Helicopter rating?

[MountainDude]

PP, daytime VFR only, 900 hours in a C182.
Considering a helicopter rating. I would definitely enjoy getting it. However, not sure what to do afterwards. Expensive to rent, limited range, limited advantages over my 182...

Anyone done this or consider doing it? Any input is appreciated.

 

[Tools]

I’m working (not terribly seriously) on gyro rating first, then it’s just an add on.

Save a few bucks, and gyros are pretty cool.

 

[eman1200]

…However, not sure what to do afterwards….

Do what the MAJORITY of people do who get seaplane ratings, tail wheel, multi etc………………………………………,………………..……………..nothing.

 

[AV8R_87]

Anyone done this or consider doing it? Any input is appreciated.

Only if someone else is paying for it or is willing to offer you a job after. Or both.
Join the US Army.

It is said that you need to fly 2-3 hours/month minimum to maintain some level of proficiency in fixed wing. With the kind of helicopter you'd be most likely to fly (single engine piston, teetering low inertia rotor), I'd say that number would have to be 2-3 times as much.

Now multiply that by $450/hr.

 

[Bell206]

Anyone done this or consider doing it? Any input is appreciated.

A third of my owner-assist customers had a rotorcraft add-on. However, helicopters are a common sight in my region due to the offshore industry. However, I know several PPCs that got their rotor add-on strictly to understand how a helicopter works due to the fact they commuted to work in helicopters their whole career. Perhaps as an alternative, pay for a discovery flight at a local helicopter school to see if its something you want to do.

 

[Pinecone]

I did my RH ratings a number of years go. PP, CP, CFI RH.

Great fun. But not really useful unless you can build some hours and get a job flying one.

Or make a WHOLE lot of money to own your own. T-hangar next to be is an R-44. Talking to the owner, he pays $18,000 a year for insurance.

 

[WJG-GMT-RootBeer]

Do what the MAJORITY of people do who get seaplane ratings, tail wheel, multi etc………………………………………,………………..……………..nothing.

Took me a while to put my ASES to use---but with the acquisition of a Buccaneer I have done over 50 hours in addition to the rating and have thoroughly enjoyed it---did 33 water landings over the weekend. Its a fun rating to get and probably as useful as a rotor rating for most---as the price point on helicopters is typically quite high as are the hourly rates if you can get one to rent. If you can swing either---I say go for it. At the end of this whole ride, you will probably regret more of what you did not do that what you did do.

 

[frfly172]

Thought about it,but cost was prohibitive,seeing I wasn’t going to own one.

 

[Llewtrah381]

Considering a helicopter rating

I’m working (not terribly seriously) on gyro rating first, then it’s just an add on.

Save a few bucks, and gyros are pretty cool

Depends on what the “real” objectives are. If it’s the challenge of getting a helo rating, then a gyro obviously won’t do. If it’s to be able to land and take off in your front yard, it still won’t. But if it’s to go low and slow-ish and the challenge of flying a rotorcraft in general, a gyro is a great option.

Basically, wherever a Cubby can go a gyro can as well. You need some runway but not a lot, especially for takeoff. Airspeed is about the same. And I park my Magni M-16 in front of the left wing of my Warrior, so hangaring options are broader.

I’ve also flown a Magni M-24 - an enclosed, side by side gyro and personally prefer the M-16 but the -24 is less windy, the spouses seem to prefer it, and it’s like riding in a surreal bubble craft.

Especially used, both can be had for $100k or less (my M-16 was about $90k new with some panel add-ons). Operating cost is very low - except insurance. About $5500/yr even though I have a Commercial rating and about 300 hours.

I fly my gyro more frequently than the Warrior but considerably fewer hours: I go up in it ideally once a week for half an hour or so and put 30-50hrs/yr on it. I do 150-200/yr on the Warrior, mostly XC.

If you want to collect ratings, the helo is an option. But if you have the runway and hangar space (even a barn and a short grass field), you’re much more likely to fly the gyro often.

I’m talking about “serious” gyros like the Magni, Ranger, and Autogyros. The Benson-type are far less expensive and far more dangerous, IMHO. Closer to an ultralight than a “serious” gyro - but more dangerous than an ultralight