A question i/r to turbine transition

[grabmeier]

Hello-

 

I've shadowed this forum for a while and finally decided to start conversing with you all. My initial question relates to turbine training.

 

How many of you had your flight school pay you to do turbine time for them? I believe such schools as Hillsboro, own and operate their local news helicopters. Obviously I'm rather uninformed about this topic. I'm just curious if your flight school helped you gain turbine time and training by having you fly for them. Any information is helpful.

 

v/r

 

Eric

[HELI-SKY]

I cant speak for Hillsboro, but a lot of companies will transition you into their turbines as part of "on the job training". GOM companies for example, have a turbine transition as part of their entry level training, once you are hired on. Of course many other companies require you to already have turbine time before you are hired. As far as schools that operate turbines, as well as pistons, most would probably not include turbine time in their program because of the costs involved. Like stated above, you may be able to do some turbine work on the side if the company has a need for you and is willing to train.

[TCHone]

I don't know who flys the 206 at Hillsboro. I know it's not the students or the CFIs and I think if you want to fly any turbine there, better have the $$.

[grabmeier]

So after you have sufficient hours as a CFII, will a school assist you with gaining flight experience in turbines? I've spoken with a previous chief instructor (at Hillsboro) who said they had basically paid for his turbine time. Being that I had already asked him a thousand questions or so, I didn't want to keep him away from his meal anymore. I'm just curious if some schools transition their CFIIs into turbines if they have them.

 

Again just looking for any input.

 

v/r

Eric

[flingwing206]

I'm just curious if some schools transition their CFIIs into turbines if they have them.

They will if they have the need, and you are the most qualified. I'd say it's about a 1-in-20 shot at a place like Hillsboro or HAI. If you pay attention to who's flying the aircraft now, and train/work to position yourself as a natural successor, your odds get better. But remember, a school stays in business by getting people to pay for training...