Ernie Kelly of the EAA, the Experimental Aircraft Association, sent me an email about helicopter training at Skyline Columbus, 3250 West Britt David Road. Well, that the company is adding helicopter training to its flight training curriculum.
So that means even I can learn how to fly a helicopter. The good thing is, my nephew Scott, can fix it if something goes wrong. Scott, who is in the Air Force, is a helicopter mechanic.
Skyline Columbus has been providing fixed-wing training since 2009, but it will be the first time to offer helicopter training. It's the only flight school to offer helicopter training within 100 miles.
"The addition of helicopter training will give the people of Columbus and southwest Georgia an additional opportunity when it comes to learning to fly or pursuing a career in aviation," said owner Todd Shellnut in a statement. "Earning a helicopter pilot certificate can open the door to careers in emergency medical services, law enforcement, agriculture, oil and gas support, photography, search and rescue and many other fields."
I interviewed Todd for a Life & Jobs story and he's a great guy.
He and his wife, Linda, bought a Hughes 269, a safe, time-proven craft that is designed for training.
Of course, Scott will probably say he's never worked on a Hughes 269. But it's been used as the U.S. Army's primary training craft for more than 20 years.
Military personnel may qualify for financial assistance in helicopter training, Shellnut said.
"Whether it's to provide a career option after serving, or simply to learn a new skill, we are happy to support our troops and will work closely with them to find the most affordable training option," Todd said in the statement.
For fees and class schedules, call 706-322-6565.
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