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Among its many services, Florida Suncoast Helicopters, LLC offers a comprehensive flight-training program in the Robinson R-22 Beta II, the ideal rotorcraft for the student pilot.
Our locations in the southwest communities of Sarasota and Lakeland allow for year-round training. In addition, this area offers many housing options as well as recreational opportunities. Fishing, boating and golf are some popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the region. Disney World in Orlando is nearby. Miami and Fort Lauderdale, on the east coast of the state, are only about a 3 hour drive.
Florida Suncoast Helicopters is fortunate to be operating at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and in Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL), both controlled facilities. This provides the student with an additional flight-training benefit, the opportunity to learn communication and navigation skills in real-world conditions.
Whether you are interested in beginning a career in rotorcraft or are a high time, fixed-wing pilot, interested in an add-on rating, Florida Suncoast Helicopter staff would like to help you achieve your goal. We also offer transition training to the Robinson R-44.
Call Florida Suncoast Helicopters, and we will set you up with one of our experienced flight instructors. When you come in for your first lesson, you and your instructor will be able to plan a course of action that will help you meet your goals.
Yes you can. We do offer an introduction flight. Time will be spent with your instructor before the flight learning the very basics of the flight controls. Then you will begin the flight portion of your lesson where YOU will get to fly the helicopter with the help of your instructor.
No you do not. Helicopters (rotorcraft) and Airplanes (fixed-wing) are considered two different categories by the FAA. Therefore, you do not need any fixed-wing experience to start training.
Start with the helicopter. The ingrained reactions of an airplane pilot can compromise your safety when flying a helicopter. Basically, people tend to revert back to their initial training in an emergency. These emergency "airplane" reactions can compromise your helicopter safety.
Not in the least bit. You can learn to fly a helicopter. It will just take a little extra effort from you and your instructor to break your airplane habits, but before you know it you will be a safe helicopter pilot.
You can start at any age. You just will not be able to fly the helicopter alone, or "solo" as they say until 16 years of age. You may not be old enough to get your license, but you and an instructor can still do all the dual flight instruction you want.
A student pilot's certificate can be issued to you at 16 allowing you to solo the aircraft and train towards all the requirements for a private pilot certificate. Then at 17 you can be eligible for a private pilot certificate.
A private pilot is someone who became a pilot for personal reasons such as fun or travel. You will not be able to fly for compensation (i.e. money, cows, goats or pigs), but you will be able to take up family and friends. Depending how often you fly you should be able to achieve a private rating in four to six months.
First you will have to achieve your private pilot rating. Then you will need to do additional instruction for your "commercial" certificate. Your commercial rating will allow you to fly for compensation. This will require more flight training along with more in depth ground school. Starting from zero pilot experience to your earning your commercial rating should take approximately a calendar year.
The most probable step is to become a CFI (certified flight instructor). Almost all non-military trained pilots were instructors at one point. CFI jobs are abundant all over the country, and they allow you to build time and experience while getting paid.
It depends on the medical issue and your goal (private, commercial, etc.), but it probably won't be a problem. Talk to your instructor; be up front. They will know where to find the answer.
Also, you will be required to get a medical checkout from an FAA certified aviation doctor. A current medical is required for solo flight during training. We encourage you to schedule a medical early on in your flight instruction. Your instructor will help set you up with a flight doctor for a medical checkout.
Yes you can. You will just have to register with homeland security. Go to https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov/index.html and fill out the required paperwork.
You will need to bring a passport or U.S birth certificate along with a photo ID. Everything else will be provided for you.
The R22 has a maximum seat weight of 240lbs. If you are under that weight you are okay to start training.
Yes and no. The FAA does not prohibit landings anywhere, but many cities may have an ordinance prohibiting landing your helicopter except in designated airports and heliports.
Other considerations also come into account such as the suitability of the area for take off and landing as well as the possibility of disturbing others with noise. During your training you will learn more about what you can and cannot do.
An airplane is usually easier to fly. An airplane almost "flies itself" while the helicopter requires constant pilot input.
Yes, you will have to use books. Becoming a pilot involves more than just flying. You will learn about weather, aerodynamics, FAA regulations, airspace, and so on. In addition to studying on your own, you will receive one-on-one instruction with a qualified instructor.
There are many jobs for helicopter pilots. There are the jobs we all are familiar with such as air ambulance/EMS, tours, electronic news gathering (TV helicopters), flight instruction, and corporate pilots. There are also many jobs you may never have thought off such as; flying off shore to oil rigs, logging, pipeline patrol, aerial photography, and more.
Yes! Helicopters tend to fly noticeably smoother than an airplane in turbulent windy conditions.