Flight School Reviews

pilot#476398 · October 2, 2013

We still have hired every instructor that has come through our school ...

We hire at 300 hours and you have to have at least 100 hours on our contract be we hire everyone.... .

Since all other schools hire their graduates at 200 hours, I wouldn't brag about hiring everyone who buys an additional 100 hours to get hired by yours!

Plus I'd still like to know how taking pictures of boats is loggable as flight time?

Edited October 2, 2013 by pilot#476398

Boatpix · October 3, 2013

The FAR's require an instructor to have 150 hours and we require 300 hours allowing two instructors to log the time as they see fit. Other schools hire at 200 hours but they can't hire all pilots and that's how we offer a great service to those that don't get hired.

Boatpix · October 3, 2013

Many of instructors come from other schools and with CFII's, R44 and even R66 time. We currently have students that didn't get hired at other schools (and I don't want to name school names) but came from Hawaii, Arizona, Oregon, Michigan, Florida, Maryland, Connecticut and South Carolina and this isn't a complete list but rather just the ones I can think of off the top of my head right now. I don't know of any other school that does more photo than primary instruction and that is the magic to our job record. Its also important to understand (and frequently misrepresented at hiring seminars) that Pathfinder's requirement is total time and not pilot in command time.

rubidug · October 7, 2013

I would like to personally recommend Western Helicopters in Rialto, CA to anyone seeking instruction from the best!

I just completed my solo there last week. Here is a vid in case anyone is interested....

The lead instructor and lead pilot both have over 20,000 hours helicopter. The lead instructor is ex-navy, and has 30+ years as a CFII. The lead pilot is the son of historically important aviators, and has racked up some serious accomplishments in his day, to say the least. He is also currently on a mission to change the way the FAA teaches autorotations. It is a great time to be a student at Western!

A typical day at Western includes not only spending time and learning from the GODS of the helicopter flight training industry, but other pioneers as well. You will see the experts from every area of rotorcraft flying come through the doors- whether for recurrent training, or just conversation. Air Methods is next door (9+ helis on tarmac), and San Bernardino SO is next to that (Huey, lots of Astars, 500E).

Just look at the wall- these guys were pioneers in the EMS, utility, SAR, ALEO, and the air taxi world, just to name a few. Just last week, we had the pioneer of the Ontario police aviation unit, a DEA pilot, border patrol pilots, and SCE's utility greats in for training. These guys are a wealth of information as well...

Summit helicopter of LA is now involved, and the future looks even better! Wanna see screamin' mimi on the tarmac?

Rialto airport is uncontrolled, has 4 helicopter pads just for training, offers many long line opportunities (wells), is close to the mountains for their FAMED mountain training course, has lots of windy days -or- you can fly to no wind class D. C, or B airports within 50 miles radius. Soon a utility training program will begin as well.

These guys are great!

Please PM me if you have any questions..

Flying Pig · October 7, 2013

After youve done autos with Bob in the 300.... if you ever get into the 500 youll have it nailed. A 300 autos just like a 500. And again... if you have done them with Bob..... youve been taught well. Has he had you do them from an 800' orbit?

rubidug · October 7, 2013

Straight in's, 180's, 90's, simulated engine failures, hover auto's and run-ons, 500' AGL and up....all before my solo!

I guess it makes sense...learn the emergency procedures BEFORE you are by yourself and something happens...

pilot#476398 · October 7, 2013

I would like to personally recommend Western Helicopters in Rialto, CA to anyone seeking instruction from the best!

I just completed my solo there last week. Here is a vid in case anyone is interested....

The lead instructor and lead pilot both have over 20,000 hours helicopter. The lead instructor is ex-navy, and has 30+ years as a CFII. The lead pilot is the son of historically important aviators, and has racked up some serious accomplishments in his day, to say the least. He is also currently on a mission to change the way the FAA teaches autorotations. It is a great time to be a student at Western!

A typical day at Western includes not only spending time and learning from the GODS of the helicopter flight training industry, but other pioneers as well. You will see the experts from every area of rotorcraft flying come through the doors- whether for recurrent training, or just conversation. Air Methods is next door (9+ helis on tarmac), and San Bernardino SO is next to that (Huey, lots of Astars, 500E).

Just look at the wall- these guys were pioneers in the EMS, utility, SAR, ALEO, and the air taxi world, just to name a few. Just last week, we had the pioneer of the Ontario police aviation unit, a DEA pilot, border patrol pilots, and SCE's utility greats in for training. These guys are a wealth of information as well...

Summit helicopter of LA is now involved, and the future looks even better! Wanna see screamin' mimi on the tarmac?

Rialto airport is uncontrolled, has 4 helicopter pads just for training, offers many long line opportunities (wells), is close to the mountains for their FAMED mountain training course, has lots of windy days -or- you can fly to no wind class D. C, or B airports within 50 miles radius. Soon a utility training program will begin as well.

These guys are great!

Please PM me if you have any questions..

It may take a couple of years, but once I save enough pennies I'd love to take the advanced EPs course there. It would be awesone though if they did it in a 22! (since that's what I fly most of the time).

Flying Pig · October 7, 2013

Now that Im out of CA, I dont get to run down and get a couple hours with Bob every 3 months like I used to. Where I am now we use Lunsford Air. Scott is like flying with Bob. Only now take everything youve done with Bob and do it in a Huey Good times for sure!

rubidug · October 7, 2013

jealous!

Cody Morrison 541 · October 18, 2013

Leading Edge Aviation in Bend, OR has been my flight school since day one. Not only is this a versatile program, but it tailors to the needs of many varieties of students. As a VA funded student, i was able to fly different machines such as Robinson R22/44's, Bell 206 B3 & 206L. Flying in a beautiful mountainous environment enables student pilots to explore central oregon whilst gaining real-world experience. LEA trains pilots in day/night VFR, instruments in a full-glass cockpit R44, external load in a Bell and NVG certification. My training seemed to be limitless. I had opportunities to land in technical off-airport areas, fly in mountains at <5000DA, and even took a 206L to fairbanks AK on a ferry contract, AS A STUDENT!!!. I don't have any basis for comparison, but i know how amazing my flight training was and it would be tough to top! LEA even provides fixed-wing training. Im a recent CFII and graduate of the program with a bright future. The nearby college has teamed up with Leading Edge to allow students to take classes and obtain an AA in aviation. Great School, Great Staff, impeccable safety record, beautiful training area, and 300 days of sunshine! What more could you want??? Check em' out @ leadingedgeavn.com. Don't miss out on a great flying experience!

CaptCG · October 23, 2013

Anyone with current information or reviews of Pelican Flight Training Center at KHWO? (Either fixed wing or rotary.) My son is ready to start training and the North Perry Airport location is convenient.

Boatpix · October 26, 2013

Pelican went out of business a couple of months ago. We are an FAR Part 141 school at that same airport.

CaptCG · October 26, 2013

Thanks for the update. My son wants both fixed wing and rotary wing training. A little fixed wing first.

Flying Pig · October 26, 2013

not to derail the posts, but as a dual CFI myself, why "a little fixed wing first" ? If he is planning on being dual rated, Id suggest doing your airplane private through to completion and then doing your helicopter add on. I would shy away from going back and forth and trying to do both FW and RW ratings at the same time.

There are discussions on here about that. Or you can PM me and Ill explain how I did it. I dont instruct or work for any schools so Im not going to try to sell you anything

Edited October 26, 2013 by Flying Pig

CaptCG · October 28, 2013

not to derail the posts, but as a dual CFI myself, why "a little fixed wing first" ? If he is planning on being dual rated, Id suggest doing your airplane private through to completion and then doing your helicopter add on. I would shy away from going back and forth and trying to do both FW and RW ratings at the same time.

There are discussions on here about that. Or you can PM me and Ill explain how I did it. I dont instruct or work for any schools so Im not going to try to sell you anything

PM sent

Flying Pig · October 28, 2013

I sent off a reply. I explained my thoughts, which I believe are accurate but I think you would get some good feedback asking the people here on the military forum.

Flyboy8733 · November 1, 2013

For those in the Midwest, higher ground helicopters is a great option for training. They are associated with westfield state college out of Massachusetts, and are 100% covered if you have the post 9/11 gi bill. I am a student that started in sept in the program, and absolutely happy that I can get a degree, all my flight training and still live close to home. The school is in the metro Cincinnati area and is within drive from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and others in the area. If interested in info, give me them a call at 513-217-6700

Kim_f · November 18, 2013

Hi!

Can anyone help me with some advice regarding flight schools for time-building?

I am going for 80-100h total in January/febrary.

I currently have 70h in a R22.

I have been in contact with 10-15 different schools, and right now it feels like I will go for someone of theese or even a mix of 2-3.

Monalua Hawaii , Specialized Santa Crus , Jerry Trimble McMinnville , Leading Edge Bend .

Im really interested in Busch-flying and mountain flying , so I want to use my money as smart as possible and become a really skilled one.

Can anyone help me with some advice?

I believe its pretty wet at McMinnville in January, but the rates are pretty low, which is something that needs to be taken into consideration.

Thanks

gr8wheels · January 6, 2014

Monumental Helicopters Tipton Airport Ft. Meade Md.

I had the pleasure of meeting the staff and working with Mario Zunic a few weeks ago @ Monumental. The place is very professional, clean, organized and great to deal with. I used their flight simulator under direction of Mario to build instrument time towards my commercial rating. I wish I would have known them three years ago when I went through my private rotor-craft as its a pleasant atmosphere to study/work in.

HeliAv8or · January 22, 2014

Thanks for the update. My son wants both fixed wing and rotary wing training. A little fixed wing first.

If your Son would like BOTH, I highly recommend reading this article on Deciding between Helicopters or Fixed Wing:

http://www.upperlimitaviation.edu/should-i-be-a-helicopter-pilot-or-an-airplane-pilot.html

traveljunkie.jc · February 27, 2014

Does anyone have any opinions/experience regarding Northeast Helicopters out of Ellington, CT?? Also, they said they don't teach you to fly turbine because most companies will teach you that on the job. Is this true?

Flying Pig · March 1, 2014

That is true. Turbine transitions are useless at the entry level. Don't pay for one. Schools are jumping onboard with providing them because the VA is paying for it if you are a vet. And to justify it, they are telling students that it will set them apart and make them more marketable. Take the $5000 you would have spent on 5hrs of flight time in a Jet Ranger and spend it on doing instrument approaches at night.

Edited March 1, 2014 by Flying Pig

traveljunkie.jc · March 28, 2014

Thanks Flying Pig. Another question... I keep hearing that after flight school I will have to move to a high tourist area in order to find a job. Are there no other options for someone right out of school?