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     Bell 47                             Robinson R22                     Hughes 269

Train at one of the schools listed below and you will be happy you did!

There are many schools to choose from, but not all of them of them offer honesty and genuine quality instruction.  A school must exhibit good qualities to get listed on this site, so give them a call!

Freedom Helicopters - Indiana

Jerry Trimble Helicopters

Specialized Helicopters

Flags that may indicate a bad school

The second flight school that I started, I started due to the lies and rip-offs that occur commonly in the flight school circle. I wanted students to have a school option where they really would be told the truth, and where their personal goal would be paramount. The simple truth presented with a serious plan of action to carry them through from start to finish. The following list is some statements which are common and indicate a school where dipping into your pocket may be the only concern. If you hear any of these, look a little deeper or seek another school.

  • We fly real helicopters - I hate to point this out, but if it flies by rotor blades, it is real.

  • Anything negative about any particular brand of helicopter i.e., Robinson time don't count, Robinsons are dangerous, or Brantley's break all the time etc.

  • Be cautious anytime a school promises you that they have contacts in the industry which permit them to guarantee you a job and career. This is impossible since no one knows if you can even fly worth a crap yet. Although anyone can be taught to fly, and most people can do it if they apply themselves, some people just don't have what it takes. Along these lines, be cautious of schools who tell you that you don't need to become an instructor on your career path. Although it is true that you don't need to become an instructor, your options are extremely limited if you don't.

  • We don't offer a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) course because you don't need it, or for any other reason they may have for not offering the course. - If they don't offer it, it is either because they don't have the qualifications to offer it, or they just don't feel they are capable of handling that level of training.

  • We have several or lots of helicopters and that is an advantage over schools that operate one or just a few. This is common from large schools and is pure bullshit. I know of several very small schools where students get significantly more actual flight time then those who attend schools that have multiple aircraft. The number of aircraft they possess don't mean squat. The student/instructor/aircraft ratio on the other hand does determine the amount of hours you are likely to get. More than 3-students full-time, and a few part-time students, at any given time per aircraft and/or instructor overloads that instructor and efficiency is compromised. Likewise, more than 3-5 students per aircraft and someone will be sitting out.

  • We are the largest school or we are one of the largest schools. That translates directly to 'we need your money now and we will tell you anything you want to hear so we can get it!' What often occurs at these large schools is they promise you the world on a platter until they have your money. Once they have your money, get in line because now you are just a name on a list and a pain in their ass.

  • Be cautious of instructors who are not serious in what they are doing. Aviation training is no place for wild flying, joking on the radio, or for improper procedures or for playing of any kind. There are monthly statistical lists of accidents which often are the result of this kind of attitude and playing.

  • We will hire you as an instructor if you train with us. Most schools desire to hire instructors they have trained, however no one knows how you will fly, if you will have a good attitude, if you will be timely as employees must be, and how you will treat company equipment. Technically speaking, if you intend to be hired where you train, your entire training period from start to finish is an interview for whether or not you will be hired when you complete your CFI ratings. If you don't demonstrate a good attitude and if you don't possess other quality skills, you will be in line with a lot of other low-time pilots looking for a job when your training is complete.  Instructors are a dime a dozen, they are everywhere, so you better be a good one if you want to work!

How to gain the most once you begin training

Having taught countless students while working at other schools and while having owned three schools, I can tell you from that perspective what will score you the most respect and the fastest progress at a good school.

  • Be prepared to take the course seriously. Demonstrate your desire to learn by serious study and timeliness. Be an aid to your instructor and be willing to help other students.

  • Show up early, ahead of your scheduled flight or class and be prepared to contribute. If you are going to be flying, the aircraft needs to be readied for a departure (preflight, fueling etc.) at the designated time by you, not by the instructor; this is to include the preflight.

  • If you must be impatient, be so respectfully. The squeaky wheel attitude will most often get you put on a back burner.


Freedom Helicopters, Indianapolis area, Located at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport, Indiana

At this school you will find competitive pricing, and quality instruction. Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument and CFI including CFII. You can get it all here and when you leave you will be ready for a career in aviation. This school is located in the central USA, which allows cross-country flights to major cites such as Chicago, Illinois and Louisville, Kentucky and many others.

Freedom Helicopters, Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport, Indiana

Phone: 317 432 4525

Web Site - Freedom Helicopters


Jerry Trimble Helicopters, McMinnville, Oregon

This school located at the McMinnville airport, McMinnville Oregon. Oregon is a very pretty state too! Lots to see and do when you are not flying.

Jerry Trimble Helicopters, McMinnville, Oregon

Phone: 503-807-8239

Web Site - Jerry Trimble Helicopters


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Last modified: 12/31/2011