Picking a decent flight school

LongLine12 · July 8, 2014

I'm new to the forums, low time PVT in the process of deciding what school I'd like to go to to finish off my entry training to the industry and make myself as marketable as possible.

I did my PVT at Advanced Helicopter Concepts in Frederick, MD. Great school, can't say enough good things about the instructors and the staff there. I've learned a lot and will soon be on the newest cert holders of their resurrected external load course.

I've been reviewing some schools and the forum posts on here looking for the most up to date information about them. Some cases what I'm finding is information that is 3-6 years old. Still great info but I'm looking for any recent experiences with some of the better known schools.

I've most focused on Bristow (would love information on both the FL and LA branches!) and the Helicopter Academy.

Unless someone says something really striking, my impressions are leaning me towards Bristow, FL for the location and the aircraft and the reputation. It's a pilot factory but my biggest question is how is the networking post graduation? In my experience it is usually more who you know than what.

At the same time, from the slightly outdated info I've gotten from the forums, it appears that at one point (and possibly till true now) is that the LA branch has more opportunities for us white male up and coming pilots. Not to mention the networking might be better there as it is not as busy and has more time for individual students and helping them find first jobs.

On the fringe is Helicopter Academy, mostly because it totes the "guaranteed jobs!" line. How true is that statement really? They do have a vast number of locations...

Does anyone have current (between now and a year or 2 ago) information on these schools? Am I looking at my future training realistically? Is there something else I should be considering?

Am I completely jacked up and need to be told about another school that I should be considering?

If there is anyone that can shed light on one, two, all of these questions, I would appreciate the help. Posts or PMs are welcome!

A-aron · July 9, 2014

Do you have the money to go all the way to CFII?

eagle5 · July 9, 2014

If I didn't have to work as the "photographer" I'd pick Helicopter Academy. What's wrong with your current school?

Edited July 9, 2014 by eagle5

LongLine12 · July 9, 2014

@A-aron (love the name btw)- Yes

@eagle5- Why would you pick them? Because of having a job afterwards? Nothing is wrong with Advanced or anything relating to them. Personal issues with the area are prompting the change, along with wanting experience in more than just R22s and 44s

eagle5 · July 9, 2014

I just think traveling around taking pictures of boats would be more fun than flight instruction, as long as I was the one doing the flying.

Bootcamp · July 9, 2014

I would recommend Helicopter Academy or Middle River Aviation.

Helicopter Academy - my understanding is that they have never turned down their own students for a job after hitting 300 hours. It's a good chance to get very acclimated to the aircraft maneuvering low and slow. It's also a chance to travel...a lot.

Middle River Aviation - it's an established Part 141 and Part 61 school that teaches both helicopters and airplanes. There aren't a lot of CFI candidates in the pipeline right now so completing your CFI means there will be getting a lot of flight time as a CFI. It's also excellent exposure to the DC SFRA. MRA shares the airfield with three police agencies and two news helicopters, so if you want to network and don't mind hanging around the airfield when you're not flying, it's definitely the place to be. However, if by "personal issues with the area", you mean you hate O'Malleyland, I feel your pain and it's exactly why I left that state.

LongLine12 · July 9, 2014

you mean you hate O'Malleyland, I feel your pain and it's exactly why I left that state.

That is certainly one of the reasons! I really appreciate the reply. About Helicopter Academy, that gives me greater confidence in them.

urs151 · July 10, 2014

Just my opinion. But option #1 allows you to travel ALOT and fly a continuous low and slow profile over the water.

Option #2 allows you many hours of instruction time teaching continuous emergencies over and over again.

I'm might be just a dumb city boy, but which option will make you a better pilot???!!

eagle5 · July 10, 2014

Better is relative term. Better than who? You better than you were before, any job will do that. A 1000hr photo pilot better or worse than a 1000hr flight instructor? How can we find out?

urs151 · July 10, 2014

You're absolutely correct. Better is very much a relative term. But, if you were about to get into a helicopter with a pilot who's only requirement to stay current is a handful of simulated engine failures once a year, or another pilot who does them on a daily basis? Which one would you pick??

eagle5 · July 10, 2014

There's more to flying than engine failure. And think about it once that flight instructor stops teaching to fly tours or gom his auto proficiency will become just the same as everyone else who's not teaching.

...and who says photo pilots only practice autos once a year?

LongLine12 · July 10, 2014

Ideally I would like to instruct for a year or two (or more depending on various reason like pay, hours etc)

Again, personal experience with teaching is that the only true way to master a craft is to teach it. Once someone stops instructing their proficiency with emergency procedures probably drops a bit, but they have a much firmer base for those skills than someone who never instructed.

Coming off topic a bit. Are there any recent graduates from these places that can shed light on some of the original questions?

Bootcamp · July 10, 2014

Are there any recent graduates from these places that can shed light on some of the original questions?

I can put you in touch with a few recent graduates of Middle River Aviation and a few less recent graduates (circa 2005) from Helicopter Academy. PM me and I'll pass your info along.

Jaybee · July 10, 2014

While its prudent to ask for current information about particular schools, there a many many posts over the years written by people like Spike with years and years of industry experience on how to choose a good school. The saying goes caveat emptor - buyer beware - not only of what the school is selling but the background and experience of those meaning to give good advice.

For whatever its worth I trained at a mom and pop shop and did my instrument at Bristow. Been working as a tour pilot ever since I got my commercial. I have had two engine failures before I reached even 300 hours and without even having an instructor's license I'm still here !

Spike · July 11, 2014

Bristow has been training pilots for a very long time. There’s a reason for that. From what you’ve said regarding Bristow, I’d say you’re on the right track…….

As far as teaching is concerned, I’ll recommend this; contact a few GOM and tour operators and ask them if they prefer their applicants have instructor experience. More-then-likely, they’ll say yes. Secondly, go visit any nearby EMS, ENG or charter operator and simply ask their pilots how they advanced into their current positions. You’ll probably find the majority of them were former instructors…..

Basically, form your plan based on fact and not from internet opinions……

Flying Pig · July 11, 2014

^This goes back to that age old topic of being wary of people who claim they have found a new road to success. I didnt go the CFI route... but aside from that, Ive had to check every box that every other aspiring pilot has had to check off.

eagle5 · July 11, 2014

For what its worth you will have to be a CFI to get that guaranteed job with Helicopter Academy, so I'm sure there will be some teaching as well as working the photo contract...and love them or hate them they've been around since the 80s.

Spike · July 12, 2014

Bristow, formally known as Helicopter Adventures Inc, has pumped out so many commercial pilots over the years; the only other organization which can compare is the US Army. In fact, 20 years ago, HAI had just over 20 R22’s which most were booked all-day-every-day. HAI and its formula were sold to Bristow for a huge sum of money. No helicopter flight school in the history in aviation has gained the reputation to do this……