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Helicopter flight schools in Scotland offer you a choice, read this before you commit to anything.
Helicopter flight schools like all training establishments each have something different to offer. It may be aircraft type, choice of instructor, experience or airspace. The point is that you should consider as many factors as you can rather than just who is the closest to home. The course syllabus will be the same wherever you go but the way it is delivered may be quite different. If your instructor has a military background he (or she) may have a very different style to someone who has gone directly from PPL to flight instructor. That is not to say that is a bad thing, the RAF do that after all. They call them "Creamies" as they are creamed off the top percentage of students. Your instructor may well have golden hands but unless you gel with them you are not going to learn as well as you could. There is no substitute to getting out and talking to the individual tutor before you make any comitments, especially as the commitment to train on helicopters is such a big one. There is no escape from the fact that helicopters are about the most expensive way to fly so you really need to be sure about what you are doing and what you will be getting. The private pilot licence (helicopter), PPL (H) also requires a minimum of 45 hours flying time. If you already hold a ppl for fixed wing aircraft you get a whole six hours credit. (39) hours required. Remember these are minimum times so it may take you longer. This is generally comprised of 25 hours basic instruction, solo time and 5 hours on instruments. There are written exams in seven subjects; Air law and operational procedures, Aircraft general knowledge with principles of flight, Flight performance and planning, Navigation and radio aids, Meteorology, Human performance and limitations and finally Radio telephony. This is generally comprised of 25 hours basic instruction, solo time and 5 hours on instruments. There are written exams in seven subjects; Air law and operational procedures, Aircraft general knowledge with principles of flight, Flight performance and planning, Navigation and radio aids, Meteorology, Human performance and limitations and finally Radio telephony. This is generally comprised of 25 hours basic instruction, solo time and 5 hours on instruments. There are written exams in seven subjects; Air law and operational procedures, Aircraft general knowledge with principles of flight, Flight performance and planning, Navigation and radio aids, Meteorology, Human performance and limitations and finally Radio telephony. These topics can be hard going and you will have to work at them but with the briefings and practical application in the air you will manage. Ground school and briefings form part of every lesson so for each hour in the air allow at least one more for briefing and debriefing. Most flight schools allocate lessons in two hour blocks for this reason and most include ground lessons at no extra charge. you will be required to plan and fly a solo 100 mile cross country course probably in a triangular pattern as part.of your assessment. There is also a flight test and a practical radio test. To obtain a PPL(H) you will also require a class 2 medical certificate. Many helicopter flight schools also offer further instruction to obtain a type rating, commercial licence or flight instructor rating. In order to maintain your licence you will need to fly as pilot in command regularly, take an annual proficiency test and keep a current medical certificate. Most schools recommend a trial lesson before enrolling on a course. Most students fly on an ad hoc basis so you should aim to fly once a week if possible to maintain momentum and consistency. If you can afford it and can spare the time it is well worth considering a full time course. Not all flight schools can offer this though. Scotia Helicopters Ltd based at Cumbernauld offer an interesting product. Their "Hover challenge" is a ten hour course aimed at teaching you the basics to enable you to hover in the airfield without having to commit to exams or a medical. You can then use the hours gained towards your PPL(H) or walk away with the experience in itself. I think that is an excellent idea. Scotia offer trial flights in thier Robinson R44 at £150 for twenty minutes, £200 for half an hour and £320 for an hour. Contact them directly on 01236780140 for detailed.costs of courses or the hover challenge. Kingsfield Helicopters Ltd in Perth have a good clear website with prices right up front. They quote in the region of £16,000 for a PPL(H) plus landing feesand £11,500 for the three week CPL(H) course. This is based on a typical cost of £315 per hour on the Robinson R22 two seater. They also offer a trial lesson at £185 for half an hour. HJS Helicopters Ltd based at Culter Helipad in Aberdeen offer training on the R22 or R44 but you will need to contact them for prices. They also offer type ratings on the Bell 206L Longranger and the turbine SA341G Gazelle as used by the UK military. Call them on 01224739111 for details. I flew a trial lesson in one of their R22s in 2009 from Fife and had a great time. I managed to fly a decent approach and held it in the hover for a whole thirty seconds before losing it. My instructor, an ex army pilot informed me that is no mean feat for a first attempt. Good tuition I say. Highland Helicopters Ltd based at Inverness airport provide training at £215 per hour dual and £175 per hour self fly. Call 01667461200 for more info. HG Helicopters Ltd at Inverness & Nairn Heliport at Grigor Hill in Nairn can also teach you to fly. They offer trial flights at £190 for half an hour or £380 per hour. Contact them on 01667459469 for details.
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