Training in Montana - Flathead Valley

Bravo.Zulu · April 5, 2006

I'll be moving back to the Flathead Valley (Kalispell) to help my folks build a house, and figure to spend at least 1-3 years in that area, perhaps longer.

I thought my background in advanced electronics from the Military, and several years in the IT industry might help me find work in avionics to begin with, as I do pay-as-you-go training for my licenses. This would also give me time to develop a reputation and network in the industry, and a fall-back career in the field should some mishap ground me as a pilot. I'm also working on finishing my physics engineering degree on the side.

Anyone familiar with the job and training market in the Flathead Valley area?

Any advice or comments on going that route?

helomaster · April 6, 2006

Bravo.Zulu,

I was up in Kalispell a few months ago, nice place. Anyways, I don't know if you know Don Herbert from Red Eagle Aviation (redeagleaviation.com). They do helicopter flight training out of the airport in Kalispell. I believe they do private thru CFI and instrument as well. Seemed like nice folks.

As far as any other employment oppurtunities go I can't help you out there. I have a BS in Civil Engineering but prefer to fly (It's definatley good to have something to fall back on though). You could always move to Whitefish and become a Ski Bumb.

helomaster

Bravo.Zulu · April 6, 2006

Bravo.Zulu,

I was up in Kalispell a few months ago, nice place. Anyways, I don't know if you know Don Herbert from Red Eagle Aviation (redeagleaviation.com). They do helicopter flight training out of the airport in Kalispell. I believe they do private thru CFI and instrument as well. Seemed like nice folks.
As far as any other employment oppurtunities go I can't help you out there. I have a BS in Civil Engineering but prefer to fly (It's definatley good to have something to fall back on though). You could always move to Whitefish and become a Ski Bumb.

helomaster

Ah! I know exactly where that is, now that I see a picture!

I wasn't looking for it 3 years ago when I lived there, but I've driven by that place dozens of times. I'm glad to see both fixed and rotary wing as well. I'll definately be stopping by when I get back there at the end of the month. I also found at least 2 active AME physicians at the family care center and from a brief conversation over the phone, it sounds like the Class 2 physical wouldn't be all that complicated. I'm a little surprised they wouldn't do mountain training, the entire valley is completely surrounded by gorgeous mountains.

As for taking up residence on Big Mountain...I dunno, skiing looks dangerous. I'd rather balance on a ball bearing in the sky.