Jump to content

Anyone done this Boatpix training


garvey

Recommended Posts

Hey any of you guys heard about this training program w boatpix............taking pics and all........sounds good but...............you know what they say

 

Thanks - garve

 

Garve,

 

I have never done their training program, but I have inquired and got some good info. Boatpix is not really looking for someone like me that just wants a couple hours here and there. They want someone who is willing to spend a whole day or two flying with them. It's not really a bad deal from what I can tell. If you need to build hours and have no choice but to pay for them, then Boatpix is probably your place. Afterall, where else can you get an R-22 for $100/hr?

 

Jeff

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 years later...

I’ve had a great experience with Boatpix/Helicopter academy. Like many low time guys I was an out of work CFI with a little over 200hrs. After a very frustrating year of searching for an instructing gig, I made the decision to buy 100hrs from boatpix to learn their photo contract and get a job.

 

Turned out to be a great move as the experience has not only put me to work, but I have also learned how to do some more “real world” type flying vs. a typical flight school day in the pattern. The day after I logged 300hrs (the insurance minimum) I was put to work with my first student, and also flying the boat photo contract on the weekends. As a student I never got to experience much flying outside my home airport environment; with Boatpix I have been literally all over the country flying into different airports and airspaces daily. For me, as a low-time pilot, it has been a great learning experience to fly into new areas and not just circling the traffic pattern with a student.

 

The actual flying itself for the photo contract is very fun, exciting and challenging. You really get to learn a new type of flying and some new techniques that aren’t necessarily taught in the conventional school.

 

Tom the owner/manager has lived up to his word 100% with me, giving me a job after buying my hours, and he has even kept me flying past the hour guarantee he promised.

 

Overall I would say it’s a great way to build time and see different parts of the country from 500ft AGL. Also, the new experience of learning how to fly boats is a great skill builder and a really a lot of fun.

 

Blue skies and fly safe

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I’ve had a great experience with Boatpix/Helicopter academy. Like many low time guys I was an out of work CFI with a little over 200hrs. After a very frustrating year of searching for an instructing gig, I made the decision to buy 100hrs from boatpix to learn their photo contract and get a job.

 

Turned out to be a great move as the experience has not only put me to work, but I have also learned how to do some more “real world” type flying vs. a typical flight school day in the pattern. The day after I logged 300hrs (the insurance minimum) I was put to work with my first student, and also flying the boat photo contract on the weekends. As a student I never got to experience much flying outside my home airport environment; with Boatpix I have been literally all over the country flying into different airports and airspaces daily. For me, as a low-time pilot, it has been a great learning experience to fly into new areas and not just circling the traffic pattern with a student.

 

The actual flying itself for the photo contract is very fun, exciting and challenging. You really get to learn a new type of flying and some new techniques that aren’t necessarily taught in the conventional school.

 

Tom the owner/manager has lived up to his word 100% with me, giving me a job after buying my hours, and he has even kept me flying past the hour guarantee he promised.

 

Overall I would say it’s a great way to build time and see different parts of the country from 500ft AGL. Also, the new experience of learning how to fly boats is a great skill builder and a really a lot of fun.

 

Blue skies and fly safe

 

First post!! Tom, is that you???? ;)

  • Like 8
Link to comment
Share on other sites

O.K.,...here's a post from a guy who's known for his negativity. :rolleyes:

 

I flew with them for about a week (about three years ago), and really enjoyed it.

 

Three of us(helicopters)covered a fishing tournament, with around a thousand boats, all racing out of the harbor at once. At times it was as if I were a fighter pilot, making strafing runs on endless pickings of boats(I even made machine-gun sounds a few times). :lol:

 

I'm not sure why it takes 100hrs to learn how to do this(after all, it only takes 40, or so, to learn to fly?), but oh well...?

 

If you start from scratch with them, the extra 100hrs may not seem as bad, as for me, its too late to spend an additional 20K, just for another 200hrs.

 

See,...that wasn't toooo negative.

:)

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey any of you guys heard about this training program w boatpix............taking pics and all........sounds good but...............you know what they say

 

Thanks - garve

 

I started my helicopter training with Boatpix in 2004. I got a ppl at standard price and then loads of hours at 100USD/hour. I am sure it is the cheapest rate for R22 hours anywhere in the world! And then its a lot of fun and lots of experience too. In my opinion you really learn to fly the R22. No wasting time. You learn every hour. I remember one time I did 25 hours in 3 days. From thursday to saturday :-)

Highly recommendable wether you looking for hourbuilding or a job.

Further the owner of the company gave me free housing and great deal on a car for the time I was there.

 

Have fun!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
I started my helicopter training with Boatpix in 2004. I got a ppl at standard price and then loads of hours at 100USD/hour. I am sure it is the cheapest rate for R22 hours anywhere in the world! And then its a lot of fun and lots of experience too. In my opinion you really learn to fly the R22. No wasting time. You learn every hour. I remember one time I did 25 hours in 3 days. From thursday to saturday :-)

Highly recommendable wether you looking for hourbuilding or a job.

Further the owner of the company gave me free housing and great deal on a car for the time I was there.

 

Have fun!

 

Is it part of the free hour scheme to come on here and give them a glowing reference. That free car you were riding around belonged to some poor schmuck that gave it to Boatpix for a few measly hours in a 22. They advertised that they would take cars, etc as payment last year. Now thats pretty pathetic in my opinion.

 

Once again, Tom, is that you??? ;)

Edited by Trans Lift
  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's not my job to defend Tom or how he promotes his business, and I wouldn't want to have to. I will say that most of the commentary on this thread is misinformed opinion and speculation from people who have never worked with Boatpix. If anybody reading this thread wants a balanced and informed opinion, I've worked for Tom. I don't have anything to gain or lose (but you might) by telling you about my experience. Feel free to PM me.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...