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Pvt ground school |
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Starting this Tuesday 5/25/2010 at 4:00. First class is free. Come see what it is all about. Helicopters are challenging and fun. Learn all about them in this multi session class designed for the working student. |
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4/13/10 |
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Congratulations James on your IFR rating! Great job. |
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4/20/10 |
New Helicopter ratings:
Garret - Private pilot, First time pass. |
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4/28/10 |
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We are now an Authorized R66 Turbine Dealership. If you or anyone you know would like more information on this exciting new helicopter, please contact our office. |
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3/12/10 |
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Congratulations Brandon and Rob on your first time pass Private pilot certificates. |
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1/7/2010 |
Congradulation Ryan Corey on your check-ride!
Specialized Helicopters of Watsonville California announces the completion of the first instrument check-ride in the new R22-GT, glass cockpit. This was a first time pass for helicopter pilot Ryan Corey who had just over 40 hours of instrument training and less than 90 hours total time in helicopter before taking the practical examination.
The R22-GT currently holds a Canadian STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) for the Robinson R22 Helicopter that incorporates a full complement of IFR instruments with engine monitoring systems, GPS moving map and terrain awareness functionalities. The system is designed to train Instrument students using the less costly Robinson R22 as opposed to the Robinson R44 and accomplish this using the latest technology from Sagem Avionics.
FAA Examiner John Pyle was able to test Mr. Corey on all of the standard instrument approaches along with a partial panel GPS WAAS approach. “I was not prepared for the GPS WAAS partial panel but using the R22-GT made it less stressful” states Mr. Corey.
This first check-ride marks a significant mile-stone for Specialized Helicopters and the helicopter training industry. “The development of this program has proved its worth to both the student and the flight school”, states Chris Gularte, president and chief pilot of Specialized Helicopters. “We started this process about a year ago and today we have completed the final reality test on the system and we now know it works as planned.” Specialized Helicopters was part of a development team including ASAP Avionics and Sagem Avionics that has worked diligently to achieve the STC for this glass cockpit system.
“The R22-GT is designed to meet the price point requirements of a new generation of pilots that require more value for less money and this has turned out to be exactly what we can now deliver. Ryan saved over $8,000 using the R22-GT as opposed to our R44 IFR instrument trainer and when you couple that with his understanding of the glass technology used all over the world today, he is better prepared than his peers and paid less to achieve it,” commented Mr. Gularte.
Specialized Helicopters, llc is a training and development center utilizing the Robinson R22 and R44 Make/Model of aircraft. They are also a Robinson authorized dealership and service center, FAA part 135 and 136 operator. The primary mission for the flight school is to prepare “today’s pilots for tomorrow’s missions.” The primary mission for the development center is to offer solutions to Robinson helicopter operators that generate higher margins with increased customer satisfaction. |
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1/1/2009 |
Happy New Year, we have added some staff pictures- See the about us page.About Us
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12/10/2009 |
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10:00-noon TODAY, FREE GROUND TRAINING, 100 hour maintenance, advanced pre-flight inspection and post maintenance test flights. |
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10/26/09 |
Upcoming IFR open house and free seminar. Join us for a free IFR flight training seminar were we will give away Dual IFR flight instruction in the new R22-GT glass cockpit.
Saturday December 5th 2009.
Call the office for details and to register. |
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R44 Time Building $299 |
Best price on the planet for R44 ENG helicopter. FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY - No catch, just great price-You can do this at Specialized Heli- Not only is this a great deal but you also get to do this in a Robinson ENG helicopter (news ship). It has a gyro stabilized camera and all the gadgets you could want. Learn how to fly ENG at the price of an R22.
Call now for details- Time wont last long at these prices.
$299-Solo
$349-Dual
60+ hour block per month reduces price by $25 per hour.
DO NOT WAIT-THIS DEAL WONT LAST |
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9-16-09 |
Take a look at our Facebook Page! Specialized has a new facebook page that allows our customers and clients to keep in contact with all the things we do on a regular basis. You can be the first to get discounts on heli-tours, training, aviation events or sometimes win free stuff. So take a few moments and become a FAN of SPECIALIZED HELICOPTERS on FACEBOOK.
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8/26/2009 |
The R22-GT Glass cockpit is on the flight scheduling system and ready to go for IFR flight training. We will be holding a free ground training introduction to the new system next week for those that will be training in this aircraft or would like to learn more about its systems.
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8/4/2009 |
TWIN TURBINE TRAINING AT $500 PER HOUR-
Specialized is now offering Twin Turbine flight time using an Agusta A109. Specialized has an exclusive deal using an Agusta for simple flight training by our students. Training is during ferry flights the helicopter is on. This means that our students can benefit from the vast array of instrumentation and avionics as well as become familiar with the systems of a Twin Turbine Helicopter durring repositioning on the aircraft.
This quick course will come with some ground instruction to allow the student to maximize the learning process while in the aircraft.
The normal rate for this aircraft is $4,500 per hour-Call today to get on the ferry list and for more information on this program.
Aircraft: Agusta A109 Power (Excellent Helicopter) http://www.agustawestland.com/product/aw109-power
Dates: Depart August 16th return the 19th
Trip: Hayward to Salt Lake City (4 hours each way)
Cost: $500 per hour. All other costs are on you (room, food, etc.)
What you get: Twin Turbine X-C and PIC-You can fly under the hood if you would like to also log IFR hood time.
Prerequisites: Private Pilot Helicopter (Instrument preferred)
Rules: All requests are to be submitted by Aug.9th. Preference is given to Students from Specialized Helicopters Professional pilot program.
Options: You may choose to fly one way and have another student fly back.
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6/17/2009 |
Brand New R44 Raven II with Air conditioning!
Specialized just took deliverey of our new R44 Raven II. This helicopter has air conditioning, bubble windows, instrument package, pilot side GPS 430 and much more. It is the ultimate tour helicopter for this area. Come by and have a look and take a flight.
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5/20/2009 - RHC Dealership |
Specialized Helicopters, llc is proud to announce that we are now an authorized Robinson helicopter dealer.
Specialized will be taking delivery of a brand new Raven II with A/C as our showroom demonstration model by June 15th!
For those that are interested in the purchase of a new R44 or R22, the deals have never been better. Contact us to find out how you can save almost $50,000 off a new R44 II. |
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5/27/09 |
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Flight Schedule Pro new Scheduling system!! We have officially switched back to Flight Schedule Pro for our scheduling system. For current students, if you forgot your username and/or password contact the front office, we will happily assist you. |
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4/27/09 |
Free Mountain Training Seminar on May 2 from 9-5!
The Mountain Training Seminar is a one day seminar presented by Claudio Bellotto from Heli Tahoe and Tim Atmajian, who is with the FAA and is an AME. The ground class will consist of 8 hours of intense instruction, which will prepare you for the flight portion of the Mountain Training Course. This course is recommended but not required for professional training. This class will provide you with an advanced understanding of what it takes to fly at a high density altitude and mountainous terrain. All interested pilots should sign up to reserve your seat for this valuable mountain training course. Having mountain training on your resume increases your employment possibilities. There will also be a BBQ for all seminar attendees.
Course: Mountain Training Seminar
Location: Specialized Helicopters
Schedule: May 2, 2009 at 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Course Length: 8 Hours
Tuition: Special Seminar FREE, Request Admin Fee of $10
Who can Register: Pilots with at least a Private Pilot Certificate
Register: By calling Specialized Helicopters at 831.763.2244
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4/27/09 |
FREE Flight simulator use!! We have been and are still offering free use of the flight simulator here at Specialized. For those that need or want additional instrument training, the simulator is a great way to enhance your skills and become familiar with instrument procedures and cockpit resource management.
The simulator is not FAA approved for use as a training devise but again, it works perfect for those needed additional procedures training. Please call the office to Schedule use.
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3/19/09 |
Congratulations to the following students:
Jared Berman - CFI helicopter
Larry Fernandes - CFI helicopter
Great first time pass on your CFI check rides. |
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3/31/09 |
R22 GLASS TRAINER- ON VIDEO!!
take a look at this link and see our R22 glass trainer at the Annual Helicopter association (HAI) meeting.
Click here - R22-GT VIDEO |
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4/14/2009 |
New R22-GT glass cockpit website!
Click here - R22-GT
Lots of great information for those interested in this amazing helicopter. |
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1/26/09 |
FREE Safety Seminars on 2/7, 3/7. and 4/4
( Attend all 3 and get 30 min. of FREE flight or ground instruction)
February 7th, 2009: First Topic
¦The maintenance aspect of a 100 hour inspection
¦The proper way to complete a preflight
¦The importance of a walk around and postflight inspection
March 7th, 2009: Second Topic
¦Flying Neighborly
¦LTE: Loss of Tail-rotor Effectiveness
¦The hazards of becoming a new pilot
April 4th, 2009:Third Topic
¦Full Down Autorotations
BBQ and
Helicopter videos
after every Seminar
Course: Safety Seminars
Location: Specialized Helicopters
Schedule: Saturdays, February 7th, March 7th,& April 4th
11:00am -2:00pm
Starting Date: Saturday, February 7th, 2009
Course Length: 9 Hours
Tuition: FREE
Who can Register: Everyone
Register: By calling Specialized Helicopters at 831.763.2244
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1/26/09 |
2nd Annual "One Shot" Autorotation Contest
Specialized Helicopters, LLC announces the second annual Precision "One Shot" Autorotation contest on April 4th and 5th. Most assume that when an engine fails in a helicopter, it will then drop out of the sky, but we intend to prove otherwise. This contest is to show that when an engine fails in a helicopter, it still has the ability to maneuver and land beautifully on a precise point. After marking a small spot on the runway, our helicopter pilots and others will compete by demonstrating their expertise in how precise and how close they maneuver down to the marked spot, while performing an autorotation. The pilot with the most accurate and successful autorotation will win awards, prizes and gain valuable helicopter flight proficiency, after all a successful autorotation can save your life. Helicopter pilots from everywhere are welcome to attend and be a contender in our "One Shot" Autorotation contest, and anyone else who would like to see the ability of these magnificent helicopters are welcome to join. The first day, Saturday, April 4th will consist of practice and a 3 hour full down autorotation seminar. Sunday will be the contest and the awards ceremony.
For more information or to sign-up for our "One Shot" Autorotation contest, visit www.specializedheli.com or call 831.763.2244.
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1/19/2009 |
Flight testing completed on recently overhauled R22 N247SH. The flight testing for this helicopter went very good. The pilots reported that it has excellent power and that it will be a great addition to our flight line. The plan is now to install the R22-GT cockpit. Once we finish the glass cockpit installation we hope to have the new R22 Glass cockpit IFR trainer ready to fly down to the annual HAI (Helicopter Association International)convention for display at our booth.
We will post more information as it becomes available. We hope to be able to allow students to get a first look at this system by mid Feb. or earlier. |
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1/19/2009 |
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New student loan possibilities! Monterey Credit Union has offered our students to come in for a loan consultation. They can offer up to $30,000 on a unsecured loan and higher amounts for secured loans. If you are interested please contact our office and we send you the information. |
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1/15/2009 |
Private Pilot Ground School
Specialized Helicopters Private Pilot Ground School is starting Wednesday, April 1, 2009. Classes are held at Specialized Helicopters from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. This course is beneficial to those thinking of or is currently enrolled in flight training.
This efficient class will not only save you money, but it will cover what you will need to know in order to obtain your Private Pilot certificate. This in-depth class will cover aircraft systems, aerodynamics, navigation, radio communications, meteorology, and air traffic systems.
We are currently in the middle of a Private Pilot Ground class, if you would rather attend now you are welcome to. You may make up what you missed during the April 1 Course.
Course: Private Pilot Ground Class
Location: Specialized Helicopters
Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Starting Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Course Length: 40 Hours
Tuition: $360.00 (first class is free)
Register: By calling Specialized Helicopters at (831) 763-2244.
Who can Register: Everyone and prior class attendees are welcome
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1/4/2009 |
Aerial film and videography has always been a service provided by Specialized since the beginning but recently we have been working with a film crew from southern California on a film based on a locally famous group of people. The movie is “ The West Siders”. You can see a video clip at: www.thewestsiders.com
The videoagrapher on the shoot was Tom Miller aerial image, one of California’s best helicopter video experts. He has a client list longer than your arm and his skill with shooting from a helicopter is as good as it gets.
On our day of filming, we covered a huge region of the California coastline and most of the best and most well known surf spots in this region. From Moss landing to Mavericks’ ( Half Moon Bay). Due to the restrictions to over flights in some of this region, we could not get too low but that is part of the life of a helicopter pilot working on the California coast. The good part is that it might have actually added to majestic beauty of this area by showing the huge expanse of open space and coastline.
Our early morning sunrise shots had to be some of the best we have ever filmed. The Spectacular scenery of the coastal redwoods, overlying fog and clear skies, in perfect harmony all the way to the coast. It does not get much more beautiful in this area and from a filming perspective the sunrise was quite difficult to capture being that it was directly in front of us. Tom Miller did make it all work out fine and the producer in the front seat had one of the best views this world has to offer. Lucky him, and us!
The film is characterized on the website as:
-----An eye-opening mixture of surfing innovation and gritty localism documents the rise and fall of the West Siders surf gang through the eyes of three best friends from the original "Surf City," Santa Cruz, California. Best friends, Daryl "Flea" Virostko, Shawn "Barney" Barron and Jason "Ratboy" Collins bonded by common tragedy and their love of surfing. They helped each other through shattered homes, drug addiction, psychological issues and hard-core localism to achieve their dream of becoming professional surfers before the age of 24.
In order to surf the notorious Steamer Lane, they were forced to join "The Westsiders" Surf Gang and go face to face with Vince Collier, aka "The Godfather of The Westside". Vince, a massive brute force, ran Steamer Lane with his own version of street justice. This 80-minute documentary explores how The Westsiders are the latest chapter in the bizarre yet innovative history of Santa Cruz, California.-------
After a full day of aerial filming, we were as pleased as it gets to be involved in a film that will bring the reality of the local surf culture to the rest of the world and in such a unique way.
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12/20/08 |
congratulations Doug on your solo---
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12/19/2008 - R22 Glass cocpit IFR trainer |
Specialized Helicopters, llc in association with Sagem Avionics, inc. and ASAP Avionics Services Ltd. Is proud to announce that we will be installing the world’s first R22 Glass cockpit IFR trainer. The “R22-GT Glass Trainer” solution solves many of the inherent problems with the older style of gauges and indicators such as much lower weight, significantly higher accuracy, less pilot work load and reliability through solid state electronics.
Specialized Helicopters also will be actively engaged in the sale and installation of the R22- GT, Glass Trainer for anyone that might need an IFR training solution at an average savings of $200 per hour as compared to the R44 IFR trainer. We will be offering complete IFR training, IFR check rides, helicopter instrument currency and much more in this aircraft. Imagine, now being able to learn IFR procedures in a helicopter equipped like larger turbine aircraft, using the same simple and reliable glass panels, and at the R22 rental rates. If you thought it could not get any better, the system is just as great for VFR training.
The R22-GT will have significant advantages over the older style gauges in that solid state electronics are far less susceptible to vibration and hard landings during hover autorotations. It will also show overtemp and overspeed indications by changing the guage indication to yellow or red as needed, this allows the pilot to notice important changes quickly. Another great feature is the RPM indication is not susceptible to parallax view errors and can also keep a log of your flight incase you inadvertently overspeed the engine or rotor. This allows the mechanic to get exact RPM indications throughout the flight instead of pilot guess work.
With all of this and much more, Specialized Helicopters, llc is proud to be able to play such a large part in making the R22-GT, Glass Trainer a reality. This new technology and training solution will be on display at our facility and officially launched at the Heli-Expo 2009 this February 22-25. Questions and presale orders can be made by contacting our main office. Price will be announced on December 25th 2008.
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12/13/2008 |
Carmel Valley has its 50th anniversary Santa Fly-in and Specialized flys in the very special guests.
Each year we get to perform this event in the Carmel Valley but this year as a special treat to the kids, there was also a formation airplane fly by. See the photos at: Santa Fly-In picture show
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12/01/2008 |
Invest in yourself and forget the stock market! Would you not feel better spending your hard-earned money on a new career that offer as much as being a helicopter pilot? In today’s times, you should consider investing in your future and not wasting money on a risk or frivolous products. Give us a chance to go over your particular options and join us for a free flight training consultation just like those people that showed up to our flight training seminar this weekend.
We encourage people to learn if they can actually benefit from our programs by offering you the chance to consider your options. Enjoy our no pressure, call, drop in or email consultations designed to give you the information you need - We want you to get informed and stay informed so that you can make good decisions! |
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FREE FLIGHT TRAINING SEMINAR |
If you are interested in learning how to become a helicopter pilot, dont miss this opportunity to explore your options. Learn about the helicopter industry and its future outlook, types of jobs available, our training programs, costs, financing your training and much more.
You can talk with our instructors and get answers to all of your questions in an open and friendly atmosphere.
Bring your family and friends down to see all of the aircraft and join us at the Watsonville airport for this interactive event and learn how an investment in yourself can really pay-off. As one of the worlds most unique and exciting careers helicopter aviation has provided a great opportunity to those that have undertaken the adventure - Come see how you can make a positive change in your life and gain a valuable skill that is utilized everyday to save lives and make our world a better place.
DATE: 11/29/2008
TIME: 1:00-3:00PM
LOCATION: Specialized Helicopters, Watsonville Airport.
Call for more details or to let us know you can make it. |
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11/12/2008 - Fuel Cost Drops |
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With the reduction of fuel price this month we have been able to remove the fuel sur-charge and save our customers money once again. We hope that they will continue to drop (as indicated by fuel markets) and be able to reduce our overall cost for services. |
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11/10/2008 - NEW HELP DESK SYSTEM LAUNCHED |
To aid people in getting answers to their questions in the comfort of cyberspace.
Background:
Over the last several years, we have received thousands of email and phone calls requesting help with helicopter flight training and general school questions. In order to help these helicopter students get good and accurate information (no matter where they are learning to fly), we established our “Free Flight Training Consultation”.
The original flight training consultation system was extremely well received in the helicopter training community. Our staff was able to significantly impact in a positive way many of those that needed help and had nowhere else to turn or felt they might not be getting good information elsewhere. It is our pleasure to aid those that ask so please feel free to take advantage of this system and create a support ticket.
The new system:
First off, you can still call us as needed, but we would encourage you to also try our new system, we know you will like it!
After you fill out a support ticket via our “Help Desk” (linked on the top and bottom of each page), we can track your questions and have several members of our staff offer assistance as needed. You may also continue the “conversation” at anytime allowing you to receive information over the course of time and we can pick up where we ended last time (even if its’ years later).
We hope you enjoy the new system—
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11/7/2008 - Private pilot ground school |
Starting December 1st. 2008
This class will give you the complete private pilot course and teach you the
skills necessary to fly, navigate, communicate, interpret weather, understand
radio communications and much more. If you are planning to fly as a commercial
pilot this is your first ground course and if you are planning on flying only as
a private pilot this is the only class you need.
Schedule: Mon and Wed. from 3:00-5:00pm
Length: 18 sessions (approx. 9 weeks)
Start date: December 1st @ 3:00pm
Cost: $360
Notes: After you have paid for this class the first time you can
retake it as many times as you like. For a complete set of books and flight bag
we are offering a discounted rate of $199 if purchased with the class. |
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11/1/2008 - Additional Student Housing |
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New Student Housing now open. If you need permanant or temporary housing we have just opened a new condominimum with pool, garage, laundry (in house) and within 1 mile of the airport. Contact us to day to reserve a room. |
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10/05/2008 - New web site launched!!! |
New website with many new features and enhancments.
Completely new look and logo, lots of pictures and an easy to navigate design.
We have expanded our flight training consultations to increase customer service through the website. At the top and bottom of each page is a link to our "help desk" that was designed to answer fligh training questions more effectivly.
We have also added a testimonials section from the flight training page so that you can read what others have to say about us. Feel free to email or use the helpdesk to send us testimonials and we can post them. Let us know what you think by dropping us a message. |
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