Flying clubs in Chattanooga, Tn ?

[butchm]

Hello, I am going to get my PPL, I live in Chattanooga, Tn. Does anyone know of any helicopter clubs in the area ? When I get my license, I would like to use it. If I dont fly for a living, and cannot afford my own heli (I'm just a working man), what are my choices to fly ? I've thought about buying a used Rotorway or something similar, but I'm not sure about the overall cost. I've seen them for $25-$30k. Which might be do-able. Any suggestions ?? Thanks !!

[Hawk33EB]

Unfortunately, at least up here in the NYC area, there aren't many if any places that a low time PPL can just go out and rent a helicopter without a CFI on board. Most places want you to either have your CFI ticket in order to rent from them, either that or some ridiculous number of hours in that type (Up here one school wanted 500 hours in a Hughes/Schweizer 300c just to be able to rent by yourself at $200/hour). These numbers are a result of insurance underwriters. This is the same reason you'll pay thru the roof to insure a homebuilt helo with more than one seat (They don't mind if you just kill yourself). For some reason, insurance companies are afraid of low time helo pilots. Its the old catch 22, you have to have hours in order to be able to fly, but you have to be able to fly in order to get hours.

 

Just from experience, I'd look into partnerships in a Robinson or Schweizer, or places that will pay for your flying (But not pay you TO fly) while you build hours (i.e. Aerial Photography companies, Traffic Watch, etc... places that do not require a Commercial PL), then once you have enough hours, get your CFI. You can make a little extra money on the side, and it will open lots of doors as far as the rental side of the house goes.

 

Another resource is www.landings.com. Look at the bottom of the home page, and you'll find a link for Flying Clubs/FBOs/Flight Schools. Just search for TN and see what you find.

 

Hope this helps. Best of luck and Blue Skies!  ::rotorhead::

[Nat3hCFI]

I recently saw an ad in Trade-A-Plane where someone wanted someone to fly from the NE area to San Diego in an R-22 and wanted $60 an hour plus your own expenses. Sounded pretty good, you might check it out. Even better if the person flying is a CFI.

[Hawk33EB]

I recently saw an ad in Trade-A-Plane where someone wanted someone to fly from the NE area to San Diego in an R-22 and wanted $60 an hour plus your own expenses. Sounded pretty good, you might check it out. Even better if the person flying is a CFI.

LOL. Thats a novel idea. Have someone pay YOU to ferry YOUR aircraft for you?

 

How long would it take to get a Robbie from the NE to San Diego? 30 hours? 30x60 = $1800. Not bad pay to have someone else do your work for you...lol. But $60 is a great price for helo hours. Hard to beat that.  ::

[Helo Ops Inc]

Anyone looking for a helicopter to rent, helicopter flight instruction or just needing to build time, please contact me. We are looking at a number of options for East Tennessee... one of which may be a Rotorcraft Flying Club... and would like to know what the interest and needs are in the area.

[Chuck Potts]

Hi, everyone

I am newly registered here but have been lurking for a while. I am available for ferry fliights, flight instruction, or mechanical work as I am a helo CFI and an A&P/IA. email me at hoverbug@gci.net or call 907-733-6760.

Your Friend, Chuck Potts

[RotorRunner]

Take a look at Valley Helicopter Services in Athens, TN. Bryant is an excellent instructor and he will rent you a helicopter if you get your license from him.

 

http://www.valleyhelicopterservices.com/

[RotorRunner]

Helo Ops Inc.

 

I sent you a PM a while back and never heard anything. I am interested in any options you might have for helicopter pilots in the E. TN area.

 

PM me or post more info please.

 

Thanks,

RR

[klmmarine]

Runner did he ever get back to you about anything?

[Helo Ops Inc]

We are still working toward getting a Rotorcraft Flying Club started in Chattanooga, with possibly a branch in the Knoxville area. I will definitely be posting updates as they develop. Insurance, as always, seams to be the biggest hurdle... but we will keep working toward a solution.

 

~Robert~

[Helo Ops Inc]

We are making slow progress towards a flying club in Chattanooga.

All those that may be interested, we would like to know if you would like an R-22 or would an R-44 be preferred?

 

~Robert~

[flyhelijmr]

I am in the cookeville area and would be interested in your flying club if you get it going. I was wondering why you are only considering a R22 or R44?

 

joe

[rdmedic71]

I was searching for options around southern middle TN and came across this post in the archives...

 

Did this club ever form and if so, any contact info would be greatly appreciated?

 

Thanks

[RotorRunner]

Don't know of any clubs, but Valley Helicopter Services has a very nice, well maintained Schweizer 300C at KMMI. PM me if you need more info.

[eddiebauer86]

In Nashville the main helicopter goto is Helistar Aviation.

 

http://www.flyhelistar.com

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nashville-TN/Helistar-Aviation/110872742273747

 

You have to check with them on EXACT rates, but I got my private through them and it was an outstanding experience. Great crew of instructors and mechanic. They currently run 2 R22's, 1 R44, 1 JetRanger and 1 LongRanger. They were doing a block discount on time at one point, but im not sure if thats still so. Im not sure what they require to rent a helicopter, but since I got my license with them, im free to rent any of their birds as long as the schedule is open. They fly out of John C Tune Airport (JWN) in West Nashville, Right off I40. They have several CFI's and also do charter work as well.