Years ago we met a utility pilot and asked him what the single most important piece of advice he could give to new pilots. He hesitated for a moment and replied, “Tell them to train in the mountains. Pilots who train in the mountains will always be more prepared for whatever they do.” Its pretty easy to transition from flying a Robbie at 5000' Density Altitude to sea level, to transition the other way is sometimes painful, if not fatal. You will learn a lot more about power management and learn to fly the rotors with little room for error.  This will make you a more proficient pilot capable of flying helicopters to their full potential. 

It is best if you will be able to fly at least 2 to 3 times per week, if not more. We want to make sure that you have access to helicopters and instructors as often as you would like. Our user-friendly online scheduling program makes it simple for you to set up your schedule as well as make any changes necessary. 

Mountain Ridge Helicopter flies Robinson R22 Beta II and R44 Raven II. Know that you fly at least 200 to 300 hours to be able to instruct in any helicopter due to insurance requirements. If you train in a Robinson it will take you 5 hours more to be able to instruct in the Schweizer or Enstrom. If you fly the Schweizer you will need to fly 50 more in the Robinson or 5 hours in the Enstrom.   Also take into consideration you will probably have to teach some time in your career and the majority of all schools fly the Robinsons, so there are more job possibilities flying Robinsons.  It is suggested that you go visit at least one school that flies the Robinson and one school that flies the Schweizer or Enstrom and hear the arguments for both.  Don’t be afraid to make several visits or phone calls if you need to clear up any contradictions. Also know that there are many more instructor positions available for Robinson qualified pilots. So by training in a Robinson you will increase your employment possibilities.  Robinson helicopters outnumber their competition 20:1 in the industry. (www.rotor.com)

In the event of engine failure, helicopters have the unique ability to maintain precise directional control and land safely—even in confined areas. What makes this possible is a descending maneuver called “autorotation.” The helicopter rotor blades are disengaged from the engine which allows the blades to continue spinning from the natural-occurring upward flow of air. Even though helicopter engine failures are exceptionally uncommon, Mountain Ridge Helicopters provides extensive autorotation training.

Mountain Ridge Helicopters maintains relationships with commercial operators in order to better prepare our students and to assist our instructors. We are constantly updating our training syllabus to prepare students for future jobs.  We work with various commercial operators to make sure that our graduates are ready for their future employers. 

Some typical questions can be summed up with: Eyesight correctible to 20/20 (glasses, contacts ok), No history of seizures or losing consciousness, No felony drug charges, No diabetes, Visit the FAA Medical website which will offer more details of obtaining a medical certificate and the locations.

You must complete a commercial certifcate in order to be paid to fly, however most pilots earn a CFI rating in order to help build time necessary for commercial employment.

Pilot schools can operate under two parts of the Federal Aviation Regulations: Part 141 and Part 61. Part 141 schools have more rigorous requirements for certification, staffing and federal oversight.

Is one type of school better than the other? Not necessarily. Part 141 is a guarantee that a school meets high government standards, but students may still receive excellent instruction under Part 61 programs. Generally speaking, employers are interested in the overall reputation of the school where  you did your training, and not strictly its Part 141 or Part 61 status.  We currently operate under Part 141 & 61.

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