Specialized training built around real-world operations.
Our advanced courses are designed for pilots who have their commercial ticket and want to build experience in the operations that matter — vertical reference, external loads, touchdown autorotations, and turbine helicopters. All training is conducted by senior JTH instructors with real operational backgrounds in EMS, firefighting, logging, and utility work.
Long-Line Vertical Reference
Jerry Trimble Helicopters is pleased to offer vertical reference and external load training. Our in-house instructors have completed Commercial External Load Operations, and have worked for companies such as Erickson and HTS, with load-rigging experience as Wildland Firefighters. Training is accomplished in the Robinson R-44, R-66, and the MD-500C. Students start with vertical reference and transition to external load operations — line lengths from 30′ to 200′.
After the fundamentals of vertical reference have been taught, training can be customized to meet the needs of the student: Christmas tree harvesting, cargo net operations, variation in line length, and Bambi Bucket operations.
The basic long-line course consists of 8 hours of flight in the R-44 or R-66, along with 8 hours of ground instruction. An additional Bambi Bucket Class is offered in the R-66 and MD-500C.
Base Course — 8 hrs flight / 8 hrs ground
Extended Course with Bambi Bucket — 10 hrs flight / 10 hrs ground
Required gear — students must arrive prepared with a helmet, boots, and gloves.
Call for details — Alison +1 (503) 577-6371 or Josh +1 (503) 577-6371.
Long-Line Operations in Action
A look at our vertical reference, external load, and bucket operations in the field.
Full-Down Autorotations — "Blow the Rust Off"
We're 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.
"Blow the Rust Off" Package
Our unique refresher package for touchdown autorotation practice includes 2 lessons of 1.0 hours each. In the first lesson, you'll practice normal, hovering, and 180° autorotations with one of our instructors (or with Jerry himself, schedule permitting). In the second lesson, you'll fly with Jerry and work on touchdown autorotations. Includes 1.0 hour of ground training and a complimentary JTH article of clothing (excluding a jacket).
Note — prices are subject to change. A fuel surcharge was added to each flight as of March 15, 2022.
Turbine Transition
Most helicopter pilots learn to fly in piston-powered helicopters such as the R-22 or R-44. These Robinson models are perfect for learning the basics. To become a more experienced, commercially marketable pilot, many choose to obtain turbine helicopter experience. JTH has developed an intensive turbine transition course — available in both the Robinson R-66 and MD-500C.
Turbine Fleet
The R-66 and MD-500C — the two turbine helicopters used in our transition course.
Course Details
- Ground Instruction — covers turbine theory, operations, hazards, emergency procedures, and training specific to the MD-500C and R-66.
- Flight Instruction — all maneuvers held to the Practical Test Standards specific to the pilot's certificate, plus emergency procedures, autopilot operation (R-66), instrument flight, and turbine-specific operations.
Course Completion Standards
- Both ground and flight portions of the course completed in their entirety.
- Complete written test.
- Final flight with a JTH senior pilot.
- Graduation certificate presented at class completion.
Course Cost — 5 hrs flight / 5 hrs ground
Need help enrolling in flight school?
We're constantly working to raise the bar on our services. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us so we can help you find the right course for you.
Jerry Trimble Helicopters — alison@jerrytrimblehelicopters.com