Van Nevel Helicopters

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vertical22

New Member
I came arcoss a flight school by the name of Van Nevel Helicopters, I believe they are located in Florida. They conduct all their training in turbine helo's (FH1100). The price looks pretty good to me, has anyone ever heard or done business with these people before... Any info will really help.... You can check out their web site at http://www.fh1100.com/flightschool.html
 
I think training in turbines is a waste of money. That's a lot of money for this course. $340/ hr is insane. Check out this place: http://www.orlandohelicopter.com/frames.htm in Orlando, FL. They offer Schweizer training at the lowest rates I've seen ($195/hr). You really don't need turbine time to get hired these days... the company will train you.
 
So is this school owned by the factory then? I am factory certified and it only cost me $300.
I get tired of schools preying on the new students. It seems especially bad in the helo training market. Case in point SSH.
Shane
 
ChinookDriver have you ever thought about flying in the civilian world, and if you do are going to continue with helo or would you like to fly fix wings?
 
vertical22 said:
ChinookDriver have you ever thought about flying in the civilian world, and if you do are going to continue with helo or would you like to fly fix wings?
Click to expand...
Actually I do fly in the civilian world, sort of. I'm a SE CFII and instruct after work and the weekends.

I do plan on getting out of the Army in Summer 2008 to fly... I haven't really decided on fixed or rotary yet... both have their ups and downs. By the time I get out I won't have any recency of experience in helos anyway, so I might have to go airplanes, but we'll see.
 
The reason I ask is because I know a couple of apache pilots that have gotten out and they are now fix wings pilots. Actually they all landed a job at American Eagle. Right now I'm working on my ratings (helo) and I'm working on my Warrant officer and flight school package. Now my thing is I dont want to waste my money on my helo rating and not get no where with it. I rather work on my fix wings rating and then try my best to get to Ft Rucker and in the army I will receive my helo rating or at least the training. I really want to keep my options open... ( I was active, I just join the national guard).. Any suggestions
 
I would wait on the helo training until I found out if I got Army flight school or not. Might as well let them pay for it, IMO. Then, after flight school you may take a simple Mil Comp test to get a Comm Rotorcraft/ Inst FAA certificate. With that, you only need a small amount of training (read, less cost) to get an airplane add on.

And if you don't get flight school... well, I hope you have some $$$ saved! Good luck!
 
Thanks for the advice, one last question which industry helo or fix wing too YOU is doing better. In the sense of a newbie getting hired and getting somewhere with that industry.
 
To me... and keep in mind I have NEVER been in either the civilian fixed, or rotary wing industry, to me the helo industry is doing better. Starting pay is better, schedules are usually pretty good, pay is on the rise (slightly), and demand for pilots is high. Some down sides though:Training costs are high, bases are often in remote areas, schedules are usually 7/7 or 14/14 (and you will be away from home those 7 or 14), and limited upward mobility.

Were I single, I'd probably take helos in a heart beat - but honestly, flying is flying, no matter how the machine works.
 
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