Super NOOB questions

[preacher]

Ok, here goes: I have ALWAYS wanted to fly helicopters, but alas my vision has a small hiccup, so I did something else in the military. Now, at 37 years old, I have the opportunity presenting itself, to allow me to chase my dream.

 

In an effort to gain knowledge, as well as query others who have gone this way before, I have read a lot on this forum. But, I do have a few questions still and would like some insight.

 

1) What is the difference between part 141 and part 61 in basic terms?

 

2) I know there are no guarantees however, is it 95% that I would get a job with my school after training, assuming I am not an idiot nor act like one?

 

3) Is turbine a huge deal or is this simply like the difference between a sedan and an 18 wheeler or even less complicated than that?

 

4) Are GOM and TEMSCO your only options for building time without buying it?

 

I hope these are good questions and I'm not wasting anyones time repeating themselves too much. I appreciate any advise or guidance you may provide.

[PhotoFlyer]

Ok, here goes: I have ALWAYS wanted to fly helicopters, but alas my vision has a small hiccup, so I did something else in the military. Now, at 37 years old, I have the opportunity presenting itself, to allow me to chase my dream.

 

In an effort to gain knowledge, as well as query others who have gone this way before, I have read a lot on this forum. But, I do have a few questions still and would like some insight.

 

1) What is the difference between part 141 and part 61 in basic terms?

 

Part 141 schools have to be approved by the FAA, and are held to a higher standard, which means that one can complete certificates in less time than a part 61 school. Anybody who wants to open their own school (or teach on their own) can open a part 61 school, which has zero oversight from the FAA. Some 61 schools are really good, some are really bad. However, the same can be said of a part 141 school. If you wanted to use GI benefits you would have to go to an approved part 141 school.

 

2) I know there are no guarantees however, is it 95% that I would get a job with my school after training, assuming I am not an idiot nor act like one?

 

Nope, not even remotely close to 95%. More like 5%. In the last year my school has had 12 CFI's graduate, only 1 of them has been given a job. Unless the school is REALLY big, they probably wont need CFI's that often.

 

3) Is turbine a huge deal or is this simply like the difference between a sedan and an 18 wheeler or even less complicated than that?

 

What do you mean by a huge deal? As in harder to operate, or do you mean will to be able to find employment if you have no turbine time?

 

4) Are GOM and TEMSCO your only options for building time without buying it?

 

No. Powerline/Pipeline patrol, Grand Canyon tours, various other tour companies around the country, Ag work, flight instruction, there are more but I'm tired and can't think of anything else. Others will chime in...

 

I hope these are good questions and I'm not wasting anyones time repeating themselves too much. I appreciate any advise or guidance you may provide.

 

These are good questions, but they have all been asked and answered before. Search the forum a little harder and I'm sure you will find the answers you seek.

 

--PF

[bqmassey]

To add for the answer to question 1, Part 141 schools are very structured and have to stick to approved curriculum. There will internal phase checkrides and stuff like that. It's much more structured, more of a school in the traditional sense.

 

Part 61 just means someone who's been certified to instruct is doing so. There's no curriculum. They don't even have to be training you towards any particular goal. If you want, you can hire a freelance instructor for an hour or two to help you improve some aspect of your flying with no other obligations. Learning to fly under Part 61 will be more self-paced and flexible.

[Sparker]

Are you really a preacher?

 

Your never too old. Except for my grandma. So... your usually never too old, but the FAA has a different opinion. BTW, is there still a mandatory retirement?

 

Don't expect a job at the school you train at. That is rare.

 

First off, both schools can be small with few aircraft or large with many employess and aircraft, but.....

 

I imagine 141 schools as being more like academies with uniforms and group ground school and 20 aircraft. I imagine 61 schools as the kind where the owner is the mechanic with the dirty flight suit and is the CFI and is the secratary . Not really to that extent but the ones I have visited are smaller and they seemed like a fun place to hang out. Maybe it is just me, but they seem to love flying...... ALOT . 5-8 employees total including CFIs. I know everyone has different experiences and I am speaking in completely ignorant generalities.

 

I need to quit posting at 3am

To make sure I don't offend anyone:

 

141 schools are the best

and

61 schools are the best

[helonorth]

Ok, here goes: I have ALWAYS wanted to fly helicopters, but alas my vision has a small hiccup, so I did something else in the military. Now, at 37 years old, I have the opportunity presenting itself, to allow me to chase my dream.

 

In an effort to gain knowledge, as well as query others who have gone this way before, I have read a lot on this forum. But, I do have a few questions still and would like some insight.

 

1) What is the difference between part 141 and part 61 in basic terms?

 

2) I know there are no guarantees however, is it 95% that I would get a job with my school after training, assuming I am not an idiot nor act like one?

 

3) Is turbine a huge deal or is this simply like the difference between a sedan and an 18 wheeler or even less complicated than that?

 

4) Are GOM and TEMSCO your only options for building time without buying it?

 

I hope these are good questions and I'm not wasting anyones time repeating themselves too much. I appreciate any advise or guidance you may provide.

 

Not much difference between 61 and 141 schools other than more structured and regulated. I don't

think it's necessary to seek out a 141 school unless you're on the G.I. bill type thing.

 

I couldn't guess if you would get hired after training. Try to build a good relationship with the school

and I would think you could at least get part time to start.

 

Turbines aren't that much different other than start-up. Don't buy any "turbine trasition" time unless

it's cheap. An employer won't give a rip about your 7-8 hours unless you went to the factory.

 

I wouldn't consider the GOM or Alaska time builders. They're JOBS. You'll need 1000 PIC before you

can even interview. To get there you'll probably have to instruct. Not a bad job, but usually low pay.

 

These questions have been asked many times but someone will always be glad to answer. Good luck.