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R44 Endorsement

Posted: Thu Apr 6 2017, 02:34
by Bgnick42
I am currently completing my CPL helicopter license in Adelaide.
At the end of the course I will have all my hours in a Schweizer 300cbi, as there isn't too many job opportunities out there for this helicopter I am wanting to get an R44 endorsement as soon as I finish.
I wondering if it would be best just to go straight out to a company and get it, or as I know someone with an R44 would it be cheaper to try get an instructor and to fly that helicopter.
Money will be pretty tight when I finish my course.
Thanks

Re: R44 Endorsement

Posted: Thu Apr 6 2017, 04:34
by DAKOTA
Have you thought about finishing your last 20 hrs in a 44? I know you said money is tight but it's an opportunity to get some precious 44 time under your belt as well as finishing off your CPL at a school that has opportunity for low hour employment, eg The Helicopter Group.

Good luck!

Re: R44 Endorsement

Posted: Sat Apr 8 2017, 23:56
by ChicoCheco
Agree.
Bit more cost now. Lot less headache and if not similar cost later.

Just count the difference between s300 and R44 dual (ask for bit of discount, possibly), include some PIC hours on 44 for experience (is nose up pick up for solo ferries) if doable.

Then compare with doing whole training and then the R44 training incl the 'review' so CASA can keep track in their current silly system.
Then consider lost opportunity not having 20hrs for ops like 12 Apostles. Minimum vacancy criteria are just that. Not level playing field.

How much more would it be with 5, 10hrs 44 time after CPL test with only 300 time? I find this system daft, forcing people to 'go for' 125 or future 150hr commercial if wanting experience on more types when the hours count towards minima more. Without prior flying elsewhere, it discourages people to split CPL training. Some voiced that syllabus and making it to test ready flying skills (by around 100hrs) may be interfering​ with trying more types. Maybe.

269/300 is 'dead type' and Adelaide, Melbourne and one operator in Redcliffe. Rest I don't even know besides private owners. You can't even put it to good use for instructing them either yet. Cabri is miles better and finally expanding more in US and Canada. 22 mustering and 44 scenics keep the stronghold position of 22 only schools. Look at NZ. Tired of fatalities in mountainous turbulence flying Robbies and seeing the benefits and advantages of Cabri. Sure, easier loan funding helped schools with procuring new ships, but still. That company in Whakatane even does some light sling work with it, not just training.

Now think. Majority newbie jobs are 44 if not muster on 22. As/if being city guy with mainly/only s300 time it is obvious as you must surely know.

At newbie grad level, it isn't competition between 105 and 120hr TT on CV besides attitude/personality/CS skills. 44 time plays too big role in this country. Plus you won't fly it as well after basic training/endo as someone flying its wee brother 22 from scratch at comparable TT/age etc.

Re: R44 Endorsement

Posted: Mon Apr 10 2017, 11:52
by Pat
Hi Bgnick42

Very good advice from ChicoC and Dakota. My recommendation is to visit Derek at Helistar and fly the rest of your CPL off with him. He is an outstanding instructor, with a stupid number hours teaching on Robinsons, including completing multiple Robinson safety courses. Helistar can either do training on their 44 or using a private machine for around $165/hr. Good luck.

Re: R44 Endorsement

Posted: Mon Apr 10 2017, 22:33
by Bgnick42
Thanks guys
The biggest problem is that I'm doing a VET Fee help course so it kind of makes it hard.
I will speak to the head of training and see if there is anyway they could get me hours, but I'm pretty doubtful.
I will probably go down to Helistar and speak to the guys there and see what I can do.