VA schools?

[wickedsprint]

First post, I'm 28 and have a PPL in fixed wing, and after listening to a good buddy describe helicopter lessons, plus remembering all the fun my Father said he had in helicopters before he flew fighters in the USAF, I finally took it upon myself to take a lesson as a litmus test at a school that had a Schweizer 300..and obviously I'm hooked. Looking for good VA schools, found one I think I like the sound on in San Antonio, mainly R22s...Expert Helicopters, any good or bad on these guys?

 

Second question, if schools typically only have a few instructors, how are people finding CFI jobs after they get trained, guessing you should expect to move to a new area? Seems all of the 141 schools I ask about potential employment mention they rarely hire their own students. I don't really care if I have to live in South America under a tent to build hours, as after that one lesson I know I want to pursue this as a career. I guess I sorta should be worried about the age thing, but I figure in 2-3 years I'll still be in my early 30's..and when I'm in my early 30s's I see no reason why I shouldn't want to fly for a living.

Edited August 30, 2007 by wickedsprint

[icqa]

I think you mean Helicopter Experts in Bulverde, just a few miles north of SA. It's a small school with 2 R22s and a R44 used mainly for the bigger guys and instrument. Currently the owner is the only CFI there along with a ground instructor so scheduling can be tight if you're not flexible. The main problem I have had with going there has been the weather however it's a Class G airfield which helps somewhat. The owner is also a DPE and they do their own maintenance.

 

First post, I have a PPL in fixed wing, and after listening to a good buddy describe helicopter lessons, plus remembering all the fun he said he had in helicopters before he flew fighters in the USAF, I finally took it upon myself to take a lesson as a litmus test at a school that had a Schweizer 300..and obviously I'm hooked. Looking for good VA schools, found one I think I like the sound on in San Antonio, mainly R22s...Expert Helicopters, any good or bad on these guys?

 

Second question, if schools typically only have a few instructors, how are people finding CFI jobs after they get trained, guessing you should expect to move to a new area? Seems all of the 141 schools I ask about potential employment mention they rarely hire their own students.

[wickedsprint]

That sounds like the school I am looking at. I'm very inclined to stay with San Antonio area as Ihave free rent with a buddy there as long as I need it, which if it takes me a year before I have income coming in...will be a Godsend. I'll be about as flexible as there is..I'll have no job except to get my Helicopter ratings.

[mechanic]

I don't think I ever posted this link?? Just put in the state your looking at and hit search. All schools are not listed because all do not support AOPA. The FAA has a "schools" list, but does not show if VA, 61, or 141. Just shows name, address, city, state, and phone.

 

AOPA Schools List

[bellpilot]

Leading Edge Aviation in Bend, Oregon has an approved VA (141) flight school. You also can go through the College. They are also (135,133,137 FAA approved) The company does several tours and charters weekly so their is a ladder up on the commercial side of the business.

 

Bellpilot