From the Philippines to the world

[stefano]

Hi everyone,

 

I am an italian citizen, and hold a Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence issued in the Philippines. While I was in Europe last summer, I tried unsuccessfully to get it converted into a JAA licence. The only option was to re-do the whole training, courses, exams, etc.

 

I am now considering converting it first to a FAA licence, since the Filipino licence is convertible to FAA,

then getting the FAA to JAA conversion.

 

My questions are:

 

1-To convert from Filipino to FAA, how many top-up flight hours would be needed? Which exams would I have to pass?

 

2-As I am in the Philippines, I assume the closest/cheapest place to do this would be California. However, would anyone recommend Australia or New Zealand instead?

 

3-Does anyone know of a california flight school (or Australian/NZ if this is an option) that can give the JAA package, as well as the conversion service described in pt 1?

 

Thanks for your help,

 

S

[klasmartin]

Hello Stefano, sorry I can't give you any info regarding your question but I had a couple for you if you don't mind. I'm doing my PPL(H) in Hong Kong and a few weeks ago I did a dive trip to Puerto Galera. On the last day I was there I saw a R44 taking off not far from where I had been staying, just curious if that may have been you? I can't imagine there's too many Robbies in the Philipinnes. Also, were you flying commercially there? If so, I would love to get in touch with you to discuss the helicopter market there.

 

Just remembered, Hawaii has some flight schools that may be able to convert your license. I looked into doing training there a few years ago but didn't go any further than internet research. Gaum is probably the closest US territory but not sure if there's any schools there.

[joker]

Well, in keeping with the 'thread hijack' theme...

 

Klasmartin, where abouts do you stay in PG? I'm a regular at Lalaguna with Frank and Donno. Have dived with Atlantis as well (with the late John Bennet -- great guy and great diver).

 

Favourite dive-Deep Kilima Drift or Secret Reef / Sweetlips Corner 55m for 25mins

Gnarliest dive - 100m off Verdi Island

Longest dive-Off the point, 124mins, Took in Deep Atols, Canyons, Shark Cave and ended up on Pink Wall!

 

Anyway, PM me. Maybe we can get together for a beer.

 

Joker

 

Stefano,

 

As to your question, I am pretty sure that you will find the same problems trying to convert an FAA CPL to JAA as you found trying to convert your Filippines CPL to JAA.

 

I need to look at the regulations again. Hopefully someone else will be able to chip in and give you more information...if not PM me and I'll tell you what I know.

 

Joker

[stefano]

Hi Klasmartin and Joker,

 

No, that wasn't me! I have completed my training but I'm not yet practising professionally. My intention is in fact to set up a helicopter services company here in the Philippines, and as I'm trying to solve this conversion issue, I plan to start the feasibility study as soon as I can. I'll be posting something on that subject soon.

Not many R22s but quite a few R44s. Bell206 and Ecureuil 350 are the most common.

 

There were references to schools that give both FAA and JAA in a note posted somewhere else in this site, one in Missouri, the other in Florida. If I can't find any closer school offering similar double programmes, they remain fallback options.

 

Hawaii: not much there unfortunately. Guam even less.

 

joker: you are probably right about the difficulty in getting anything converted into JAA. But at least the option seems to exist as these 2 schools offer it. The issue seems to be price and time. Details are welcome. I'll PM you once I've exhausted the online resources and remain with questions.