GroundSchool Grind: Overcoming the Common Obstacles

Oct 10, 2024

For aspiring helicopter pilots, the path to mastering flight can often seem daunting and filled with countless hours of study and practice. However, with the right guidance and immersive training, such as the programs offered by Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.), achieving proficiency becomes not just a possibility but a reality. In this blog post, let's dig into the journey of Erin, a helicopter flight student from North Carolina, who recently completed an intensive training session with H.O.G.S.

 

 

Choosing H.O.G.S.: A Decision Grounded in Quality Training

Erin’s search for quality helicopter flight training led her to H.O.G.S., a decision that was rooted in thorough research and a compelling urge to excel. In the newest video from Helicopter Online Ground School, she mentioned, "I got a helicopter and I want to know how to fly it. It's just an overwhelming amount of information to learn. And without a teacher or real guidance, it was tough for me." Her journey began with watching various H.O.G.S. videos and subscribing to their emails, which eventually culminated in her being selected to train with Kenny Keller and his team.

Initial Challenges: Navigating the Ground Study Maze

One of the first hurdles Erin encountered was managing the extensive course material, especially ground studies. She candidly shared, "The ground has been the toughest. That was the toughest part. Flying was easy and fun and exciting, but then, you know, I wasn't really doing the ground." This highlights a common issue faced by many students; the allure of flight can overshadow the equally crucial aspect of ground training, leading to an imbalance in skills development.

Immersive Training: Turning Challenges into Achievements

H.O.G.S.s' immersive training program was a game changer for Erin. With distractions minimized, the focused one-on-one sessions allowed her to make substantial progress, as Kenny pointed out, “And now seven days later, I'm asking you questions out of my notebook and the private pilot study guide, and you're like, at 80% of what I'm asking where I think you said in the beginning you'd consider yourself 40%, right?” This structured yet rigorous approach enabled Erin to consolidate her learning and focus significantly on challenging areas.

Highlight Experiences: Night Flights and More

Beyond the rigorous training, Erin also experienced memorable flight moments, including her first night flight. She enthusiastically recounted, “I did my first night flight that I love.” Such experiences not only contribute to technical prowess but also spark a deeper passion for flying, making the journey fulfilling and enjoyable.

 

 

Goal Setting and Future Plans

A critical takeaway for Erin was the importance of goal-setting and structured study plans. With guidance from Kenny and the H.O.G.S. team, she learned how to map out her studies effectively. Erin shared, “When I go home, I have a direction. I know what to study. I'm not just like, well, I'll just read this page today.” This clear road map will be fundamental as she prepares for her check-ride and eventual certification.

Community and Support: Beyond Training

Community support is another pivotal aspect of H.O.G.S. training. Erin’s mention of meeting other enthusiasts and being part of the upcoming Vegas book signing event, "Top Ten Check-Ride Tips", underscores the network of support that extends beyond just training sessions. Kenny highlighted, "And then we might see you again when you come back for your check-ride later, right?” This continuous support network forms a crucial backbone for sustained learning and development.

A Transformative Experience

Erin’s story is a testament to the transformative power of immersive and structured training. Her journey from being overwhelmed with course materials to confidently handling most aspects of flight within a week underscores the effectiveness of H.O.G.S.s’ approach. For aspiring helicopter pilots, Erin’s experience highlights that the combination of expert guidance, immersive practice, community support, and structured study plans can turn the dream of mastering helicopter flight into a tangible reality.

Join Erin and the H.O.G.S. Team

Whether you're an aspiring pilot or an aviation enthusiast, Erin’s inspiring journey is a reminder of the heights one can achieve with the right training and dedication. Stay tuned for more stories and tips from the H.O.G.S. team and consider joining them for their next training session or event. As Erin aptly put it, "H.O.G.S. is the best ever!"