What now?

[KennyM]

Hello all. I have just passed my CPL (frozen ATPL) and I would appreciate any advice or guidance on how to progress further up the ever confusing and frustrating commercial flying career ladder! I have 210hours R22/R44, approx 70hrs flying through Spain/france, a couple of hours on a EC120. I have been told to send my CV to the big offshore companies but "not to hold my breath" and many have told me to go down the instructors route. Any advice would be great!

Cheers; A confused newboy. :confused:

[Heliport]

Welcome to the forum Kenny, and congrats. :ok:

You probably won't be surprised to learn you're not the first to ask for advice of that sort.

Spend a few hours browsing through previous threads and you'll find lots of advice.



Heliport

[Whirlygig]

The Instructor route is probably the safer option unless you can afford an instrument rating; you're unlikely to get sponsorship.

But I would suggest that the first thing to do is get more turbine hours.

Cheers

Whirls

[mongoose237]

unless you can afford an instrument rating; you're unlikely to get sponsorship.
Ask around the recent offshore intakes and see how many paid for their own IR outright (rather than being bonded for it)

[KennyM]

Looks like it might have to be the Instructors route then, unless I get lucky. I think the money will be best spent on that rather than turbine time! Perhaps that will come at a later date depending on who I work for. Currently flying out of Sloane Helicopters in Northampton so they might be worth a go. (I have spent enough money with them!)

Kenny.:confused:

[ThomasTheTankEngine]

Hi Kenny

I'd also advise the instructor route but I would not pay for any turbine hours yet, most of your instruction would be on pistons at a latter date when you have the chance of some free turbine hours or if you need one for work then I'd do a turbine rating.

[dunnarunna]

AGREED! Dont waste a fortune on a few hours in a 206 or 120 that you might not be able to keep up. Spend on the instructors rating, work very hard, get your face around and hang out with the engineers to learn how things tick. Sooner or later an opportunity will crop up. Take all the experience you can and be willing & presentable. Don't dress like a tramp like most pilots. You need to stand out from the crowd.:ok:

[dunnarunna]

And keep badgering the offshore companies.......stuff happens and someone with your hours CAN get straight on the offshore ladder. Right place, right time as usual. good luck.:ok: :ok: