So as a guy who actually did this.....I can say you are missing a couple of points to the conversation, but....you are absolutely correct you will NOT save money if you compare it dollar to dollar as there are too many variables. First....when you get done with this you have TWO ratings and the diversity that goes with it. Secondly you are also overlooking the value of learning some skills better by being in a fixed wing. For example navigation is easier to focus on and learn when flying a fixed wing so the "value" of the training in the air is in my opinion better in a fixed wing. In the end if you want to fly for a living you need to pick the class you are most interested in and focus there first.
I feel like I'm saving a bunch of money myself with my situation: studying about 30-40 hours a week consistently for MONTHS while you get your finances in order. All the information you need is there in the books, there's no reason to not gain all the knowledge you need, then start school and focus on just flying.
I earned my private pilot fixed wing in 1979. Back then, it was a common belief that fixed wing first, then rotorcraft add-on was the way to go but I never personally checked into it so I don't know if that would prove true or not. Prices back then were considerably less than they are today and I'm thinking the differential between trainer fixed wing and trainer rotorcraft was a little broader but I could be wrong about that. The one comment made in this video that makes the most sense to me either way is, "if you're going for a career flying helicopters, you'll be better off accumulating as much time as you can get from the start in helicopters."
Agree Kenny, I started day 1 in helicopters. Money savings side by side maybe, but in the end your skills will grow considerably if you stay in one aircraft. Add to this your check ride costs and studying for a written test in airplanes. Better off going straight through in rotary.
I trusted ya, Kenny! I knew if you said you wouldn't save any money, it was probably true. You've been in the game long enough to know. Definitely good to know that getting fixed wing training first will cost more in the long run. My future helicopter plan is to buy a Mosquito, and build it myself. I'll be watching for EP13 on that note! I have no plans to fly one for a living, but hopefully some day recreationally once my house is paid off.
Private fixed wing to helicopter may be more money but keep in mind you come out with a certificate for both. Going strictly helicopter only gives you that rating. Be careful when comparing the two. You may think helicopter is the way you want to go but then realize you made a mistake. Especially if you want to do long distance travel. I am just completing my fixed wing and may cross over but at a minimum I have my fixed wing.
In a perfect world and you are instantly proficient 40 is a good number, but I do believe many go over that and with fixed wing you have to unlearn some emergency habits that do not work in a helicopter. I still happy going Rotary first, but will eventually get a fixed wing as well.
Thanks Eric that's how I did it. Helicopter first, then fixed wing. For me fixed wing was for recreation only, I knew I wanted helicopters for a career.
Well I’m not looking for a pilot job but I’ve always wanted to fly helicopters and I don’t have a lot of money. I’ve been thinking about buying a mosquito xel which you don’t need a license for but you do need the helicopter training for. What would be my best course of action on that. The license isn’t as important to me but if the money difference isn’t that much I would like to have it. It really boils down to the cash for me. What are your thoughts. Pros cons
@@SmittySmithsonite yeah I’ve been looking at it for awhile. I just don’t see me trying to get into a new field at this stage in life. But I am sort of obsessed with helicopters and flying I want to so bad but there’s really no way I’m honing to be able to spend three hundred thousand on a helicopter. I can do it affordable
I would highly recommend that you get your rotorcraft rating for two reasons: preflight and inflight. Unless you're familiar with airspace rules, sectional charts, communications and avionics requirements, and weather briefing, you're asking for trouble IF you can get the helicopter off the ground. That's the minimal preflight knowledge and requirements needed. As for inflight stuff... Have you looked at how wide the Mosquito skids are? Do you know what dynamic rollover or ground resonance are? That's just trying to get the helicopter off the ground assuming you understand MAP, tach and RPM. Once off the ground, you'll need to hover. It's like balancing a golf driver in the palm of your hand, but that's one control: the cyclic. Make a pitch or lateral control? You must compensate with tail rotor and power (collective/throttle) inputs. Get the helicopter moving? Do you know what safe operations are? Heard of a height/velocity diagram? What about hovering? Do you know the difference between out of ground effect and in ground effect hovers, and how that could lead to vortex ring state? If you don't seek flight instructions, at least learn these topics from Kenny's online program. You don't just need those skills and knowledge for "a pilot job". You'll WANT those skills and knowledge to come home to your family.
same as if you do your car licence then get a Motorcycle licence , Or Truck But I can drive and ride everything ,,,, just like a pilot that can fly a plane and a helicopter ,, Its what you can afford and want to do i think ,,,, Great Vid ROB NSW Australia
In my area a Cessna 150 is $88.20 172M $124.20 instructor $45 Robinson R22 Dual $275 Solo $250 I think getting 70 - 80 hours in a 172M will make you a solid private pilot. If you still want to fly Helicopters - train in a R22 (if available) for the 30 hours needed and you probably could pass the test. I doubt anyone can do 40 hours minimum in a helicopter and be ready to pass the test, 30 dual/30 solo R22 = $15750 30Dual/30 Solo 172M = $8826 + 20 dual/10 solo R22 $8000 = $16826
Cost aside, if you plan on making a career in helicopters then every dollar spent on fixed wing is a dollar wasted. You may be able to get a RW add-on, but none of your FW hours will matter to future employers if applying for RW jobs.
Hi Kenny can you be my Teacher and I get a Job I will save my money so I could go back to school to learn to fly Helicopter can't wait I will be so happy and so excited to fly Helicopter Kim Chavez
100 hour SEL including instrument. 50 hour rw straight to commercial including instrument transition.. Cheaper but not necessarily better. $10k Cessna 150/152 $13k Robinson r22 Ending with private SEL and instrument and commercial RW with instrument. Cheaper is almost never better. Edit, if one can even accomplish it in those hours.
I had airplane first about $ 5k then bought used enstrom for $23k at irs auction and found new C f I that taught me for $40 a hour had add on in minimum time allowed I think 20 hours total . Owned both helicopter and Cessna 172 for 12 years . Helicopter flying was the best experience. I sold the helicopter for more than I paid same with airplane so it costs next to nothing . Costs today are high but worth every penny with the right instructor , I don’t think you will regret it. Ken M
So as a guy who actually did this.....I can say you are missing a couple of points to the conversation, but....you are absolutely correct you will NOT save money if you compare it dollar to dollar as there are too many variables. First....when you get done with this you have TWO ratings and the diversity that goes with it. Secondly you are also overlooking the value of learning some skills better by being in a fixed wing. For example navigation is easier to focus on and learn when flying a fixed wing so the "value" of the training in the air is in my opinion better in a fixed wing. In the end if you want to fly for a living you need to pick the class you are most interested in and focus there first.
Thanks for the feedback.
I feel like I'm saving a bunch of money myself with my situation: studying about 30-40 hours a week consistently for MONTHS while you get your finances in order. All the information you need is there in the books, there's no reason to not gain all the knowledge you need, then start school and focus on just flying.
Thanks for sharing Ryan!
I earned my private pilot fixed wing in 1979. Back then, it was a common belief that fixed wing first, then rotorcraft add-on was the way to go but I never personally checked into it so I don't know if that would prove true or not. Prices back then were considerably less than they are today and I'm thinking the differential between trainer fixed wing and trainer rotorcraft was a little broader but I could be wrong about that. The one comment made in this video that makes the most sense to me either way is, "if you're going for a career flying helicopters, you'll be better off accumulating as much time as you can get from the start in helicopters."
Thank you for the feedback Steven!
Agree Kenny, I started day 1 in helicopters. Money savings side by side maybe, but in the end your skills will grow considerably if you stay in one aircraft. Add to this your check ride costs and studying for a written test in airplanes. Better off going straight through in rotary.
Thanks for sharing Dave!
For commercial though???
Thank you from Cambodia
Thank you too
I trusted ya, Kenny! I knew if you said you wouldn't save any money, it was probably true. You've been in the game long enough to know. Definitely good to know that getting fixed wing training first will cost more in the long run.
My future helicopter plan is to buy a Mosquito, and build it myself. I'll be watching for EP13 on that note! I have no plans to fly one for a living, but hopefully some day recreationally once my house is paid off.
Thanks for sharing Smitty!
Private fixed wing to helicopter may be more money but keep in mind you come out with a certificate for both. Going strictly helicopter only gives you that rating. Be careful when comparing the two. You may think helicopter is the way you want to go but then realize you made a mistake. Especially if you want to do long distance travel. I am just completing my fixed wing and may cross over but at a minimum I have my fixed wing.
Thanks for sharing
In a perfect world and you are instantly proficient 40 is a good number, but I do believe many go over that and with fixed wing you have to unlearn some emergency habits that do not work in a helicopter. I still happy going Rotary first, but will eventually get a fixed wing as well.
Thanks Eric that's how I did it. Helicopter first, then fixed wing. For me fixed wing was for recreation only, I knew I wanted helicopters for a career.
Well I’m not looking for a pilot job but I’ve always wanted to fly helicopters and I don’t have a lot of money. I’ve been thinking about buying a mosquito xel which you don’t need a license for but you do need the helicopter training for. What would be my best course of action on that. The license isn’t as important to me but if the money difference isn’t that much I would like to have it. It really boils down to the cash for me. What are your thoughts. Pros cons
Thanks for the question Chris. We will talk about experimental helicopters in todays flight brief.
That's the route I plan to someday go as well, Chris. Once the funds are available (mortgage paid off) I'll be buying one.
@@SmittySmithsonite yeah I’ve been looking at it for awhile. I just don’t see me trying to get into a new field at this stage in life. But I am sort of obsessed with helicopters and flying I want to so bad but there’s really no way I’m honing to be able to spend three hundred thousand on a helicopter. I can do it affordable
@@chriscannon6407 - I'm in the same boat.
I would highly recommend that you get your rotorcraft rating for two reasons: preflight and inflight. Unless you're familiar with airspace rules, sectional charts, communications and avionics requirements, and weather briefing, you're asking for trouble IF you can get the helicopter off the ground. That's the minimal preflight knowledge and requirements needed. As for inflight stuff... Have you looked at how wide the Mosquito skids are? Do you know what dynamic rollover or ground resonance are? That's just trying to get the helicopter off the ground assuming you understand MAP, tach and RPM. Once off the ground, you'll need to hover. It's like balancing a golf driver in the palm of your hand, but that's one control: the cyclic. Make a pitch or lateral control? You must compensate with tail rotor and power (collective/throttle) inputs. Get the helicopter moving? Do you know what safe operations are? Heard of a height/velocity diagram? What about hovering? Do you know the difference between out of ground effect and in ground effect hovers, and how that could lead to vortex ring state? If you don't seek flight instructions, at least learn these topics from Kenny's online program. You don't just need those skills and knowledge for "a pilot job". You'll WANT those skills and knowledge to come home to your family.
same as if you do your car licence then get a Motorcycle licence , Or Truck But I can drive and ride everything ,,,, just like a pilot that can fly a plane and a helicopter ,, Its what you can afford and want to do i think ,,,,
Great Vid
ROB
NSW Australia
Thank Rob!
In my area a Cessna 150 is $88.20
172M $124.20
instructor $45
Robinson R22 Dual $275
Solo $250
I think getting 70 - 80 hours in a 172M will make you a solid private pilot. If you still want to fly Helicopters - train in a R22 (if available) for the 30 hours needed and you probably could pass the test. I doubt anyone can do 40 hours minimum in a helicopter and be ready to pass the test,
30 dual/30 solo R22 = $15750 30Dual/30 Solo 172M = $8826 + 20 dual/10 solo R22 $8000 = $16826
Thanks for sharing Scott.
Cost aside, if you plan on making a career in helicopters then every dollar spent on fixed wing is a dollar wasted. You may be able to get a RW add-on, but none of your FW hours will matter to future employers if applying for RW jobs.
Thanks for sharing Punk.
Hi Kenny can you be my Teacher and I get a Job I will save my money so I could go back to school to learn to fly Helicopter can't wait I will be so happy and so excited to fly Helicopter Kim Chavez
Aweosme.
100 hour SEL including instrument. 50 hour rw straight to commercial including instrument transition..
Cheaper but not necessarily better.
$10k Cessna 150/152
$13k Robinson r22
Ending with private SEL and instrument and commercial RW with instrument.
Cheaper is almost never better.
Edit, if one can even accomplish it in those hours.
Thanks for sharing Eric.
I had airplane first about $ 5k then bought used enstrom for $23k at irs auction and found new C f I that taught me for $40 a hour had add on in minimum time allowed I think 20 hours total . Owned both helicopter and Cessna 172 for 12 years . Helicopter flying was the best experience. I sold the helicopter for more than I paid same with airplane so it costs next to nothing . Costs today are high but worth every penny with the right instructor , I don’t think you will regret it. Ken M
I came here to comment
Great.