school in Oregon

[MTnfly]

So, I've been researching my options for flight school, and I keep coming back to ApplebeeAviation. They seem to have a scheduled layout of ground time, flight time, and post graduate opportunities, at a medial cost. However, listening to many of you, there seems to be an aire of concern as to how schools will offer one thing, and then cahrge additional fees that were virtually unforseen. Just Trying to get some ideas as to if this choice of Applebee is a wise one. Any other recommendations of schools in the Pacific Northwest, ideally in Oregon, greatly appreciated.

[NFO_FFO]

So, I've been researching my options for flight school, and I keep coming back to ApplebeeAviation. They seem to have a scheduled layout of ground time, flight time, and post graduate opportunities, at a medial cost. However, listening to many of you, there seems to be an aire of concern as to how schools will offer one thing, and then cahrge additional fees that were virtually unforseen. Just Trying to get some ideas as to if this choice of Applebee is a wise one. Any other recommendations of schools in the Pacific Northwest, ideally in Oregon, greatly appreciated.

 

Check Precision Aviation in Newberg and Hillsboro Aviation at Hillsboro and Troutdale fields in Portland area. You should be able to search the board here for previous threads on both schools...

 

r/ m

[K-38]

I have heard good things about Hillsboro.

[Witch]

Iffin you don't mind the Willamette Valley, or Corvallis, Corvallis Aero Service might be good. Rookie 101 and I fly there. Small school, 4 CFI's, two birds, and the airplane guys are tolerable:) Did I mention OSU is there? Beavers galore. The mascot I mean.

 

Who knows? Maybe smaller is better?

 

Later

[apiaguy]

I'd go to Precision.

 

 

Hillsboro=HAI/Bristow for the west coast... if you like that big school idea... go there.

 

Applebee might be ok... if you squeek thru before they close their doors... I can never tell what they're up to with their gimmics

 

Did I mention I don't like the R22 for training?

[ToTall]

I'd go to Precision.

Hillsboro=HAI/Bristow for the west coast... if you like that big school idea... go there.

 

Applebee might be ok... if you squeek thru before they close their doors... I can never tell what they're up to with their gimmics

 

Did I mention I don't like the R22 for training?

 

If you like a factory then you should try HAI. Its a school like when Ford started to produce the T-Ford.

 

The school in Corvallis is good, Precision is ok, Applebee....... and then there are Sunset Helicopters in Aurora, OR. They have 1 300C and I have heard roomers that they are getting a R22. They also have a MD500.

[nocarsgo]

I don't know much about Applebee but Precision is a great school. That's where I am training and I love it there.

 

www.flyprecision.com

 

I just looked at their fleet and one thing to note is that at Applebee they only have the older A model compared to the newer C and CBi models. Some of the differences are that the C model has a more complete instrument panel and significantly better performance, the top speed on the A model is 75 knots where as the C model is 95 knots. But of course it's still a helicopter and you can learn to fly with any helicopter so I suggest just take a close look at each school and talk to people from each and if you can come out this way, take an intro flight at each. Then go with whichever one you would feel the best with.

 

good luck!

Edited December 8, 2007 by nocarsgo

[bellpilot]

I would go to Leading Edge Aviation. www.leadingedgeavn.com. 5-R22's, 2R44's, Bell Jetranger. Part 141,135,133,137,145. VA approved.

[tattooed]

I have been going to Hillsboro Aviation for 2 months now. I love it. Luckily for me, I had a friend do all the footwork as far as school research goes, as he has moved around alot and has looked into many schools...he is also an aircraft mechanic, so he knows his way around.

 

The benefit of Hillsboro Aviation is they really work with you. All instruction is one-on-one. They try to match you will an instructor that best suits you (REALLY did a good job in my case...I really work well with my CFI). You pay as you go, so you are not "out" tons of cash if you cannot fly.

They have a huge fleet of helicopters, that are meticulously maintained and they have an unusually good safety record.

 

Everyone there is friendly, supportive, motivated. The atmosphere is quite positive and alot of fun...feels like a family and I hardly have gotten to know anyone yet. I do NOT feel like it's a "factory" environment. I think this school is large because there IS alot of interest, and it's such a well-ran school that they keep expanding to fill their needs. I am totally comfortable at HAI.

They really do take care of their students and staff. There are regular BBQ's and gatherings. Everyone is friendly and enjoyable.

 

I have not looked into any other schools, personally. I choose HAI because of my good friends recommendation/comments, and it's 20 minutes away.

 

HAI has a large fleet of R22's, a new R44, and 2 Schweizers (300C/300CB).

Since R22's are the most commonly used "trainers", I'd recommend learing in those so you can teach in them.

[skypilot011]

check glacier aviation in olympia washington. glacieraviation.com

[heligirl03]

I'm at Helicopters NW in Seattle and love it. Small, only offer Part 61, but the owner is R22 A& P and owns a huge fleet (40+) of them so there is never a shortage and always something different. I started in a Beta II, switched to a Beta, back to a Beta II, checkride in an Alpha! They are always coming and going. Experienced CFI staff, 7days/wk schedule, maintenance done overnight, I've not had a single issue except weather, which is the same between here and Oregon so oh well. I have working friends who went thru Classic here in Seattle and Hillsboro in OR and Silverhawk in Boise. I highly recommend all four, very professional all around. Also heard nothing but good things about Glacier in Olympia but don't know anyone personally.

 

Good luck!

[slick1537]

Believe me the weather is no better here in the northeast. If it isn't the wind it the ceiling, if it isn't the ceiling its the visibility. I think this time of year is just a crappy time to start learning to fly.

[tattooed]

Tell me about it. I usually have about 4 flights a week scheduled....I've been lucky if I can actually make one of them. Wind and ice have grounded me....oh, and low visibility. 2 days ago the visibility at HAI was 1/2 mile.

 

Yes, it's a bad time of year to fly, but I wouldn't let that stop you from finding a school you are comfortable with, and getting started. That's what I did and even though I am very frustrated, I wouldn't have done it any differently.

It's the best decision of my life.

[heligirl03]

Believe me the weather is no better here in the northeast. If it isn't the wind it the ceiling, if it isn't the ceiling its the visibility. I think this time of year is just a crappy time to start learning to fly.

 

Slick, you must be at NEH in Torrington, since you work for Fedex?