 2013 Report Share Posted April 3, 2013 I am interested in getting a Private license and eventually turning it into a career. However the only school close to me uses Bell Jet Ranger as its helicopter, most places use an R-22. Is it a problem that this is the only training helicopter available? Will it affect my career goals by doing this? Also this particular instructor said going from zero time to CFI will run approximately $90,000-$100,000. Is this a steep price? Or would it be considered fair? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilot#476398 Posted April 3, 2013 Report Share Posted April 3, 2013 The cost of going from 0 to CFII at 200 hours is around 60k to 100k depending on how long it takes you (i.e. how often you fly)! The average cost per hour in the R22 is around $300. Don't do your training in a Jet Ranger, you'll never find a job as a low time pilot! Find another school! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
means5104 Posted April 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2013 There is a huge problem with me finding another school... There's not one that doesn't require me moving. The website for the school is www.wessonaviation.com if this will help anyone provide more information as far as the helicopter goes. My dad is working on his ppl in fixed wing so I know I could achieve this much cheaper, but really am infatuated with helicopter more so than planes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Pig Posted April 4, 2013 Report Share Posted April 4, 2013 (edited) Ok.... Maybe we can help you find a school in AL. As far as the Jet Ranger, you wont do your training in it. I cant imagine the owner would ever let you solo it so there is a miscommunication on that part. I doubt they do initial training in it. Edited April 4, 2013 by Flying Pig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spike Posted April 4, 2013 Report Share Posted April 4, 2013 I am interested in getting a Private license and eventually turning it into a career.If this is the case, then I suggest you do a lot more research. A lot more….. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodoz Posted April 4, 2013 Report Share Posted April 4, 2013 There's not one that doesn't require me moving. If you can't or won't move, you could be facing some serious challenges ahead. Besides, the "best" school might not be the one that is closest to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilot#476398 Posted April 4, 2013 Report Share Posted April 4, 2013 If that place is a school, it sure doesn't look it by their website! What type of job is he telling you you'll be able to get after training with him in his Jet Ranger? If you're unwilling to move for training, what will you do if the only company who is offering you a job (at a pay rate of $400/mo) is 2000 miles away? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wally Posted April 4, 2013 Report Share Posted April 4, 2013 The military uses the Jet Ranger as primary trainer for many good reasons and high on that list is the fact that the military is all turbine. They have a limited amount of time to make new aviators to fly an all turbine fleet and are part of a massive bureaucracy to support this. Not so for commercial aviation, especially for low-time pilot jobs. If you don't have the finances and/or business acumen to acquire and operate a Jet Ranger to build time in, doing your primary in one would slow your experience (time building) to a near zero rate.If you won't move to train, are you going to move to work? No either or both determine your options after you spend a considerable amount of time and money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilot#476398 Posted April 4, 2013 Report Share Posted April 4, 2013 I can't believe I'm saying this but, if you can't move, try calling Boatpix, they might be willing to bring an R22 to you for training? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
means5104 Posted April 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2013 Its not that I am against moving so much as an issue of finances. I will be paying training cost as i go and refuse to take a loan out. I have to work to pay for it and as my current car sales position will easily allow me to do this, moving my family and finding another job that pays as well as my current one does is the main thing keeping me from moving. This is not necessarily a school so much as it is an independent CFI. I have not asked him about training in another helicopter as this is the only one i found on the website. However moving if offered a job would be no issue for me. I am well accustomed to living off ramen noodles beans and rice. I was in retail for years and got used to living paycheck to paycheck. Even if I don't turn it into a career, I just want to fly. As a hobby, a very expensive hobby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helipilot PTK Posted April 5, 2013 Report Share Posted April 5, 2013 Check any of these guys out. http://www.upperlimitaviation.edu http://alabamahelicopters.weebly.com/flights.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astro Posted April 5, 2013 Report Share Posted April 5, 2013 Even if I don't turn it into a career, I just want to fly. As a hobby, a very expensive hobby You want a hobby, buy a helicycle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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