Becoming a professional pilot, and finding a job
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Try this.....
Getting Started
This is the most difficult bit – the cost of helicopter time is so great that it’s almost impossible to do without help, maybe from parents, or being trained in the Forces. Having said that, there are plenty of people who have done it, so it isn’t impossible, but these will tend be found in Canada or the USA, where it’s considerably cheaper. In Europe, where it’s over twice as expensive and you need more hours to get your licence (700 under JARs at the moment), anyone who can afford their own training would, in terms of pure financial reward, have to think twice before working as a pilot, because that sort of money can be considerably more productive elsewhere. At least you can then fly when you want to.
Mind you, it’s ultimately not that different in North America. Even though you only need 100 or 150 hours to get your ticket, you are still usually unemployable, unless your family owns the company (and even then the insurance companies or customers would have something to say), so you either have to do a couple of years as a hangar rat, that is, washing windscreens until your company sees what you’re like and trains you up, or buy the hours yourself. To be even remotely interesting to an employer (or, more correctly, a customer), you need at least 1000 hours, sometimes 1500, or some sort of specialised training, such as a mountain course (preferably both) and maybe an instrument rating, depending on the job.
Typically, there will be an internal course for ground staff with commercial licences, and who have been observed for a couple of seasons to see whether they are suitable. It will be run by senior pilots who are also instructors, and is a good thing to get on, as it will markedly improve your prospects over other pilots with the same hours as you, assuming that other companies recognise the standards. In fact, your training background is so important that you should pick your school carefully if you can’t get on such a course. Make sure whoever teaches you has actually been out and done the job themselves, and have maybe run their own companies. Unfortunately, it is possible for people to become instructors at 200 hours and stay there. Granted, if this wasn’t possible, the industry wouldn’t have nearly as many pilots as it needs, but there are many who would prefer that instructors have a minimum of 1500 hours before they start, because trouble is best avoided by not getting into it in the first place, and you only know how to do that with experience. You can’t teach what you don’t know.
Many schools indicate they might hire you once you complete your training, but don’t include that as a factor in your choice, as it’s generally only those that are part of a larger commercial organisation that can afford to do it, and the competition is keen. The employment situation can change from day to day, and it can be impossible to keep up with. Just regard it as a bonus.
When you budget for your training, don’t just count in the cost of your course, but the time afterwards going around companies to get hired; just sending resumes is no good at all (this could take up to four years). Note also that you may well need more hours than you think– certainly, as far as the PPL is concerned, the average time taken to pass is 67.7 hours, against a minimum requirement of about 40.
The machine you train on often counts, too – it took a long time for the Robinson R22 to get accepted over a Bell 47, and then only because the spares ran out. However, both are underpowered and are good for teaching you power management, if nothing else.
So, now that I’ve painted a really pessimistic picture of your prospects (by request, actually, from people who have been there before you), let’s start having a look at what you need to get your licence. After that, we’ll see what you might get up to after that, so you know what you’re letting yourself in for.
(continued in the heli pilot's handbook...)
Phil
Getting Started
This is the most difficult bit – the cost of helicopter time is so great that it’s almost impossible to do without help, maybe from parents, or being trained in the Forces. Having said that, there are plenty of people who have done it, so it isn’t impossible, but these will tend be found in Canada or the USA, where it’s considerably cheaper. In Europe, where it’s over twice as expensive and you need more hours to get your licence (700 under JARs at the moment), anyone who can afford their own training would, in terms of pure financial reward, have to think twice before working as a pilot, because that sort of money can be considerably more productive elsewhere. At least you can then fly when you want to.
Mind you, it’s ultimately not that different in North America. Even though you only need 100 or 150 hours to get your ticket, you are still usually unemployable, unless your family owns the company (and even then the insurance companies or customers would have something to say), so you either have to do a couple of years as a hangar rat, that is, washing windscreens until your company sees what you’re like and trains you up, or buy the hours yourself. To be even remotely interesting to an employer (or, more correctly, a customer), you need at least 1000 hours, sometimes 1500, or some sort of specialised training, such as a mountain course (preferably both) and maybe an instrument rating, depending on the job.
Typically, there will be an internal course for ground staff with commercial licences, and who have been observed for a couple of seasons to see whether they are suitable. It will be run by senior pilots who are also instructors, and is a good thing to get on, as it will markedly improve your prospects over other pilots with the same hours as you, assuming that other companies recognise the standards. In fact, your training background is so important that you should pick your school carefully if you can’t get on such a course. Make sure whoever teaches you has actually been out and done the job themselves, and have maybe run their own companies. Unfortunately, it is possible for people to become instructors at 200 hours and stay there. Granted, if this wasn’t possible, the industry wouldn’t have nearly as many pilots as it needs, but there are many who would prefer that instructors have a minimum of 1500 hours before they start, because trouble is best avoided by not getting into it in the first place, and you only know how to do that with experience. You can’t teach what you don’t know.
Many schools indicate they might hire you once you complete your training, but don’t include that as a factor in your choice, as it’s generally only those that are part of a larger commercial organisation that can afford to do it, and the competition is keen. The employment situation can change from day to day, and it can be impossible to keep up with. Just regard it as a bonus.
When you budget for your training, don’t just count in the cost of your course, but the time afterwards going around companies to get hired; just sending resumes is no good at all (this could take up to four years). Note also that you may well need more hours than you think– certainly, as far as the PPL is concerned, the average time taken to pass is 67.7 hours, against a minimum requirement of about 40.
The machine you train on often counts, too – it took a long time for the Robinson R22 to get accepted over a Bell 47, and then only because the spares ran out. However, both are underpowered and are good for teaching you power management, if nothing else.
So, now that I’ve painted a really pessimistic picture of your prospects (by request, actually, from people who have been there before you), let’s start having a look at what you need to get your licence. After that, we’ll see what you might get up to after that, so you know what you’re letting yourself in for.
(continued in the heli pilot's handbook...)
Phil
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Try the Just Helicopters bulletin board on the World Wide Web, Rene. The pilots there are from the USA, but the pilots who have posted their experiences say "It is tough all over". warning: most all the postings on the entire Just Helicopters board resemble JetBlast.
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If what you're looking for is sensible helicopter pilot orientated (e.g regulatory (JAR), training, career, "how to" etc.) advice try http://www.plh.co.uk.
British Helicopter Advisory Board (BHAB) also have an excellent site on http://www.bhab.demon.co.uk.
Happy Landings
------------------
Proper Prior Planning Prevents P*** Poor Performance........Do it right, seek advice!
British Helicopter Advisory Board (BHAB) also have an excellent site on http://www.bhab.demon.co.uk.
Happy Landings
------------------
Proper Prior Planning Prevents P*** Poor Performance........Do it right, seek advice!
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Gidday guys,
Have you ever thought of coming down under to train?I think it is worth a look.With the money you have avalable you could get your Cpl(H)and still have money left to do more hours,get a turbine rating, extra mountain course(Which is part of the CPL over here)and pay for your living expenses.
Get in touch with Andy Mackay at www.heliflight.co.nz as he is a very well respected training organisation and they offer some of the best mountain flying training in the world.
Safe flying
Skiv
[This message has been edited by Kiwi Skiv (edited 05 June 2001).]
Have you ever thought of coming down under to train?I think it is worth a look.With the money you have avalable you could get your Cpl(H)and still have money left to do more hours,get a turbine rating, extra mountain course(Which is part of the CPL over here)and pay for your living expenses.
Get in touch with Andy Mackay at www.heliflight.co.nz as he is a very well respected training organisation and they offer some of the best mountain flying training in the world.
Safe flying
Skiv
[This message has been edited by Kiwi Skiv (edited 05 June 2001).]
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When does "too old" to start......
..actually start?
I am in the US, 28 years old, and positioned to start my commercial rotorcraft career from ground zero. I am very serious and not trolling through on a whim. I am tryin to obtain some opinions from those who have come before me.
I have these resources:
-Money and medical in hand. ($45k & Class 1)
-Unlimited time (nothing but)
-No baggage (no ankle or wallet biters)
-No debts
I realistically figure the first 5 years after school completion will be "hour builders."..not to mention a lot of blood,sweat,tears, and possibly some hair pulling.
I realize a lot of work is ahead of me.
I would really appreciate an honest and straightforward answers. I think asking you guys and gals would be the best.E mail me if you want.
Thanks from Chris
[email protected]
[ 10 July 2001: Message edited by: rigidrotor_rt ]
I am in the US, 28 years old, and positioned to start my commercial rotorcraft career from ground zero. I am very serious and not trolling through on a whim. I am tryin to obtain some opinions from those who have come before me.
I have these resources:
-Money and medical in hand. ($45k & Class 1)
-Unlimited time (nothing but)
-No baggage (no ankle or wallet biters)
-No debts
I realistically figure the first 5 years after school completion will be "hour builders."..not to mention a lot of blood,sweat,tears, and possibly some hair pulling.
I realize a lot of work is ahead of me.
I would really appreciate an honest and straightforward answers. I think asking you guys and gals would be the best.E mail me if you want.
Thanks from Chris
[email protected]
[ 10 July 2001: Message edited by: rigidrotor_rt ]
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Anywhere between 24 to 34 is probably the perfect age to start an aviation career. You're mature enough to avoid the pitfalls of raging hormones which inflicts most young men but still young enough to keep up with the demands of the very steep learning curve which is associated with learning to fly.
Before you spend the cash though think it thru, a career in helicopters is a dead end career. At your age and with your resources maybe you should think fixed wing, then after you become a $200,000+ captain with a major airline you could fly helicopters for a hobby.
[ 10 July 2001: Message edited by: IHL ]
Before you spend the cash though think it thru, a career in helicopters is a dead end career. At your age and with your resources maybe you should think fixed wing, then after you become a $200,000+ captain with a major airline you could fly helicopters for a hobby.
[ 10 July 2001: Message edited by: IHL ]
Gatvol
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Better Yet. Use that Money, get a good education. Invent something to do with Computers, make a ton of money.....
Then SELL the business, buy a Helicopter of your choice and you will always be able to fnd some brokedick Helicopter Pilot to fly for you....
Then SELL the business, buy a Helicopter of your choice and you will always be able to fnd some brokedick Helicopter Pilot to fly for you....
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You're definitely not too old. I started at 26 (three years ago now) in a similar position to you. Had the money, wanted a change and no ties.
You're quite right about the first few years paying your dues but I wouldn't say it'll take five years. You'll need to build about 1000 hours PIC before companies like Papillion, Themsco and PHI will consider hiring you. Once you have your first job after instructing for a year or two you should be set. I would recommend trying to find a job instructing after training which offers the chance to get some turbine time. This will be very helpful with the next step.
Timing is on your side as the demand for pilots is high and getting more so. I considered flying fixed wing but it's not all about money to me and I didn't want to end up sitting above the clouds never laying hands on the controls. You'll get paid less, work harder and have worse working conditions in the helicopter world but I think there are just rewards if you eventually fly SAR, police or EMS. Even outside of those fields there is a lot of interesting work flying helicopters.
Think about it seriously before you take the first step though I haven't regretted it for a second.
The Gov
You're quite right about the first few years paying your dues but I wouldn't say it'll take five years. You'll need to build about 1000 hours PIC before companies like Papillion, Themsco and PHI will consider hiring you. Once you have your first job after instructing for a year or two you should be set. I would recommend trying to find a job instructing after training which offers the chance to get some turbine time. This will be very helpful with the next step.
Timing is on your side as the demand for pilots is high and getting more so. I considered flying fixed wing but it's not all about money to me and I didn't want to end up sitting above the clouds never laying hands on the controls. You'll get paid less, work harder and have worse working conditions in the helicopter world but I think there are just rewards if you eventually fly SAR, police or EMS. Even outside of those fields there is a lot of interesting work flying helicopters.
Think about it seriously before you take the first step though I haven't regretted it for a second.
The Gov
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Just do it, kid. I'm 49, I missed the boat. I'm comfortable, get my kicks doing a bit of weekend instruction, but... just do it.
[ 10 July 2001: Message edited by: t'aint natural ]
[ 10 July 2001: Message edited by: t'aint natural ]
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Good on Ya Mate,
Rigid go for it.I'm just starting my CPL Helicopter and its the dogs Bollocks.I have a lot of Fixed Wing time and the Chopper is the way to go.So what if you never earn the big bucks....A good time is what life is all about.Helicopter flying is real flying and not being there just along for the ride.
I'm 32 and I think that it is true if you have a bit of age on your side it will help and make you a better/safer pilot 
.All the best and feel free to drop me aline as you go along.
Have Fun
Rigid go for it.I'm just starting my CPL Helicopter and its the dogs Bollocks.I have a lot of Fixed Wing time and the Chopper is the way to go.So what if you never earn the big bucks....A good time is what life is all about.Helicopter flying is real flying and not being there just along for the ride.
I'm 32 and I think that it is true if you have a bit of age on your side it will help and make you a better/safer pilot .All the best and feel free to drop me aline as you go along.Have Fun
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Hey, thanks to all of you that replied! I do appreciate the honesty.
I figured long ago that "doing it for the money" was the way to go, but now I'm gonna do it for the fun. That's the reason I am leaving the medical field behind (or at least on a shelf!)
Chris
I figured long ago that "doing it for the money" was the way to go, but now I'm gonna do it for the fun. That's the reason I am leaving the medical field behind (or at least on a shelf!)
Chris
Gatvol
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The fun of it all is great. Adventure, Women, flying to great places(within your fuel capacity)....Its like so many I have run into. They are now also in their fifties and will have to work till they die. Most have no home, no retirement, and a bunch of ex-wives. Lots of good memories though, for a while longer.
Just remember which shelf you left that medical field on.
Just remember which shelf you left that medical field on.
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i started in the states at 32 and have had 23 years of fun and excitement.
i have to agree with b sousa that if you are in it for the money your better becoming a brain surgeon or world famous classical guitarist, just as much work but much better pay.
if you come to australia your 45 is worth 90 and a full commercial licence is 40 autralian
and on top of that we have the best flying environment on the planet (nz included in the best).
if you think it's fun learning remember that it's even better when some one pays you to do it. you go to work every day with a smile on your face.
press on.
i have to agree with b sousa that if you are in it for the money your better becoming a brain surgeon or world famous classical guitarist, just as much work but much better pay.
if you come to australia your 45 is worth 90 and a full commercial licence is 40 autralian
and on top of that we have the best flying environment on the planet (nz included in the best).
if you think it's fun learning remember that it's even better when some one pays you to do it. you go to work every day with a smile on your face.
press on.
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Burt just says it like it is. Flying airplanes is not all that its cracked up to be either. I did the rotorwing back when I was 28 too. I'm 46 now. There is a lot more jobs around now than then. Do both. It just may be do able with the funds that you have. I'm heading to Hawaii in a few days to fly so things are moving along.
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Any advice for this young lady?
Received this request a couple of days ago and would like to help. This girl has spoken to Bristow's and not done too badly but wisely continues to cast her net. I will be mailing this thread to her in the hope it may help.
Follows ------
Dear Sir,
I am a seventeen-year-old sixth form student in Ipswich, England and am very keen on becoming a Helicopter Pilot while attending or on leaving university.
I currently take Maths, Physics, Biology and Chemistry at A-level.
Unfortunately, the cost of training to become a pilot is more than I can afford. I am therefore looking to find sponsorship to help with the cost. I was enquiring as to whether you had any schemes that could help with this or if you know of any companies who might be in the position to do so?
Thank-you very much for your time.
Ends------
Thanks all
Steve
Follows ------
Dear Sir,
I am a seventeen-year-old sixth form student in Ipswich, England and am very keen on becoming a Helicopter Pilot while attending or on leaving university.
I currently take Maths, Physics, Biology and Chemistry at A-level.
Unfortunately, the cost of training to become a pilot is more than I can afford. I am therefore looking to find sponsorship to help with the cost. I was enquiring as to whether you had any schemes that could help with this or if you know of any companies who might be in the position to do so?
Thank-you very much for your time.
Ends------
Thanks all
Steve
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This new mob doing Air Rescue in the South of Tasmania in conjunction with rotary have 2 scholarships up for grabs. Basic deal is you have to make a non-refundable $500 donation to rotary to be eligable. Normal testing, bla bla, interviews, bla, bla and then they short list 10 people - do a little flying and then 2 get the scholarships.
I was tempted to try myself but didn't like the look of it too much....yes free training is free training I know but i have been looking at different schools for a while and I am lucky enough to have the cash to be able to choose. I would love to hear from the industry what they think about - I am only a scum Air Traffic Controller.
Not sure of the website exactly but if you do a search for Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust that should bring it up.
I was tempted to try myself but didn't like the look of it too much....yes free training is free training I know but i have been looking at different schools for a while and I am lucky enough to have the cash to be able to choose. I would love to hear from the industry what they think about - I am only a scum Air Traffic Controller.
Not sure of the website exactly but if you do a search for Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust that should bring it up.
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try http://www.helipro.co.nz/services/tr...RO%20cadetship
It doesn't seem like a sponsorship scheme - rather you pay and they give you working experience as well...
Probably much cheaper than the UK anyway!! (quoted NZD59,000 or £20,000)
Good luck!
It doesn't seem like a sponsorship scheme - rather you pay and they give you working experience as well...
Probably much cheaper than the UK anyway!! (quoted NZD59,000 or £20,000)
Good luck!