Positive Silver State Helicopter Experiences

[Spider-Mitch]

First things first: yes, I have spent several hours searching and reading about Silver State Helicopters. So no need to refer me to another thread, I've probably read it.

 

Second, I'm in the research and gathering information phase of a helicopter flight school here in the Portland, OR area. So no experience, just researcrch.

 

I'm 100% honest when I ask, has anyone had a positive experience with Silver State Helicopters? And please, I'm looking for first hand knowledge, of someone who didn't drop out for whatever reason, and kept with the program until completion, or "expulsion" (if they do that at some point).

 

I'd also like to hear some first hand experiences from 2007. Most of what I have read dates to 2006 and earlier. It is possible that they had to right the ship after over marketing, when demand was too high for supply? I guess I'm looking for some relevant knowledge.

 

Please, don't beat a dead horse here, because I have read tons of bad reviews of SSH. I even read a few nice things. However, I'm really looking for people who can truly speak about the school, not what they heard.

 

As far as my research goes, I meet with SSH of Salem, OR next month. I have a long list of question, many inspired by what I've read, and hope to get some real answers. I also plan on doing the same with Hillsboro Avaiation (already chatted with Wayne on the phone) and Precision. So don't worry, I'm not dropping a dime just yet. I'm detail oriented and extremely thorough when I get involved in something.

 

If I choose SSH it will be because I felt good about the school, not the marketing. Thanks ahead of time to any one who can contribute some positive remarks.

 

[insert crickets chirping here]

 

Thanks :-D

[Sparker]

*crickets*

[Sparker]

The funny part is I didn't see you had the crickets chirping thing in your post, too... LOL

 

Good Luck

[RotorWeed]

Here is a question you can ask them in your meeting.

Can I have a copy of the student contract I have to sign so my lawyer can look it over?

[rollthbns]

Hmm... what other schools are you considering if I may ask? Send me a PM.

[Robbyflier]

Hi Spider-Mitch, I've been reading the threads on this forum for awhile but this is my first post.

 

I've been in Silver State Helicopters for 16 months and I'm 2 months away from getting my CFI. I'm not sure if you want to hear from me since I haven't completed the program yet, but I'll give you my feedback up to this point.

 

Overall I've been happy with my choice to go to SSH. I've had great ground instructors, used an excellent sim (Frasca) for both my introduction to helicopter flight before flying an R22 and for the 20 hours I could use for my Instrument ticket, there have been enough helicopters available, although I have a flexible schedule. Almost every instructor I've done grounds and/or flown with have been excellent. I've learned a lot and I've passed my checkrides.

 

As with everything in life there have been a few negative things I've seen/been through. However, as I stated I am happy with my choice and I've been successful on my checkrides.

 

Let me know if you have any questions for me.

 

Good luck with your flight training and fly safe!

[Spider-Mitch]

LOL

 

Oh, that is funny. I realize I may have created a highly viewed but rarely commented on post. That's fine. Lack of comments is a comment in and of itself.

 

Well, I won't hold my breath.

 

=]

[Spider-Mitch]

Thanks Robbyflier. By the way, I was referring to the "crickets" comment when I said "that is funny". Apparently I was too slow and your comment came in while I was responding to Sparker. I just don't want you to take offense :-)

 

I think your feedback is entirely relevant. I PM'd you, so I'll leave it at that. With that, I might as well make it clear that anyone in their program who is dedicated should chime in. I just didn't want a ton of "well they gouged me $XXXX because I left at 4 months".

 

So anyone who isn't afraid to come forward and say, "hey, I like what I've experienced thus far" please feel free. And NO, I don't work for SSH or any other conspiracy theory. I'm just seeing if there are more positive reviews than seem to be represented by the forum.

 

Carry on, thanks again.

 

Mitchell

[jehh]

At the end of the day, you can get what SSH offers for the same money in the same time at a dozen different schools... without the contract...

 

So why would you want to go there? They don't offer anything special that everyone else doesn't do, and you can't take your money elsewhere if you're not happy, so why bother?

 

My 2 cents... Good luck, whatever you decide to do...

 

FYI, Hillsboro and Precision are both good schools, either would do you fine.

[IFLY]

I should have my CFI by the end of the year. I had a problem with my instructor part way through private and had several CFIs to choose from to replace him. I had flown with the others and was able to choose an instructor I liked. One benefit of have many instructors on staff at a larger school. The Frasca FTD was great for getting ready for my instrument ticket, I put over 45 hours on it without costing me anymore 22 or 44 flight hours, its basicly free flight time. I haven't heard of any other school that will do that. You can have all the ground school time you can stand, no extra charge for it. There will be plenty of other students to study with if you do better in groups. I passed all of my writtens first time with 90s and passed all my checkrides. I stand a good chance of being hired as soon as I finish without having to move, several instructors are passing the magic 1000 hours in the next couple of months and there aren't many in the CFI course right now.

There are quite a few benefits and only the contract as a downside but for me it was a benefit, I won't run out of money before I finish all of my checkrides and my 200+ hours.

[helifool]

I think the fact that SSH reputation has gone down the drain in the helicopter industry should be enough for you to stay clear. Airlog refuses to hire any more SSH grads unless they have 2,000 hours or more. There isnt allot to make you stand out at 1,000 hours the last thing I would want is SSH reputation to make it that much harder for me.

[LB11]

Im curious, does anyone know if they make you sign a contract even if you have your own money or decide to get an outside loan?

 

What if someone wants to get only a PPL? Or is this school only for 0-CFi with thier financing.

[Sparker]

Im curious, does anyone know if they make you sign a contract even if you have your own money or decide to get an outside loan?

 

What if someone wants to get only a PPL? Or is this school only for 0-CFi with thier financing.

 

In my understanding you sign a contract and pay upfront before training no matter who the money is from.. cash, inheritance, loan, etc...

[Spider-Mitch]

Thanks everyone for the input thus far. Keep it coming.

 

Also, thanks to those who have PM'd me. Feel free to do that as well if you feel inclined.

 

The only information I got on finance was that the lender they work with is Citi group. So, if you go that route, I'm sure you'd be paying a not so friendly interest rape-- I mean rate :-)

 

Since I'm here, one thing that I have been trying to weigh out is the ability to keep my current job and work towards the CFI, then transition out of software. Is it truly unreasonable to try this? In other words, can a year of weekends with an extra day every other week accomplish this goal?

 

Again, SSH does a good job marketing the "working adult" angle, but is that true of any school? Maybe that is part and parcel of the bad reviews: not being able to really be a working adult and achieve a CFI in a reasonable amount of time. Just curious.

 

Again, thank you members who are contributing your time and knowledge to my quest to uncover a different side of SSH.

[Tenacious T]

I've been in their program for almost 14 months, my Commercial check ride is next week it will be at 160hrs. TT. My school has a good infrastructure, maintenance, ground program, and some great instructors. I won't hold my breath but I have been told they look forward to me instructing at the school when I finish. The contract is slanted towards them ( as are all contracts beneficial to those who produce them) and if I could do it over I probably would have shown it to a lawyer. If you are motivated and halfway proficient their program will work for you, if you are lazy or just don't get it you could end up in big trouble. The terms of unsecured loans, not just for them but all loans, stink right now so definitely research creative ways to pay for training.

[slick1537]

The real question is, with so many schools with in the country, many with no negative feedback, why on earth would you consider choosing one with so many negative reviews? Distance? If the answer is distance you will be relocating usually more than once in your pilot career.

 

BTW, I was in NY last weekend visiting and I saw a SSH commercial. It is clear they have spread across the country and are on a path for world domination scamming consumers out of money.

[wannabe heli pilot]

Spider, I attend SSH And I am having a positive experience with them. I started my training in late March of this year. The training is outlined in a structured way that helps me because I know what to expect and what is expected of me.I'm happy with my instructor and all are were SSH students. The private ground and flight training device classes before flying I thought was a good idea as it helped me to understand maneuvers. I am working towards my private license now and a few with more available time than me are getting ready to take their check rides.

 

I easily passed the private and commercial written exams with well over 90's although, I did not find them all that difficult.

There was a student who transfered from another school for more flight time though. Look into the school that you are considering and talk to the students, and ask them of their progress.I've had cancellations due to weather or maintenance but not a major problem.

[fry]

Im curious, does anyone know if they make you sign a contract even if you have your own money or decide to get an outside loan?

 

What if someone wants to get only a PPL? Or is this school only for 0-CFi with thier financing.

 

The contract with SSH is separate from the financing agreement with the lender...as far as I know SSH does not do its own lending. The SSH contract provides for 10% of the program price of $69,900 payable monthly. I have not heard of anyone with an available $7,000 a month signing on with SSH (it could be that folks with that kind of ready cash can generally recognize a bad deal). In any case, SSH's corporate culture being what it is, they would probably insist on a large payment upfront.

 

If you really want to do just your PPL with them (you have some kind of burning desire to receive instruction from a 200 hour CFI) wait for a year. As the economy gets worse and private flight training lending becomes more scarce they will start foraging for any kind of business to cover the overhead.

[OhhAndy]

You have 2 other schools that are much better and you dont have to sell your soul to them, why on earth would you choose Silverstate?

[RotorWeed]

Spider, I attend SSH And I am having a positive experience with them. I started my training in late March of this year. The training is outlined in a structured way that helps me because I know what to expect and what is expected of me.I'm happy with my instructor and all are were SSH students. The private ground and flight training device classes before flying I thought was a good idea as it helped me to understand maneuvers. I am working towards my private license now and a few with more available time than me are getting ready to take their check rides.

 

I easily passed the private and commercial written exams with well over 90's although, I did not find them all that difficult.

There was a student who transfered from another school for more flight time though. Look into the school that you are considering and talk to the students, and ask them of their progress.I've had cancellations due to weather or maintenance but not a major problem.

 

You have been going to them now for 7 months, and paid them over $55k; you still are working on your PPL-H certificate? That is resason enough not to go to SSH!

[1957-Lomcevak]

Is your meeting with SSH (Salem, OR) in November a one-on-one or their mega presentations? As with any academic, employment or personal pursuit exercise caution, analyze what is being presented to you individually and/or the group. In the case of SSH the video, the actual people speaking, training equipment, etc.

 

Remember that SSH is selling a product, you need to understand what it is that they are in truth selling!! (is it helicopter flight school, possible employment with SSH, or another company, financing for flight school, etc.), USE EXTREME CAUTION!! i.e. consider what SSH is endeavoring to accomplish, they are selling WHAT?

 

Remember your perception isn’t always what you see, think or perceive! Innuendos are a powerful way of selling a product! Look at what isn’t said or stated! Research, Research, and Research again. Ask questions from other flight schools and not just in your area either! (I’m deducing that you reside in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area, I too reside in Portland, OR). Contact helicopter employers (Examples of employers in the North West: Evergreen Aviation, Columbia Helicopters, Erickson Air-crane, Hillsboro Aviation, Precision Aviation, Temsco Helicopters,) and ask questions, especially what their requirements are to be employed with them, there is a vast array of potential! (specifically-your actual flight time, equipment/aircraft, working conditions, type of aircraft you have flown and or training in; this is exceptionally significant)

 

What type of helicopter work do you want to pursue? i.e. Flight instruction (CFI, CFII), Utility (external load), EMS (Air ambulance), Air-Taxi/Charter, Corporate, etc.

[rollthbns]

I think the fact that SSH reputation has gone down the drain in the helicopter industry should be enough for you to stay clear. Airlog refuses to hire any more SSH grads unless they have 2,000 hours or more. There isnt allot to make you stand out at 1,000 hours the last thing I would want is SSH reputation to make it that much harder for me.

 

Is this information that can be verified somehow? This would be really good to know for anyone considering SSH. The school I am currently attending has a great reputatation with PHI, and is a really nice bonus for those interested in the gulf.

 

Do you work for Airlog? How do you like it over there?

[rollthbns]

oops... now I have to figure how to delete a duplicate

Edited October 25, 2007 by rollthbns

[IFLY]

Is this information that can be verified somehow? This would be really good to know for anyone considering SSH. The school I am currently attending has a great reputatation with PHI, and is a really nice bonus for those interested in the gulf.

 

Do you work for Airlog? How do you like it over there?

 

The people who are happy with SSH are the silent majority and as usual its the vocal few that are unhappy with them and make it sound like you will waste your money and kill your career if you train with them.

If paying upfront and getting unlimited Simulator and ground training in addition to what everyone else gives you works for you then fine. Make your own decision who to train with and don't listen to much to people like Fry who have a bone to pick with them.

 

BTW SSH only contracts for 200 hours, you can turn in your 44 longline training for more 22 hours if you want them to fly friends and family.

[rotor_head_spencer]

Mitch, I have never dealt with SSH but maybe instead of trying to pick a school you should pick a helicopter. I was in your shoes back in January of this year and I walked into SSH and didn't know a whole lot about helicopters, but when I made my decision it was based on two things. 1. Did the instructors and staff seem to really care? 2. what kind of helicopters do they use. I personally didn't like the R-22. I like the shweizer 300. click on this link. hope I helped. good luck

 

http://www.flyprecision.com/website/FlighT...hoolHeli.html#H