Although you can train in almost any helicopter, the choices are effectively limited to the Robinson R22 and the Hughes/Schweizer 300.

Schweizer 300 CBi

To overcome the reliability problems we were having with the older Hughes 300 C helicopters, and with the intention of updating our fleet, we bought a Schweizer 300 CBi (fuel injected model) after waiting long enough to ensure that the new fuel injected Schweizer 300 CBi had overcome all the initial problems that were being experienced in the 300 CB.

This helicopter has been so successful and reliable that we bought two more brand new Schweizer 300 CBi, which we have been operating since October 2007.

 

Robinson R22

The Robinson R22 has been shown by official USA National Transport Safety Board figures to be the most reliable helicopter ever built, with the lowest incidence of mechanical failures of any helicopter (piston engine or turbine).

We concur with these findings as we have flown over 12,000 hours in Robinson R22's with an incredible reliability factor and only one minor accident, which occurred with a student on his first solo. Ask the other schools, particularly those operating the older types of helicopters, if they can match this claim; we know for a fact they can't.

The Schweizer 300 C uses a Lycoming HIO 360 engine that operates at 3,100 RPM whereas the Robinson R22 uses a Lycoming O 360 engine (a similar engine that is not fuel injected) that operates at 2,652 RPM. This is a major factor in the difference in their reliability. (The Schweizer 300 CBi also has a de-rated Lycoming O 360 engine, which runs at 2,700 RPM.)

The 'T' Bar cyclic is great when you get used to it, not only does it allow better access to the helicopter, but it allows pilots of all heights to move the cyclic grip to a position where it gives them the most control over the helicopter. With a conventional cyclic, short people have to hold it below the grip and quite often cannot rest their arm on their leg, which means their control movements are not as smooth as they could be, and tall people have the cyclic buried low down between their legs.

You will hear people saying about how hard engine failures are in the R22 - sure the emergencies are more difficult in the R22, but if you learn how to do them properly in this helicopter , you can handle them in any helicopter. We conduct engine failure training (autorotations) from 50 feet in the R22 - ask the school you are considering training with if they do this.

Whilst we acknowledge the R22 has a maximum seat loading of 109 kg, we believe this is a realistic limitation for a Commercial helicopter pilot. If a student weighs much more than 109 kg, they are unlikely to get a job, regardless of what they are told. Helicopters have a maximum legally allowable weight at which they can operate, and any excess pilot weight cuts into the available payload and, all other things being equal, employers are unlikely to accept that penalty when there are lighter pilots they can employ, so you must be aware that excessive pilot weight is a factor employers will consider when hiring a new pilot.

Hughes 300 C

Hughes helicopters were bought out by Schweizer in 1983, so anyone still training in a Hughes 300 is operating equipment well over 20 years old and, over the 19 years and 18,000 hours that we operated the Hughes 300, we found that their age made their reliability factor extremely poor.

Bell 47

The Bell 47 is a grand old helicopter but it went out of production in 1973 and, although Ron has a lot of time in them, and a lot of time for them, they have all but disappeared in the commercial world and that alone is enough to limit their usefulness as a training helicopter.

Summary

The helicopter type you learn in definitely has a strong influence on your safety and your job prospects but let's face it, it's not the type of helicopter you learn in that determines your piloting ability, it's the quality of the instruction. Does it really matter if you learn to drive in a Toyota or a Ford? NO. Does it matter if you learn to drive with a good instructor or an average instructor? IT SURE DOES!