Lr Helicopters Or Mountain View Helicopters?

[alphadog]

On 2017-08-04 at 11:53 AM, Bald Eagle said:

Update for those considering heli training at L R Helicopters. There are some issues there right now and some that have been there for a while!

Training is expensive as they only train on the R44. The owner will try to justify the cost but take note.... he talks a good talk! He is the co-owner, chief pilot, opps manager CFI and examiner!! all in one!! As and examiner he can be anywhere from difficult to rude, arrogant and a bully! On check rides it is not unusual for him to hit pilots on the head and abuse them in more ways than one. That said, L R Helicopters do from time to time have jobs for new pilots as they have the contract for CTN news machines in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto. They just lost the contract for Winnipeg! Whose next?  After spending your $75k CAD you may or may not get selected. The training is so good there that they employ student from Chinook, Mountain View and Helicopters Canada as these are better pilots! Or is it because you are not judged on you six month stint at L R? One mistake an it IS remembered! Only recently has there been an increase in the pilot ratio to 50/50 of L R students compared to other schools. It was only 1/3 of L R pilots made the grade!

At the moment students are only receiving a two week on two week off training schedule due to other commitments so the students suffer and seem to come last. The two week training is instructed by a great instructor - Richard A.......... his main job is instructing at.......... Mountain View!!!!! Before making a decision, talk to the pilots in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto and Calgary CTN bases and ask for an HONEST view! Of course talk to the other schools mentioned above too. IMO go for the less expensive training, spend your additional money on other ratings/training and extra hours to give yourself the optimum chance of a job. Also with the Alberta student loans (if you are a resident). You will get all of your training done for the loan cost with the other schools and not have to add $12/15K CAD to it. 

Lastly walk out of your training with a smile on your face. Enjoy your training (which means selecting the RIGHT place to train!  Which may not be L R Helicopters)!!!!!  Challenging times ahead for your first job but **** of a life when you get there.

 

I know both school owners.It is not for me to comment on why they have a tense relationship.But...you , you should gather proof for the statements you made and be prepared to back them in court. I am not taking any sides but I think that even the guys at MVH would agree that what you are writing on a public forum has to be fair and backed solidly.

[Bald Eagle]

There are three excellent schools that I can confirm offer good training AND you WILL enjoy your time. Thats as important when you are investing this sort of money and commitment. Any future pilot should understand that this is a hard industry to break into but great when you make it. You need a balanced approach from the instructors. They must teach you the correct way but also adapt themselves to your needs and leaning style. Be prepared for criticism and take it as it is meant to be.....  for your own good! but there is a balance and that is it has to be enjoyable. Something for you to remember for the rest of your life..... IN A GOOD WAY! Some of you will not make it. Not because you cannot fly, but maybe you just wont get the break!  Three schools at the top in Canada are Chinook -  contact Cathy. They are a great school.  Alberta, Mountain View will give top grade instruction with a blast! One of the most experienced schools in Canada - instructor hours wise! Contact Curtis. For Ontario go to Helicopters Canada.  Greta place to train.  All of these schools have provided many past students for the L R global news helicopter pilot jobs. The last one actually came from Mountain View and is flying Calgary ENG. There is a reason L R does not get student volume!!  Just go and take a night Rating there. It stands you as much chance if not more as you have to spend less time with the owner and less time for him to gather history on you!  That way you only get one crap flight .... your PCC! There are many other good schools in Canada, it just seems to be that these three are where the most new pilots came from for the ENG jobs.

 

Keep smiling and remember blue side up!