Multiple Schools?

[zcat]

OK, I think I know what the reaction is going to be, but I thought I'd see what the prevailing thoughts are. I just started training with an R-22 outfit, which is about 40 min. from where I work. There's also a 300 outfit, about 5 min from where I work. I live about right in the middle of both. I really like the R-22 school, it's less money out of my pocket, and I'd like to do most of my training there. However, it would be really nice to take a long lunch, drive 5 min and get some flight time every now and then. How much of a practical/political no-no would it be to get concurrent training from more than one school? BTW, I probably won't go all the way to PPL--I'm just looking to get 20-25 hours of stick time to beef up an Army WOFT packet (yes, I know this is an entire conversation in and of itself, but my mind is made up on this point).

 

Any input is appreciated. Thanks,

 

<z />

[dlo]

in your case, i truly do not think it would matter or be disrespectfull to either school , if this is what you really want to do, but if you want 25 hours and that is it, you are just truly throwing your money away, save your money or get your ppl. The army will not care if you have a few hours in a helicopter that you will forget it all in a year anyway, they would much rather see a true interest in helicopters by you going out and getting your ppl and showing that this is what you really want to do. you need to be better than the next guy and if you don't get any kindof proof like a ppl in helicopters, than they will not even care that you sat in the seat for a few hours. I could see maybe getting five to ten hours , just to get the feel but not twenty five.

 

and if this is what you are set on, I would go to the swiezter school, cause for one it is closer and for two, you do not need twenty hours of dual instruction before soloing... and one other thing, that is the army traininer that you would want to be somewhat familiar with. so that is what I would do, and if you have any say in the matter I would atleast get your private...

[zcat]

dlo,

Thanks for your perspective. In my case, I don't have time to get my PPL. I'm currently over-age, need to apply for a waiver and am running out of time before yet another birthday passes. In talking with several pilots (some of them senior) in my National Guard unit, the consensus is that having some flight time on my resume could be beneficial to the waiver and selection processes. Am I throwing my money away? Possibly--maybe even probably. But if it increases my odds, to any degree, of achieving a life-long dream, then it's worth it to me. Crazy? Foolish? Maybe a bit of both, but that's where I am.

 

I'm fairly certain the R-22 school wouldn't have a problem with my scenario--now I just need to talk with the 300 guys. BTW, the current Army trainer is the TH-67, a version of the Bell 206, I believe. Again, thanks for your input.

 

<z />

[Voluptuary5]

Just be upfront with everyone and it shouldn't be a problem. I have entries in my log book from different schools (and different helicopters) and nobody has ever said anything about it.

 

Just curious, are you doing ground school as well?

 

-V5

[zcat]

I'll definitely do that Voluptuary, and yes, I am doing ground school.

 

<z />

[Voluptuary5]

Especially in terms of your goals, I think you'll find flying the Schweitzer more forgiving and more enjoyable.

 

Sounds like we are in similar situations in terms of flying for the Army (although I'm not quite to waiver age yet but close).

 

Best of luck,

 

-V5

[FredR]

Zcat,

give me a call and let me know how your meeting went.

422-3969

[zcat]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I think my quandry has been resolved. I did an intro flight with the 300 outfit today. I'm glad I did--I think I'm going to do all my training with them. I still have a huge amount of respect for the R-22 school, think their people are great and they have a great program. The 300 school just fits better with my ultimate goals. Turns out, the gentleman I flew with today is a retired SIP from my National Guard unit (yes, Sir, I recall you mentioning this during our conversation , and a few of the other instructors are former pilots from the unit as well. All of the school's pre-solo instruction is done by seasoned, high-time pilots. In addition, the fact that it's superbly located for my needs, I liked the 300, and there's only about $1000 difference in price to PPL, all make it very attractive. I also think I'm more likely to hit the milestones I'm looking for sooner in the 300 than in the R-22 [zcat puts on his Nomex flight suit in anticipation of the flames]. If I planned on going all the way to CFI, that wouldn't be much of a consideration, but for my purposes, it's important. Again, thanks to all who gave their input.

 

<z />

Edited February 25, 2007 by zcat