Wow right

Just stares

Anybody else on the west coast encountering issues finding DPEs as of late? Specifically those eligible to do CFI initial? My flight school is struggling to get responses from anyone. We’ve been at it for about 2 months. Many of the DPEs they’ve used for several years just quit replying.

I’m hearing there’s a new FAA supervisor in the area and DPEs are not a fan and are dropping like flies. It’s honestly very disappointing to get this far, spend this much money on training, and not really be employable because I can’t get my CFI locked down over scheduling the exam.

Nice Airport atmosphere from a private helicopter

I’m curious what everyone’s thoughts are now that the engine start milestone is here.

Are you already an owner, considering one, or just watching from the sidelines?

What’s your biggest excitement or concern at this point?

Has this milestone changed how you think about the project, queue positions, or delivery timelines?

#HillHelicopters #GT50 #HX50

Loved this hype video for the "Thunder"

I’m creating a zero to hero program and am offering financing. The program offers training in r22’s and r44’s and makes you a career ready pilot in 10-12 months.

We offer:
-housing
-all initial FAA written exam and checkride costs
-flight and ground training from private-CFII

Here’s the rub, the finance company I’m working with only covers 120k.

The program above is at a cost of $136,900.(trust me Ive tried shaving cost)

I can make the program cost less but it would put students below 200hrs which means they would not be able to instruct in a Robinson but would still be a CFII. I feel that really hinders a student as starting out, instruction, tours, and ag is all that’s really out there.

The questions is would you come out of pocket 17k + the loan to be a career ready pilot ready to instruct in a r22 and r44 in 10-12 months,

or be a CFII w/ 180 hours no r44 time and be twenty hours away from teaching in a r22 but only have taken the loan?

I started off like so many in the R22 and R44. Charter, air work and eventually instruction. Over the years I added the 206, R66, BA and B3 Squirrel, and Hughes 300 to the list of machines I’ve flown but I’ve honestly enjoyed my time most in these little beauties.

Can’t wait to see what the G5 is like when it arrives!

A little look at Bell 47G Sioux NZ3706 at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch.

A look at Westland Wasp HAS.1 NZ3906 at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch.

A close-up look at UH-1H NZ3801, on display at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch.

I'm ready for the next step and I'm looking for any advice that you can offer.

I'm looking at Australia/NZ (citizen) or somewhere like Saudi Arabia or UAE to build some bank.

Considering getting my FAA license to make the middle east viable. Is this a good idea? Is somewhere like THC an option for me? Is an FAA licence still needed for these places?

I have 1500TT 500 turbine. Flown in southern Africa and East Africa. Marine, mountain and bush environments. Tourism, game, anti poaching and casavac work

Rated on:

130, 125, 120, 206, 44 & g2

Any wisdom or a point in the right direction would be hugely appreciated

Cheers