Time To Fly

[Austin Noack]

What can I say. I have a thing for helicopters I can't explain. I have reached in a point in my life where I want to make that step and get my pilots license. I would love to do it full time! Could I? Is there a demand for chopper pilots? Is this a dead end dream?

Before I ask anymore questions I would like to tell you all a bit about myself:

My name is Austin Noack, I am 24 and I live in Austin, TX where I work in I.T. doing computers & networking. To be honest I love working with computers and I love my job. There is just something about being a helicopter pilot that has always called out to me, I could never quite explain it. I spend allot of my time in Flight Simulator X trying to get a feel for the helicopters and the instruments. I honestly think I would make an excellent pilot. I know just about every type of helicopter there is, and what their capabilities and limits are. I have a very very good understanding of the mechanical workings of a helicopter. Not to mention I have always had a unique understanding and respect with machines, period. I guess thats just the inner "geek" in me.

Well I do have some questions. Probably the most commonly asked questions around here. Sure I could search some more and get some answers, but I have been lurking on the forums for about a month now. I finally decided to join up and ask this question the most personal way I can. You all seem like a great group of people, and I would like to become a part of that and hopefully make something of this dream, not to mention make some great friends in the meantime.

I still want to keep my full-time job doing what I do (well I need to, for food and living, ya know the important stuff). Could I still keep my 9-5 job and train to become a pilot? Will I go bankrupt trying to do it? Are there any options for me as far as starting off easy? By easy I mean easy on my wallet and work schedule. I was thinking about picking up some books on getting your helicopter pilots license. Would anyone know of any good books to recommend?

 

Cheers,

Austin

[icqa]

Greetings from New Braunfels. I currently attend a school just north of San Antonio, Helicopter Experts, in Bulverde. I don't think there are any schools in the Austin area possibly further north. With SSH closed here in New Braunfels, I believe the Experts is the closest one to you. I know of several students that work full time and several that drive down from Austin.

 

The school is open Mon-Sat. and usually from 7:30-5. They are a Part 141 school so the minimum flight requirement is 35 hours. The average is 50-60 hours for private. If you only going on Sat. you may find that you have to spend more time relearning skills due to the gap. Or you could have no problems in this.

 

They can accommodate you as best they can, weather and schedule permitting. They currently have two CFIs. They are a pay as you go school, nothing up front unless you want to put money on account. It anything it doesn't hurt to give them a call and even to schedule a demo flight.

 

As far as books go there is a number of good books out there. At a minimum you should get the FAA publications either in PDF or book form.

[DanceswithCyclic]

It is possible, but difficult.

I think all here would recommend a demo-flight, first thing. This will probably really encourage the flight bug.

Primary Ground school will be only the beginning. Expect to do an additional 3 hours of self or group study for every hour of Classroom instruction. It is alot of information.

The R22 is currently the most inexpensive training ship around. Expect to pay $260-350 per flight hour for helo and instructor. I went through a Part 61 school, that minimum is 40 hours. It took me 87 hours.

Written FAA exams: $80 or 90.

Headset: $250 and up.

All the little supplies and books to numerous to list: about $500, never added it all.

Practical Exam: Varies. Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) cost me $400 per Exam, for 3. As I understand it, FAA examiner are free. Never used one.

 

Your first Solo, you'll remember forever.

 

Good luck.

Edited February 6, 2008 by DanceswithCyclic

[BOATFIXERGUY]

I still want to keep my full-time job doing what I do (well I need to, for food and living, ya know the important stuff). Could I still keep my 9-5 job and train to become a pilot? Will I go bankrupt trying to do it? Are there any options for me as far as starting off easy? By easy I mean easy on my wallet and work schedule. I was thinking about picking up some books on getting your helicopter pilots license. Would anyone know of any good books to recommend?

 

Cheers,

Austin

 

Welcome to the forum Austin.

 

Good advice from danceswithcycle. Really, go out and do a discovery flight before you do anything. It is reasonably inexpensive. Usually around $140, and it's logable. You will have a good idea if it's something you want to commit your life and life savings to.

 

For books and materials, at your discovery flight, they will have the materials you need. Just ask. Most schools have an entire kit ready to go for new students. If you have to have a book now, the FAA Rotorcraft Flying Handbook is great:

 

http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/1586

 

http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&a...product_id=6522

 

Try to buy it from your school though to help support them if possible.

 

Can you do it while working, yes. Just takes longer. No big deal though. You need to fly at least 2 - 3 times a week though if possible so you don't loose what you've already learned. It depends on what you want to accomplish...are you going career? just a weekend pilot? etc.

 

Good luck!

-john

[Goldy]

Austin, you have a PM from me with some tips. Let me know if it helps.

 

Goldy