Flight Training Considerations
Wrote for the Helicopter History Site by Andrew Gibson
Helicopter flight is one of life's great achievements. Ten years ago the cost
of a PPL/H ( Private Pilots License Helicopter ) was prohibitive, especially in
European Countries. The cost of obtaining a Helicopter license now while not
cheap, is more realistic than ever, especially in the USA.
Some of the reasons for this are that training Aircraft themselves our more competitively
priced. As Helicopter piloting has become more popular more Schools have
opened, creating more competition, which has helped drive the training costs
down.
Generally there are no landing fee's at US Airports, fuel is less expensive
in the US and Maintenance costs tend to be less due to lower salaries than in Europe and the fact that most training Helicopters are indeed manufactured in the United States.
One other important fact is US Regulations are in my opinion more practical
than in Europe, allowing one to spread your wings, to coin a phrase.
Being British myself I have first hand knowledge of constricting regulations
within the European system. Any Europeans considering Helicopter or fixed
wing flight training, should seriously consider undertaking their instruction
in the United States.
Having said that not all is Hunky Dory in Ginger Bread Land, serious
consideration should be attached to who commences your instruction. For more
information on this please feel free to check out the student advise link on
our web page, also take a look at wingandrotor.net Hopefully this, and the
information you receive on my suggested links will help you to make an
informed decision on who you decide to train with.
Remember, Helicopter and fixed wing flight are fun, it is an achievement, and
safe, it is also a serious business. Your first decisions on flight training
should be well thought out. Do not be sucked in by fancy looking classrooms
full of a history of low time instructors, and remember as in most things you
get what you pay for, and you get out of life, only what you put into it.
Aim for the Stars!
Andrew Gibson is CEO of Sky Ops Inc.,
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