American Helicopters, Fresno, CA

adas191 · March 16, 2008

After high school im planning on going to flight school. I ve been looking into American and there rates seem good, and just wondering if anyone has got any advice or comments about them. Thanks for your time.

rick1128 · March 16, 2008

After high school im planning on going to flight school. I ve been looking into American and there rates seem good, and just wondering if anyone has got any advice or comments about them. Thanks for your time.

You might want to consider looking at schools where you can get a college degree or at least college credits for your flight training. Not necessarily Embry Riddle. There are several colleges out there that work in conjunction with some flight schools. While it is not presently required in this job market, it does several things for you. One, it makes you stand out among other candidates. Second, it will give you other skills and/or knowledge bases to fall back on in case of lose of medical. And thirdly, will give you other skills that employers may want. I have never regretted getting my college degree. It has presented me some interesting job opportunities and experiences. I did it right after High School while I was still in the study mentality. The best time to do it.

Good luck.

adas191 · March 16, 2008

You might want to consider looking at schools where you can get a college degree or at least college credits for your flight training. Not necessarily Embry Riddle. There are several colleges out there that work in conjunction with some flight schools. While it is not presently required in this job market, it does several things for you. One, it makes you stand out among other candidates. Second, it will give you other skills and/or knowledge bases to fall back on in case of lose of medical. And thirdly, will give you other skills that employers may want. I have never regretted getting my college degree. It has presented me some interesting job opportunities and experiences. I did it right after High School while I was still in the study mentality. The best time to do it.

Good luck.

they offer UVSC GLOBAL AVIATION DEGREE PROGRAM that is through utah state college. you can complete this while training with them and/ or while instructing. is this the type of college degree that you are talking about? there website is www.renthelicopters.com and the website for the degree is http://www.uvscaviation.com. did you go straight into flight training and college after high school?

thanks for the info

rick1128 · March 17, 2008

That is the kind of program I was talking about. You might want to think about a degree other than aviation. Yes, I started flight school right after high school and started college that fall. At that time there were very few college aviation programs. Because of a major change and to keep my grades up with working my way through flight school and college, it took me 5 years to finish. My first flying job was between my 2nd and 3rd years, flying a fire patrol. It was a neat summer job and an experience to remember.

rick1128 · March 17, 2008

That is the kind of program I was talking about. You might want to think about a degree other than aviation. Yes, I started flight school right after high school and started college that fall. At that time there were very few college aviation programs. Because of a major change and to keep my grades up with working my way through flight school and college, it took me 5 years to finish. My first flying job was between my 2nd and 3rd years, flying a fire patrol. It was a neat summer job and an experience to remember.

adas191 · March 17, 2008

i was thinking about doing that program, im not sure how long it will take. its prob depends on how much time you put into the online courses. thanks for the info.

does anyone know anything on American Helicopters in Fresno, CA or have any experience with them?

NorCalHeliKid · March 17, 2008

American is not a bad school, pretty laid back. In my opinion, there is a better school in Fresno. You don't have to look far to find a school with years of good reputable training. By the way, the UVSC program is kind of a joke. I've looked into it, its best to just attend a regular old college and get a degree thats not in aviation. The UVSC program is expensive (out of state tuition) and not what I had hope for. Any flight school can claim to be associated with UVSC, and many do, its not a hard piece of paper to hang. I would start looking into student loans now if you have not already, its getting harder to get career training loans everywhere you look, unless you are not going to need it! Also, I know this sounds backwards because money does not grow on trees, but consider that you have to look at the big picture, the school with the best hourly rate is not always the best school to train at. Best of Luck in your pursuit, and if Im not the first to say it, then plan on hearing this again...do LOTS of research before you get into this!

adas191 · March 17, 2008

ive been looking into the helicopter industry and reading about it for the past year and am 100% sure i would love to do this. i understand what it takes and the commitment it will need. my friend and i are going to go to fresno tommorow to check out the school and the city.. i know it may not be the best place to live but i think it will be pretty affordable.

do employers look at where you completed your training or do they just want you to have the certificates and hours?

i dont think that american is a busy flight school, would you think a busier school somewhere in cali or near cali would hire me if i had lets say 500hrs over a student that just finished training at thier school with 200 or so hrs.

and what about the school that you said you liked better than american that is out in fresno?

thanks for all the info!

treasure.man.1 · March 17, 2008

I completed my private there in September 2007 and was very happy with them. They do the training for the local police dept. Check out the schools in the area and go with the one you think will best suit you. Ask questions and be comfortable with the school, now is the time, not after you start and they take your money. Ask about the schools safety record, both accident and incidents. Good luck.

flyboyy22 · October 7, 2012

Their website shows they are VA approved. Has anyone used the Post 9/11 GI Bill with them?

Flying Pig · October 7, 2012

I went there for my CFI. They also train the Fresno PD pilots. Its part 141 and has the degree program. I have attended 3 separate flight school during my helo training in CA and American

was the best. As far as "laid back". its no more laid back than any other school ive been to for both airplane and helicopter training. If you are in the area Id go there.