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Mountain flying training


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I'm a low hours PP-RH (300 hrs in rotorcraft, 64 yo with no commercial aspirations) and would like to get some advanced training in mountain flying and high DA ops. Being located in the northeast I'd like to travel somewhere to train that actually has mountains. Ideally, training would be in an R44 (since that's what I normally fly), but would consider a 206, 500, etc. if the price were not outrageous (wouldn't mind getting some turbine time!).

 

Any recommendations of a school or an independent CFI who provide his/her own ship would be much appreciated. Thanks.

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Well, if you want to do the course in beautiful Steamboat Springs, CO, get with Jon Whitte of Zephyr Helicopters. He is an AIG Insurance check pilot and runs a really good mountain course. Plus the scenery in Steamboat is awesome! He only uses the Enstrom and an 206L3, so no R44.

 

Here's his web site:

 

http://www.zephyrhelicopter.com/

 

Another option is Premier Helicopters in Denver in R-44's. Now, their course isn't as refined as Zephyr's, but still pretty good and in the bird you desire. Ask for Kenton or Cayse.

 

http://premierheli.com/

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www.coloradovertical.com

 

airport elevation is 4800, with lots of mountains around. Grand Junction Colorado.

 

 

Premier is shut down

Edited by clay
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Ideally, training would be in an R44 (since that's what I normally fly

 

TwinAir-Los Angeles trains in an R44. Local mountains are 5500 to 8000. They even have snow on them this time of year. But I admit, I would love to see Lake Tahoe from a 44.

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They shut down because the owner is a small time J A. If he could have he would have done another SSH. He doesn't pay his bills, he treats everyone around him badly, and that is why Kenton quit. The only reason Premier was around at all is because the instructors there kept the place going while the owner was off in Mexico. They finally got tired of the crap and quit.

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They shut down because the owner is a small time J A. If he could have he would have done another SSH. He doesn't pay his bills, he treats everyone around him badly, and that is why Kenton quit. The only reason Premier was around at all is because the instructors there kept the place going while the owner was off in Mexico. They finally got tired of the crap and quit.

 

Oh could I tell you stories!

 

....this is not the place for that though! So I wont. Kenton and cayse are great guys, and we tried every chance we got to have them fly for us.

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Premiers website is still up and running... just bases in Broomfield, Colorado Springs and Mesa AZ.

 

I've talked with Mike a few times (was trying to lease a 300 from him) and he seemed like a great guy...too bad.

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If you were talking to premier's own about leasing a 300 that would be funny because he only had robinson experience and never had a 300 in sight.

 

Mexico eh? [super troopers] You boys ever been to meh-he-co?[/super troopers]

 

Yeah, he didn't personally have a 300, he was trying to find one for me through his other business partners and stuff.

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I work for Colorado Vertical in Grand Junction, the only reason i know that they are no longer is because we now have the contract to provide training through the community college in Rangely. They DID have that agreement, but they disappeared and left one of they're CFI's high and dry in Rangely. I can put you in contact with him. he knows alot more than i do

Edited by clay
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Yoyo and his gang are a good bunch of guys. But why fly a 44 when you can fly a BH47?

 

 

Yes, the B 47 is up and running again with a fresh overhaul. I guess the reason you would want the 44 over the 47 is so you could get TO the mountains. I dont have all day ya know...and 65 knots just seems so slow compared to 130K. I love them both equally though...the 44 doesnt have that great whoosh, whoosh shound !

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Yes call Claudio at helitahoe. He is one of my old instructors. Also the area is very nice to stay in. I think tahoe airport is at 6500 or something like that. Claudio is an Italian guy and pretty funny but he knows his stuff inside out and backwards.

 

You might also try gunner aviation in Rancho Murieta, CA w/ the bell 47. They are not at the mountains but very close.

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Wasatch Helicopter Academy in Salt Lake City Utah.

 

R22, R44, Hughs 500D, E and NOTAR Turbine transitions.

Long Line, Mountain, ENG, Tours, Wildlife management and Platform Training Specialties.

 

Over 10,000 hours of military and civilian experience.

 

See

SkyParkHelicopters.com and pathfinderhelicopters.com for more information.

Edited by sky2
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