Training in FL

[rdbs178]

I have found a few training schools not too far from me in FL and was wondering if anyone had any experience(s) with them. Sorry about the certain helicopter company mentioned previously, I did not know.

 

first there is "Helicpoter Adventures" in Titusville which is mentioned on this site but not reviewed. Then there is "Orlando Flight Training (OFT)" in Kissimmee,which is closest which makes it a logical place to start. But I have sat out there at the airport and have not seen too many helicopters taking off, maybe I am not there at the right time. Then I saw another today on this site "Elite Helicopters" in Lakeland. Does anyone have any info on these or any other schools in the area?

[klas]

I have found a few training schools not too far from me in FL and was wondering if anyone had any experience(s) with them. Sorry about the certain helicopter company mentioned previously, I did not know.

 

first there is "Helicpoter Adventures" in Titusville which is mentioned on this site but not reviewed. Then there is "Orlando Flight Training (OFT)" in Kissimmee,which is closest which makes it a logical place to start. But I have sat out there at the airport and have not seen too many helicopters taking off, maybe I am not there at the right time. Then I saw another today on this site "Elite Helicopters" in Lakeland. Does anyone have any info on these or any other schools in the area?

 

Avoid OFT.

 

See Below:

http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/helicopterfor...ic=3883&hl=

[Bristol]

Tomlinson Aviation in Daytona Beach / Ormond .. very good and highly rated school. Call and ask for Neal or Brian

[svtcobra66]

I have found a few training schools not too far from me in FL and was wondering if anyone had any experience(s) with them. Sorry about the certain helicopter company mentioned previously, I did not know.

 

first there is "Helicpoter Adventures" in Titusville which is mentioned on this site but not reviewed. Then there is "Orlando Flight Training (OFT)" in Kissimmee,which is closest which makes it a logical place to start. But I have sat out there at the airport and have not seen too many helicopters taking off, maybe I am not there at the right time. Then I saw another today on this site "Elite Helicopters" in Lakeland. Does anyone have any info on these or any other schools in the area?

 

 

Tropical helicopter in leesburg florida is a great school, and they have the best rates around. I went through instrument and commercial training there and couldn't be happier. Website is www.tropicalhelicopter.com . If you want more info feel free to PM me.

[ascott20]

I second Tomlinson Aviation. It's worth the drive from Kissimmee!!! They'll take great care of you.

[amenra]

I also recommend Tropical Helicopters in Leesburg. But the best thing to do is go to each school and talk to students and instructors and see who you feel the most comfortable with.

[gft]

I highly recommend Tomlinson Aviation in Ormond Beach.

Phone: 386-676-0312

Very good people and very good equipment.

I had a great time there-

 

gft

[English_Bob]

Has anyone had any dealings or know anything about Ocean Helicopters in West Palm Beach?

 

From what I can gather from their website they have 5 R22s, 2 R44s and a B206, I have traded a couple of emails with them and they seem very switched on with their course programmes. For example, quoting costs for licenses in average hours to complete, rather than FAA minimums, seems sensible and up front to me. They also have their own student accomodation available as well, which would be one less hassle.

 

I would be interested to know if anyone has trained / flown with them and what it was like.

[Decrypter]

Hello, I wanted to ask if there was a reason why no one recommended Heli Adventures? I'm looking for a school, however I wanted one that I could train on both the S300 and the R22. Or is that not needed? I just thought it would give me more versatility = more job opportunity.

[HelliBoy]

I'll reccommend HAI right now..large fleet, and like you said the ability to train in the 300 and the 22. They usually do initial in the 300 then you can do your instrument and or commercial in the robbie, for cfi its back to the 300, I guess because full downs are safer. Its one of the top 3 reasons I went there. versatility. Its true there are more robbies out there but schwiezer shcools are popping up all over the place, I have a few friends who just got their cfi and had no problem getting jobs.

[anti-talk]

English Bob,

If I remember correctly Ocean are only a Part 61 school and cannot legally train foreign students.

You really need to look for a Part 141 flight school that can issue M1 training visas.

[jet trash]

English Bob,

If I remember correctly Ocean are only a Part 61 school and cannot legally train foreign students.

You really need to look for a Part 141 flight school that can issue M1 training visas.

 

Part 61 schools can train forieign students, it's just a matter of complying with some DHS and TSA requirements.

[anti-talk]

Part 61 schools can train forieign students, it's just a matter of complying with some DHS and TSA requirements.

 

I suppose if you are only completing training as an incidental part of your visit to the USA then you can, However if it is the main reason for your visit to the US you must have the relavant training visa - not a visa waiver or B1/B2.

 

Quote from the Alien Flight Student program website ----------

 

[08/25/2005] Taking flight training without an appropriate visa could be a violation of your immigration status and could result in your arrest and removal from the United States; therefore, it is important that you have a visa that permits you to take flight training in the United States. If you do not possess the correct visa, or if you have questions pertaining to your visa status or the appropriate visas for flight training, please contact your local Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services at 1-800-375-5283 or at, http://www.uscis.gov or the State Department Consular Affairs Office for assistance. The AFSP will deny flight training requests from candidates who are present in the United States illegally or who do not have an appropriate visa for flight training. Fees paid for denied applications are not refundable.

 

 

Not a way I would want to start my helicopter career.

[jet trash]

I suppose if you are only completing training as an incidental part of your visit to the USA then you can, However if it is the main reason for your visit to the US you must have the relavant training visa - not a visa waiver or B1/B2.

 

Quote from the Alien Flight Student program website ----------

 

[08/25/2005] Taking flight training without an appropriate visa could be a violation of your immigration status and could result in your arrest and removal from the United States; therefore, it is important that you have a visa that permits you to take flight training in the United States. If you do not possess the correct visa, or if you have questions pertaining to your visa status or the appropriate visas for flight training, please contact your local Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services at 1-800-375-5283 or at, http://www.uscis.gov or the State Department Consular Affairs Office for assistance. The AFSP will deny flight training requests from candidates who are present in the United States illegally or who do not have an appropriate visa for flight training. Fees paid for denied applications are not refundable.

Not a way I would want to start my helicopter career.

 

still, there is no requirement for a foreign student to attend a part 141 school. one can still get a visa to attend a part 61 provider.

[anti-talk]

still, there is no requirement for a foreign student to attend a part 141 school. one can still get a visa to attend a part 61 provider.

 

As a Part 61 school owner please show me how.

 

Since the terror attacks of September 11th, the United States INS has stated that ANYONE who arrives in America whose MAIN intent for the trip is for flight training MUST have a valid M-1 Training Visa or run the risk of detention and deportation. This is strictly enforced regardless of what you may be told. If your MAIN reason for the trip is to have a holiday with your family then you are not required to have a visa if you decide you MAY want to fly a few hours whilst your family are doing other things.

 

A Part 61 school is NOT able to issue an M1 or J1 visa for flight training

[anti-talk]

To harp on some more

 

TSA Clarifies Rules on Visa Permitted for Alien Pilots in Training

March 28, 2005 - The Transportation Security Administration this week clarified its position with regard to the status of aliens permitted to receive flight training in the United States. In response to issues raised by NAFI executive director Rusty Sachs and government relations specialist Doug Macnair during a visit to TSA in January, TSA attorney Monty Thompson provided guidelines to determine the permitted visa status for alien pilots seeking flight training.

 

On Friday, April 12, 2002, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an Interim rule through the Federal Register (Vol. 67, No.71) proposing to amend 8 CFR Parts 214 and 248. This amendment requires a change of status from any non-immigrant visitor visa (B-1 or B-2) to a student visa (F-1 of M-1) prior to pursuing a course of study.

 

Here is the order of logic on how the INS code relates to the flight-training rule:

 

NO flight training under Category 1, 2, or 3 (49 CFR 1552.3) should be conducted for ANY alien who has entered the U.S. in B-1 or B-2 (visitor's) status. It is a violation of the status under which the non-immigrant visitor entered the U.S.

 

A change of status to M-1 or F-1 is permitted once the candidate has entered the US, only if the candidate applies prior to enrolling in and attending a flight-training course.

 

Only FAA Certificated Part 141 and/or 142 schools approved and participating in SEVIS program are authorized to issue an I-20 form to a prospective student upon enrollment into a course; the prospective student must request the change of status and receive the subsequent Student Visa.

 

FAA Part 61 schools and independent flight instructors MAY train a foreign national, if that alien is (a) a Legal Permanent Resident or in a work status (H-type visa) with extended stay privileges or ( a refugee in Asylum status with appropriate DHS documentation.

 

FAA Part 61 schools and independent flight instructors MAY train a foreign national on an F-1 (academic visa) provided that the student is enrolled and attending the college or university as shown on the F-1 and the student has notified SEVIS of the additional training being received at a non-SEVIS approved school.

 

NOTE: All prospective foreign national (alien) flight training candidates must register and submit information to the TSA's Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP), regardless of Visa status.

[English_Bob]

Wow, thanks anti-talk and jet trash. I am always amazed at the effort people go to in order to provide us know(-next-to)-nothings with information. I can't imagine you just happen to have the rules for flight training visas open and the exact paragraph memorised so thanks a lot for looking it up.

 

I emailed Ocean about the whole visa thing and Gill (helpful Ops director) said that the school is authorised to issue visas as an accredited training establishment with some body or other. I don't have the email available to me to quote or I'd be more specific (I'll post that later when I can get to it again) I think it was an M-1 visa. Their website has a lot about training students from the UK (the school owner trained in England and then moved to Florida) so I'm sure they must have it sorted and legal.

 

Am I right in thinking that a J-1 (Student Exchange(?) Programme) visa is the better one to get as it allows employment after qualification? whereas an M doesn't?

[anti-talk]

mmm - as a flight school owner it is best to be fully aware of all the rules and regulations that pertain to the legal operation of your business (including being able to quote references as it becomes useful if and when you are challenged by the authorities).

Indeed you are right the J visa (Helicopter Adventures or a school in Oregon are currently the only authorised heli providers) is better than an M1 as it allows you to work.

Ask Ocean directly if they can issue an M1 or J1 visa to train legally in the USA.

[anti-talk]

Just curious - What did Ocean say??????

[eileen]

I have found a few training schools not too far from me in FL and was wondering if anyone had any experience(s) with them. Sorry about the certain helicopter company mentioned previously, I did not know.

 

first there is "Helicpoter Adventures" in Titusville which is mentioned on this site but not reviewed. Then there is "Orlando Flight Training (OFT)" in Kissimmee,which is closest which makes it a logical place to start. But I have sat out there at the airport and have not seen too many helicopters taking off, maybe I am not there at the right time. Then I saw another today on this site "Elite Helicopters" in Lakeland. Does anyone have any info on these or any other schools in the area?

 

 

Hi!

 

I actually work here at Elite Helicopters and saw your post. We would be more than happy to give you a bunch of references for past students of ours, as well as present students. You can call me at 863-709-1700 or 888-71-HOVER (or email via our website: www.FlyEliteHelicopters.com) and I'll give them to you (I don't want to post any of their personal info here but they have given us permission to give out their name/number if someone asks for it). Where are you at in FL? And do you have any ratings yet or will you be starting from scratch? I can also have you speak to one of our instructors if you want additional info on our courses. Hope to hear from you!

[Whirlwind]

I just got back from Florida and visited Tomlinson Helicopters in Ormond Beach.

They spent 3 1/2 hours with me answering all of my questions, showing me around, taking a quick local flight, and letting me talk to several current students. I walked away extremely impressed with their operation and their genuine concern with the student's success (as opposed to just being after their training dollars). Neal Tomlinson and all of the CFIs I spoke with are very personable and an easy-going bunch. I left feeling like I had made new friends. Their four 300CBs also appeared to be extremely well maintained.

If they actually start to offer higher altitude training in North Carolina as mentioned in other threads, then that is icing on the cake.

I'd highly recommend checking them out. I was going to learn to fly Robbies in Hawaii, now I may be heading to Florida to train in Schweizers instead - I'm that impressed.

[Bristol]

I just got back from Florida and visited Tomlinson Helicopters in Ormond Beach.

They spent 3 1/2 hours with me answering all of my questions, showing me around, taking a quick local flight, and letting me talk to several current students. I walked away extremely impressed with their operation and their genuine concern with the student's success (as opposed to just being after their training dollars). Neal Tomlinson and all of the CFIs I spoke with are very personable and an easy-going bunch. I left feeling like I had made new friends. Their four 300CBs also appeared to be extremely well maintained.

If they actually start to offer higher altitude training in North Carolina as mentioned in other threads, then that is icing on the cake.

I'd highly recommend checking them out. I was going to learn to fly Robbies in Hawaii, now I may be heading to Florida to train in Schweizers instead - I'm that impressed.

 

 

Whirlwind,

 

Good to hear that you will be training at Tomlinson Aviation . I think I was the student that you spoke to. See you when you get here !

 

 

Paul

[Whirlwind]

Whirlwind,

 

Good to hear that you will be training at Tomlinson Aviation . I think I was the student that you spoke to. See you when you get here !

Paul

 

That was me! Thank you for your hospitality, honesty, and for putting off your lesson so I could steal your helicopter for a half hour!

[sneakin]

I trained at Tomlinson and I can not say enough good things about them !

You get quality training for the money you spend.

Neal ACTUALLY CARES about his students.

[English_Bob]

Just curious - What did Ocean say??????

 

Unfortunately I managed to "file" the email response I got from them in the recycle bin somehow and lost it. But I have asked again, so I'll let you know.

 

It's not that I have any particular fixation on them or anything, just looking at everywhere and everything really. I know from reading around this site that going to a school and having an instructor that you're comfortable with is important, so the more places you look the greater the choices, right!?