Doing the whirly thing commercially

[tegwin]

Im not sure if this should be in here or Rotorheads..

But anyhow..

Im really confused having read a load of informationa all over the place....

Im currently PPL(H) working towards a career in rotory aviation... (I know its a hard path to take so lets not go there!)...


But..I am confused as to what to be aiming for...do I head for CPL(H) and do the 9 exams, or should I be looking at doing the ATPL(H) and take the 14 exams?

So far my understanding is that to actually use the ATPL(H) I have to complete an IR within 5 years, which, unless I get sponsorship (which seems potentially unlikley) I would not be able to do this. With this reasoning, the CPL(H) makes more sence...

But, if I have the ATPL(H), it may be more enticing for potential IR sponsors?

If I do the 9 CPL exams now, do I have to do all 14 exams for ATPL if and when I need to, or do I just do 5 extra units?

Or am I totaly confused? It really is a minefield of information out there and I keep tripping over each damn thing in turn:suspect:


Any help appreciated, any abuse taken with humor...

[Whirlygig]

This is being discussed currently on Rotorheads! The rules are different for fixed wing.

It's 3 years BTW, not 5 in which to get an IR after ATPL(H) passes.

However, an ATPL is really only needed for North Sea ops where it's a two pilot operation. Onshore work usually just requires CPL(H) theory and then, if you want to get an IR, you have another 7 exams. You will then have a CPL/IR which, after recent rule changes can no longer be upgraded to an ATPL(H) - it used to be!

If you just plan on instructing for example, the CPL exams would be sufficient. But, if I was you, now, I would do the ATPL exams. Yes, you may have to resit them if you don't get an IR in 3 years but it's easier to resit something you've already studied once!

I've nearly finished the CPL exams; given the rule change, I wished I'd sat ATPLs.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

Whirls

[tegwin]

In all honesty, the decision between CPL and ATPL is all down to which costs less(If the cost difference is significant)...I am looking into costs of each, but was just trying to get my head around what each of them actually was and which is most likley to get me employment in the long term.



if you dont mind me asking Whirls...where are you doing your CPL ground? And is it modular or intergrated? (PM me if you prefer)

Chears

Just read the thread in rotorheads I think you were refering to...it makes a lot of sence...But it has added confusion....If you cant upgrade from CPL/IR to ATPL, how can you get offshore work on multicrew multi engine?...

[Bravo73]

If you cant upgrade from CPL/IR to ATPL, how can you get offshore work on multicrew multi engine?...

In effect, you can't with just CPL theory. (Technically, yes, you can but the NS operators won't employ someone who can't potentially be made up to a captain some time in the future.)

In all honesty, the decision between CPL and ATPL is all down to which costs less(If the cost difference is significant)...I am looking into costs of each, but was just trying to get my head around what each of them actually was and which is most likley to get me employment in the long term.

Remember the Option A, B, C quote that I gave you in your other thread? Well, do you want a high cost, high risk option? Or a lower cost, lower risk option?



PS You will probably get a better response over on Rotorheads. Most of the lot over here don't really understand helicopters... :}

[Whirlygig]

Not entirely true Bravs; we’re here aren’t we? :ok:

There are no schools which offer an integrated CPL(H) with CPL theory; they are all with ATPL(H) theory. There are two CPL(H) groundschools in the UK being Atlantic Flight Training and Dragon Helicopters. I’m with the former.

However, as I said, if I was to make the choice now, I would do ATPL with either Bristol who have a proven track record and I’ve not really heard a bad word said about them or with PACT which is a new business started by Phil Croucher (aka paco). I believe his course is more helicopter oriented and contains useful stuff! All other (H) courses are fixed wing based.

The cost difference between a CPL ground course and ATPL would be about £500 plus, of course, sitting the extra number of exams at £62 a pop. Bear in mind that CPL exams can only be taken at Gatwick; ATPLs have a few venues over the country. Depending on your location, you might want to consider the travel and hotel costs!

If you think there is any chance that you may work on the North Sea at any time, do the ATPL exams.

Cheers

Whirls

[Bravo73]

Ah but Whirls, I only said that he'd probably get a better response over on Rotorheads. Incidentally, does this mean that you've got Aberdonian ambitions? PM if you'd prefer.


Tegwin,

Purely out of interest, this is the second 'helicopter career' related thread that you've started outside of Rotorheads. Is there any particular reason why you aren't interested in the opinions of the people who can help you the most? :confused:

[Whirlygig]

A better response? Don't do yourself down! Or me, for that matter. :} I have no Aberdonian ambitions but a N'arch ambition could be festering within! ;)

Tegwin, you're not the first (and certainly won't be the last) to ask these questions. Seriously, all the answers you could need are in Rotorheads; you'll just have to be patient and a bit clever with the Pprune search function! So, get yourself a bottle of red and settle down for a good night's reading! 'Swhat I did several years ago!

Cheers

Whirls