ETL Aviation news and events related to the helicopter industry, helicopter flight training, or helicopter safety and related information.
TL Aviation received the Distinguished Flight School aware from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). AOPA is the world’s largest aviation association and conducted a Flight Training Experience Survey of over 600 flight schools. ETL Aviation was one of a few flight schools to receive the Distinguished Flight School award. The Flight Training Experience Survey was created to highlight the best flight training the industry has to offer. “Successful flight training is about more than just learning to fly. Building a sense of community to support the people who are learning takes the experience to a much higher level where they can excel. This year’s instructors and schools have clearly brought their customers into the pilot community,” said AOPA Foundation Sr. Director Flight Training Education Chris Moser.
FAA issues legal interpretation that clarifies that instrument training for commercial rating must be completed in a helicopter or helicopter simulator.
This legal interpretation clarifies that if the training occurs in a helicopter, or with a device or simulator that replicates a helicopter, that training may count towards the five hours of instrument aeronautical experience required under 14 CFR 61.129(c)(3)(i). However, instrument training performed outside of a helicopter and without a flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device that replicates a helicopter cannot count towards the five hours of instrument aeronautical experience that is required under 14 CFR 61.129(c)(3)(i).
In December 2022, the FAA publishes Aviation Weather Handbook FAA-H-8083-28. This handbook replaces several weather-related advisory circulars. The following advisory circulars are being replaced and will eventually be cancelled. This handbook conforms to pilot weather training and certification concepts established by the FAA. The discussion and explanations reflect the most commonly used weather products and information.
Paying for Helicopter Flight Training AT ETL Aviation, we understand that flight training is expensive. Learning to fly helicopters is a commitment in time and money, but it is extremely rewarding. Obtaining a pilot rating is a major achievement for most people. As the old joke goes, “How do you know who in the room…
ETL Aviation acquired a new (new to us) tug for towing the Schweizer 300CB training helicopter to and from the hangar at Blue Grass Airport, Lexington, Kentucky. The Tug brand tug is rated for 7000lb tow bar capacity. Although we could tow a 737, it makes easy work towing the 1750lb helicopter around.
ETL Aviation purchased a Schweizer 300CB helicopter to use for flight training. The Schweizer is an excellent platform for helicopter training. The origin of the 300CB was the Hughes TH-55. The TH-55 was used as the primary training helicopter for the Army from 1969-1988. “We really like the safety of the Schweizer 300 platform, and how easy it is to teach new students. We use the 300CB for all of our helicopter flight training program at ETL,” said owner and primary flight instructor Brad Fenster.
ETL Aviation gets a new logo for the flight school. ETL Aviation provides helicopter flight training in the Central Kentucky area. The new logo tries to incorporate an aviation theme with the rotating “swoosh”. For those new to helicopter, the ETL in the name stands for Effective Translational Lift. The ETL logo will fit nicely on the fuel tank of the Schweizer 300CB helicopter.
The FAA released a new version of the helicopter flying handbook, FAA-H-8083-21B. The Helicopter Flying Handbook is designed as a technical manual for applicants who are preparing for their private, commercial, or flight instructor pilot certificates with a helicopter class rating. Certificated flight instructors may find this handbook a valuable training aid, since detailed coverage of aerodynamics, flight controls, systems, performance, flight maneuvers, emergencies, and aeronautical decision-making is included. Topics such as weather, navigation, radio navigation and communications, use of flight information publications, and regulations are available in other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publications. The FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook is a key resource used throughout many of our helicopter training courses.
This guide provides an excellent review of key material to help the helicopter student pass their check ride. The guide uses a question and answer format, with expanded explanations. This format is helpful for student preparing for the oral portion of the checkride. This edition is written for the private pilot, but contains useful information for all pilots.
