R22 v. S-300 Training and Time Building

[ThomasD]

Hi everyone,

 

I've got a question about which helicopter to continue training/time building in.

 

I've got my single & multi engine airplane cert's with instrument privileges and am currently working on my Airplane CFI. I currently have around 300 hours TT. So all additional Heli ratings will be add-ons.

 

However, my original PPL was in a Heli and I currently have around 75 hours in a S-300cb. I'm about the start flying heli's again and am wondering (considering the goal of landing a job as a CFI), based on your experience, is it better to

 

1) Continue to build hours in a S-300 and therefore have a greater number of hours in a single type, or

2) Start to train in a R-22 and have experience in multiple types?

 

I am aware of a prior post from 2007 "Minimum hours needed to instruct R22, R44, 300", but that mostly became an insurance thread, though it did discuss minimum hours to be insurable in a R-22.

 

Any thoughts about which to choose is appreciated!

[Astro]

R22

[Spike]

http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/17995-complete-rookie-questions/

[Rich1]

Couldn't agree more w the above...R22 if you want to increase your chances of employment as a CFI...

 

Just a function of the number of schools utilizing the 22 as their training platform...

[ThomasD]

Thanks for the link! I suppose at this point satisfying SFAR 73 is the real goal in order to CFI.

[Spike]

Thanks for the link! I suppose at this point satisfying SFAR 73 is the real goal in order to CFI.

 

Not only to teach, but more importantly, to be marketable to the widest range of flight schools. And thus, overcoming the most critical hurdle, your first job…….

Edited May 24, 2014 by Spike

[ThomasD]

Would it make sense, from a marketability standpoint, to only fly in a R22 until I reach the 200 hour mark in helicopters or after I meet SFAR 73, the 50 hour R22 specific requirement, should I also build some time in another helicopter, say an Enstrom, to reach the 200 hour mark? I.e., 75 S300cb, 50 R22, 25 R44, 50 Enstrom, = 200 TT in a heli.

[rotornut67]

From a money standpoint the 22 would be a cheaper route than the Enstrom I would think. And don't forget about the part of the SFAR, that requires 25 hours in the 44 in order to instruct in it also. Just food for thought and my 2 cents worth.

 

Good luck

[Spike]

Would it make sense, from a marketability standpoint, to only fly in a R22 until I reach the 200 hour mark in helicopters or after I meet SFAR 73, the 50 hour R22 specific requirement, should I also build some time in another helicopter, say an Enstrom, to reach the 200 hour mark? I.e., 75 S300cb, 50 R22, 25 R44, 50 Enstrom, = 200 TT in a heli.

 

Flight schools that operate Robinson products will want lots of Robinson PIC time. Second to that, variety becomes desirable so therefore, yes, time in different makes and models is beneficial from a marketability standpoint. However, from your assessment, maybe not so much time in those other machines. In short, the majority of the hours should be spent in the R22/44. For the other machines, you just want to be competent and comfortable to teach in them, like less than 10 hours each. Or, just obtain the Commercial with the Instrument and CFII ratings in the R22/44. Once you’ve done this and still shy of the 200 total helicopter time mark, split the remainder between those other machines….

[ThomasD]

Thanks guys for the input! I'll stick witht the Robi's for the time being.

[OneCoqui]

Keep in mind that the S300 is an easy transition into the S369, the only difference is the power plant. The S300 is a much better platform for training due to it's fully articulate rotor system. A lot more forgiving than an R22.

[Boatpix]

R22. Cheapest time at www.r22.us which is below solo rate working on a photo contract and if you do 100 hours almost always leads to a job. Or call me at 561-346-2816. The diversification should be to have 25 hours in an R44 but if you know of some jobs in S300 you have found them when half of my CFI's that transferred from those S300's couldn't find jobs in that airframe.

[PROFILECLIMB]

Keep in mind that the S300 is an easy transition into the S369, the only difference is the power plant. The S300 is a much better platform for training due to it's fully articulate rotor system. A lot more forgiving than an R22.

It could be argued that the R22 can make you a better pilot, being it's less forgiving.

[eagle5]

Nothing special about training with a fully articulated rotor! Nothing special about the 300 ,or the 22 for that matter,... except time in the 22 will make you more marketable for entry level work.