Long-Line Vertical Reference

Jerry Trimble Helicopters is pleased to offer vertical reference and external load training. Our in-house instructors will give training.  Our instructors have completed Commercial External Load Operations, and have worked for companies such as Erickson and HTS, and have load rigging experience as Wildland Firefighters.  Training is accomplished in the Robinson R-44, R-66, and the MD-500C.  Students will start out with vertical reference training and transition to external load operations. Line length will vary from 30′ – 200′.   

After the fundamentals of Vertical Reference have been taught, training can be customized to meet the needs of the student.  It can consist of Christmas Tree Harvesting, Cargo Net Operations, variation in line length, and Bambi Bucket Operations. 

The basic long-line course will consist of 8 hours of flight in the R-44 or R-66, along with 8 hours of ground instruction.  We also offer an additional Bambi Bucket Class in the R-66 and MD-500C. 

 Course Costs (8 hours flight/8 hours ground)

  • R-44 Right Seat PIC $10,208

  • R-66 Right Seat PIC $12,608

  • MD-500C Left Seat PIC $12,608

Course Costs (10 hours flight/10 hours ground)

  • R-66 Course with Bucket Class $15,760

  • MD-500C Course with Bucket Class $15,760

Call for details Alison +1 (503) 577-6371 or Josh +1 (719) 334-6266

Students are required to arrive prepared with a helmet, boots, and gloves.

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Full-Down Autorotations “Blow the Rust Off”

We are now offering Touchdown Autorotation Training at your location.

Would you like to have the best touchdown autorotation training available? JTH offers a 1 or 2-day autorotation training program customized to your needs.  Contact us for details.

Full-Down Autorotations “Blow the Rust Off”

We have a unique “Blow the Rust Off” package for touchdown autorotation practice. This package includes two lessons lasting 1.0 hours each. In the first lesson, you will practice normal, hovering, and 180° autos with one of our instructors or, schedule permitting, with Jerry. In the next lesson, you will fly with Jerry and work on touchdown autorotations. The package also includes 1.0 hours of ground training. The pilot will also receive a complimentary JTH article of clothing (excluding a jacket).

  • R-22: $772

  • R-44: $1,290

Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change. A fuel surcharge was added to each flight as of 3/15/2022.

Turbine Transition

Most helicopter pilots learn to fly in piston-powered helicopters, such as the R22 or R44. These Robinson models are perfect for learning the basics of flying a helicopter. In order to become a more experienced, commercially marketable pilot, pilots may choose to obtain turbine helicopter experience. In order to help pilots in that transition from piston to turbine helicopters, JTH has developed an intensive helicopter turbine transition course.  It is available in both the R-66 and MD-500C. 

Course Details

  • Ground Instruction: Covers Turbine Theory, Operations, Hazards, Emergency Procedures, and training specific to the MD-500C and R-66.  

  • Flight Instruction: Includes all maneuvers held to the Practical Test Standards specific to the pilot’s certificate.  Emergency Procedures, Autopilot Operation (R-66), Instrument Flight, and all turbine-specific operations are covered. 

Course Completion Standards

  • Both Ground and Flight portions, of course, will be completed in their entirety.

  • Complete Written Test.

  • Final flight with JTH Senior Pilot.

  • Graduation Certificate will be presented at class completion. 

Course Costs—5 hours flight, 5 hours ground.

  • R-66:                                                                       $5,295                   

  • MD-500C: $4,375