Kjyrkas Posted January 12, 2006 Report Share Posted January 12, 2006 I am looking for the best school in Florida. I have not found much on the review section for flight schools here or anywhere else. I was looking for info on HAI, Volar, Helicopter Academy/Boatpix. If anyone has any personal experience with these schools or any others in Florida please let me know. I am going to visit a few next month so I would appreciate any input on Florida's schools. I maybe overlooking some websites that have more reviews. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joker Posted January 12, 2006 Report Share Posted January 12, 2006 Kjyrkas, Welcome to the rotor world. It won't surprise you to know that you are not the first person with these questions. That is why there is a 'search' function at the bottom of this page. I would suggest you try and find the information using the 'search' function. Then when if you have any more questions, return back here, and people will be very willing to help you if you ask more 'specific' questions. Regards, Joker Remember: The Quality of a Question Will Determine the Quality of an Answer!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whirlwind Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 (edited) I have not found much on the review section for flight schools here or anywhere else. I've also noticed that there are very few reviews of flight schools since Rey revamped the site and got rid of the anonymous posting of reviews. No more school bashing , and far fewer glowing reviews. As a helo pilot-to-be, I find all feedback useful and would encourage all you graduates out there to share your opinions on where you trained by writing a short review.Thanks! Edited January 13, 2006 by Whirlwind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FUSE Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 I am currently with Helicopter Academy. I find them to be a great school. Or I guess I should say I find my instructor to be a great instructor. 30 grand for 300 hours I believe is a fantastic deal. The BoatPix work is usually on the weekends. Sometimes they will have a job that lasts a week or so. They way the deal works is that you pay the 30,000 and that is for the first 150 hours, that's to get your CPL. Then after that you time build with BoatPix for another 150 hours for free. I couldn't find a better deal in my area. I am using them in Annapolis, MD. That is where they say they are, even though they are really in Stevensville, which is about 10 miles away. I have been with them since August. I almost have my PPL. I'm doing this all part time. My instructor Paul Petrone, is an awesome pilot. He is currently teaching down at the Florida location for a couple weeks. Every once in a while he will go down there and teach. For a 20 year old I have the upmost respect and confidence in his skills. So IMO as far as Helicopter Academy goes..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sneakin Posted January 15, 2006 Report Share Posted January 15, 2006 Tomlinson Aviation just outside Daytona......OUTSTANDING school/training. You will get your $$$ worth every minute your there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ascott20 Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Highly, HIGHLY recommend Tomlinson Aviation in Ormond Beach, FL. They are an incredible school in all aspects. Their helos are well maintained and they have all the financing and training options of the large schools. Their instructors actually get to know you and they definitely make you feel a part of the family. I got my private and commercial there a couple years ago and it was the best thing I did for both my flying and my confidence in the cockpit. The area is relatively inexpensive to live in also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kreed Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 What about Helicopters of America in Pompano Beach? Any word on this school?www.helicoptersofamerica.net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cross-eyed Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 I did my training at Tomlinson Aviation. Extremely pleased with everything. Spotless hangar, excellent equipment, great training, personal attention. You'd be hard-pressed to find anything negative from anyone who trained there. First rate! http://www.tomlinsonaviation.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superman Posted January 18, 2006 Report Share Posted January 18, 2006 I have to agree with all regarding Tomlinson Aviation. Did my Private there. Very good instructors, Owner right on top of everything, Maintenance is excellent. stopped in to visit a while back, all new crew there now but I'm sure that Neal is keeping them in lineWhatever you do, make sure you go visit the schools before you choose. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randalrowles Posted January 18, 2006 Report Share Posted January 18, 2006 After reviewing your list of S. Florida flight schools, I noticed you did not mention Palm Beach Helicopters. As the owner of that school, I wondered if you could provide me with an overview of why we were not on your list. Feel free to post your reply here or e-mail me at randy@palmbeachhelicopters.com. It is equally important to hear when customers DO NOT choose your facility for training as it is when they do. Also, Tomlinson Aviation is an excellent facility as mentioned by others. I look forward to your response. Randy RowlesPalm Beach Helicopters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotodave Posted January 27, 2006 Report Share Posted January 27, 2006 You should go by HAI in Titisville and check them out. A GREAT school, they have a very large fleet and take the extra time to make sure that you understand every step of the way. I have been very pleased with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svtcobra66 Posted January 30, 2006 Report Share Posted January 30, 2006 (edited) I recommend Tropical Helicopter in Leesburg, FL. Its a laid back atmosphere, and they have 2 300C's, an Enstrom 280FX, and a Warrior (fixed wing). They also have a FlyIt sim, so you can definitely save some money that way. I live in Orlando but make the drive (about an hour) because their prices are so reasonable. They don't charge for ground instruction, and its 2250 for a 10 hr block of heli time (in the 300C's) WITH INSTRUCTION. I just got my instrument rating with them, and I'm happy with my experience. The helis are very well maintained (on site), so there are rarely delays due to maintenance. Definitely worth checking out ( http://www.tropicalhelicopter.com ). Chris Edited February 1, 2006 by svtcobra66 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pokey Posted February 2, 2006 Report Share Posted February 2, 2006 After reviewing your list of S. Florida flight schools, I noticed you did not mention Palm Beach Helicopters. As the owner of that school, I wondered if you could provide me with an overview of why we were not on your list. Feel free to post your reply here or e-mail me at randy@palmbeachhelicopters.com. It is equally important to hear when customers DO NOT choose your facility for training as it is when they do. Also, Tomlinson Aviation is an excellent facility as mentioned by others. I look forward to your response. Randy RowlesPalm Beach Helicopters I just checked out your website Randy, looks great ! I would imagine there are plenty of 1st class schools out there ( like yours) that are well, ? just not well known. Look at all the negative posts about SSH? ! sometimes no news is good news,,,,,, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chubby Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 I am looking for the best school in Florida. I have not found much on the review section for flight schools here or anywhere else. I was looking for info on HAI, Volar, Helicopter Academy/Boatpix. If anyone has any personal experience with these schools or any others in Florida please let me know. I am going to visit a few next month so I would appreciate any input on Florida's schools. I maybe overlooking some websites that have more reviews. Any suggestions?Spent six mouths at Aquila not happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skiddz Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 I was going to suggest Palm Beach Helicopters, but Randy beat me to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N116LF Posted February 16, 2006 Report Share Posted February 16, 2006 I am looking for the best school in Florida. I have not found much on the review section for flight schools here or anywhere else. I was looking for info on HAI, Volar, Helicopter Academy/Boatpix. If anyone has any personal experience with these schools or any others in Florida please let me know. I am going to visit a few next month so I would appreciate any input on Florida's schools. I maybe overlooking some websites that have more reviews. Any suggestions? Give Neil at Aquila Aviation a call 1-866-fly-rite or on the web at www.866flyrite.com I visited the other schools around Central Florida as well. They are located in North Central FL (about 40 min. NE of Gainesville) I found this school to suite my needs, offering everything from PPL to CFII and even Turbine transition. Excellent staff and programs. I plan to continue with the school and become an instructor eventually. Currently I am working on my PPL. Let him know Paul sent you. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HelliBoy Posted February 18, 2006 Report Share Posted February 18, 2006 I'd also reccomend HAI, its big so there are lots of helicopters which makes for a busy controlled airspace which is a better learning environment than a sleepy uncontrolled airstrip and teaches situational awareness on a very high level. There are lots of helis, I think its over 30 now with 300cbi's and r22's, and you'll meet lots of students and instructors which is good for training and getting a line into that helicopter network rey's always talking about. You definitely need to asses your learning style and financial capacity but if you're going to move to florida and want to train full time at a busy school HAI is a good bet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cross-eyed Posted February 18, 2006 Report Share Posted February 18, 2006 After reviewing your list of S. Florida flight schools, I noticed you did not mention Palm Beach Helicopters. As the owner of that school, I wondered if you could provide me with an overview of why we were not on your list. Randy RowlesPalm Beach Helicopters Randy - Simple logistics for me. I was in FL on business and near Ormond Beach. I did some intitial research on Tomlinson Aviation and set a meeting. I did the same with HAI, to get a contrast in types of schools. I met with Neal Tomlinson first, flew with one of his guys, and cancelled the visit to HAI. I new this was the place. So Palm Beach wasn't on the list for no reason other than I loved the first place I came to and stayed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warpig Posted February 19, 2006 Report Share Posted February 19, 2006 Palm Beach Helicopter was my school of choice and all went well for me. Great staff and good attitudes all the way around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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