Thread: Helicopter License in Chicago?

I am looking to get my helicopter license. I have no formal aviation experience, but this is going to be important for business reasons. I am in my 40s and I am very serious. I just want the best instruction out there.

Any insight would be appreciated.

apenti

Best of luck, I'm starting lessons next week to go all the way through with my CFI and commercial rating. Are you just looking to do a private certification?

I have no desire for a commercial license. A private certification is what I'm looking for. Good luck with yours too!

I'll have a referral by the end of the weekend. Are you on the North Side or South Side?

I am in the Western 'Burbs.

Thanks for your input!

Any of these places rent out by the hour for tours around the city?

I checked with my fixed-wind buddies in Chicago and none of them knows anyone in the rotor-wing crowd anymore, they have all move to FL apparently. I did a bit of research and found a few by googling.

I think I'd start with simply calling around to the schools and find out if they offer introductory flights in rotorcraft. Go for a flight and see what you think. Then do some more research. Call the local TV or radio statios that fly and ask to talk with the pilot. They will most likely know someone in the shop that works on the copter they fly. Then talk to the shop and see who they know that teaches helicopter flying.

I was wondering about your level of experience with general aviation. It's a different end of teh pool when you are talking about rotor-wing aircraft vs fixed-wing.

Best of luck and keep us updated. There are several Private,Commercial,CFI, CFII, ATP and A&P A/I's here. So ask as many questions as you want.