Good Schools in or near Montana

cbcboat · September 26, 2007

I am not a pilot but am seriously considering pursuing flying helicopters. I found this forum through the post about Silver Sate (apparently I should not use that School?). So I am curious what schools in or around Monatana are reputable and reasonably priced. This question is probably common so I apologize. I am interested in professional not just private pilot, don't know if that makes a difference in schools. I have done a little research and recieved some info from a few schools, but would like to get peoples opinion.

Thanks for any info

Brandon

kodoz · September 27, 2007

In Boise there's Silverhawk, Silver State, and one other school--can't remember the name but I think they're only flying Schweitzers. Of these, Silverhawk was the only one I visited and ended up going there (over several schools in Seattle and Bend). There's also a part 61 school in Spokane--in phone calls with them, they seemed to be a pretty small operation. Bozeman area there's supposed to be another part 61 school that flies Schweitzers--couldn't tell you anything more than that.

If you aren't wedded to Montana, pack the car, hit Boise, Seattle, Bend, and maybe Portland, check out the schools and take a bunch of demo rides. That's about the only way you'll know anything for real.

captkirkyota · September 27, 2007

In Boise there's Silverhawk, Silver State, and one other school--can't remember the name but I think they're only flying Schweitzers. Of these, Silverhawk was the only one I visited and ended up going there (over several schools in Seattle and Bend). There's also a part 61 school in Spokane--in phone calls with them, they seemed to be a pretty small operation. Bozeman area there's supposed to be another part 61 school that flies Schweitzers--couldn't tell you anything more than that.

If you aren't wedded to Montana, pack the car, hit Boise, Seattle, Bend, and maybe Portland, check out the schools and take a bunch of demo rides. That's about the only way you'll know anything for real.

I am currently going to Silverhawk, and can also tell you that this is a great school. I chose this one over several other also very good schools, but the weather, the emphasis on safety from the Chief instructor, and other things, caused me to pack the family and move farther north and to a region colder than my cold hatin'n but has ever lived. I would not hesitate to recommend someone to attend here.

cbcboat · September 27, 2007

Next question. I have found some operations in Missoula, which is where I live, that will teach you how to fly. I don't think they are considered a "school", but I could still get the neccesarry licenses if I were to learn to fly with them. What would be the greatest advantages/disadvantages to going with a 'school' as opposed to giong with a more 'private' operation. Hopefully the answers aren't too obvious.

Thanks

Brandon

September 27, 2007

Brandon, I did my private in Missoula at Pinnacle Helicopters. My training there was great, but I'm now at Silverhawk in Caldwell, ID becasue I felt it was important to get some R22/R44 time as well. You can shoot some questions my way and I'll do my best to answer them. There is also a school up in Kalispell and one over in Laurel. Feel free to PM me too. Cheers!

Paisley · September 27, 2007

Your best bet near Missoula (did I spell that right?) is going to be Red Eagle Aviation in Kalispell. I believe that they're still doing private thru CFII. (406) 755-2376.

kodoz · September 27, 2007

What would be the greatest advantages/disadvantages to going with a 'school' as opposed to giong with a more 'private' operation.

It's a matter of personal choice--whether you go to a part 141 "school" or a part 61 "operation". Technically there are differences in time requirements, realistically I don't know that these mean much for the average student. For me, going to a school offered:

A structured curriculum that ensured that every lesson had a purpose
That I was getting approved training--not just some guy's way of doing things (you need to learn the real way, but you should start with the "right" way)
The opportunity to make more contacts

You can get all these at any school, but the structure of a 141 school worked better for me. Actually, it isn't that simple--I'm a pretty good student and didn't need the structure. What I wanted (access to high-time pilots, good reputation, flight environment, lots of choppers, dedicated maintenance staff, PPL thru CFII, etc...) happened to be packed into a particular 141 school. If those things had been in a part 61 job, I'd still have ended up at Silverhawk.

--chris

Marc D · September 27, 2007

Brandon,

If you want to talk about flight training, give me a call. I'll PM my number to you. I'm working at St Pats today thru Sunday the 30th Sept. 7am-7pm. You can come up on the roof and as long as I don't get called out, we can talk.

Marc D.

cbcboat · September 27, 2007

Hey Marc, thanks a bunch! That would be great. I'll give you a call. I actually live pretty close to St. Pats as well.

flying high · September 27, 2007

There was a school in Livingston 2 years ago not sure if their still up and running,cant remember the name.

beckwith · September 28, 2007

I found these guys online somehow they look alright to me.

http://www.northernskies.com/index.htm

BigSky · October 4, 2007

I am not a pilot but am seriously considering pursuing flying helicopters. I found this forum through the post about Silver Sate (apparently I should not use that School?). So I am curious what schools in or around Monatana are reputable and reasonably priced. This question is probably common so I apologize. I am interested in professional not just private pilot, don't know if that makes a difference in schools. I have done a little research and recieved some info from a few schools, but would like to get peoples opinion.
Thanks for any info
Brandon

I also live in Missoula but I’m going to Portland to do my training. I know the guy from Kalispell has a Helicopter in Hamilton that they are doing some training down there with. You might want to give them a call.

PhotoFlyer · October 5, 2007

Check out Northern Skies Aviation in Laurel. 406-628-2219. Ask for Doug or Tom.

cbcboat · October 8, 2007

I also live in Missoula but I’m going to Portland to do my training. I know the guy from Kalispell has a Helicopter in Hamilton that they are doing some training down there with. You might want to give them a call.

Are you currently attending a school in

Portalnd or are you going to go to a school in Portland. If already attending what do you think of that school and why did you choose it over other schools around the northwest?

Thanks

Brandon