followinthru

It may be worth noting that there is an awful lot of helicopter pilots trying to get their fixed wing licences!

430 driver

Unless you have significant financial support to see you through helicopter training and subsequent low wages while building experience - I would NOT recommend pursuing a helicopter pilot career; particularly at the age of 38.

Can it be done successfully? Possibly. None of us here can say for sure whether you will succeed. However, be cautious in your decision - I've observed several people in their late 30's/early 40s begin to pursue a helicopter career - only to give up after a SIGNIFICANT investment of their time and money.

Heliflyer

Tagging onto the end of this conversation (as I too am in a similar situation to the gentleman who started the post):

What's the deal with the "gain your fixed wing licence"? I've a CAA PPL(A) with (from memory) 50 hours (the CofT expired in June but it won't take much to revalidate that). I've also a CAA PPL(H) with 80 hours of which 22 are Turbine (16 JetRanger 206B, 6 H500)

I don't mind moving my focus back to the fixed wing if that's where the prospects lie, but what's the path? At 32 I doubt an airline would give me a look in.

(Oh, something I learned: I know two high hour helicopter pilots (a Chief Flying Instructor with around 5000 hours, and an Augusta 109 IFR pilot with around 10000 hours) are both considering transitioning to fixed wing. The Augusta pilot is on £45000 and told me his biz-jet colleagues are on closer to £100,000pa)

Darren

Randy_g

Before spending the money on training, for either fixed or rotary, I would spend some time and go and ask the operators what they want to see in an applicant. Most chief pilots/operation managers don't mind taking the time to explain to you what they look for when it comes to hiring. It also introduces you to them, you aren't just another resume to them, if you do decide to continue. With the information you get from the companies, you will then have an idea who the best schools are. You will also be able to determine whether an instrument, night, or instructors rating will be beneficial in you getting the best chance at the job.

In regards to fixed wing and the airlines. I went to a seminar here in Oz, and there was a guy from Qantas there talking about their hiring practices. He basically said that anyone over 35 wouldn't get hired. Unless they had something special to offer. i.e. ex-military with multi-engine jet transport time. I would think that most large airlines would be similar.

In Oz, if you have a farm/cattle background you can work at mustering cattle. Like most other countries, at your age the operators want experience. There are lots of young inexperienced pilots, who will accept poor working conditions, extended periods away from home, low pay, etc. and not complain. Unfortunately, it's a fact of our business.

In regards to what Paco stated, where you train is your best chance of getting hired. If they only do training, your only hope of a job is instructing. Whereas if they do other work, then at least there is a chance of getting "real" experience. Most large companies do have insurance to cover low-time pilots. I went on my first job with 181 hrs. Several collegues of mine were hired, and flew with 100 hrs. Yes, right out of school. Mind you they were heli engineers (mechanics), but they did fly commercially right out of school. I know 2 guys who graduated from the school after I did, who started flying with Great Slave Helicopters at 100 hrs. So it can be done, but you have to really want it, and work very hard for it to happen. (or be very lucky as Napolean said "better to be lucky than good")

This is the best job in the world, but go into it with open eyes, and realise that it may not be for you. All of us aren't trying to discourage you, although it may sound like it at times, we just want you to have an understanding what you face. Others have done what you want to do, so if it's what you want then go for it !!!!

Hope this helps you out.

Randy_G

Dangrenade

followinthru and paco have valid points but hours are almost irrelivant in the current North sea interests(if thats your intention)
Instument rating is the key, but its a large monetry extra. Helicopter Adventures are moving from San Fransisco to Cape Conaveral In Florida(may I suggest the 1000ft hover watching a night shuttle launch)in Jan or Feb and do JAA CPL(H) as that is as I understand your eventual aim
and fuel costs in the States are v cheap...
($175 Duel). However if you do the JAA CPL and then do the Faa conversion you will get a J1 visa to work in the States for 24 months which is definitely benificial in your case as the UK market is somewhat flooded with 1000-5000 hr HP's. Canada seems like a great option if they have the same system as the States (visa wise) as the logging companies take (check on the Net.)
1000hrs any type and train you up(for a type rating for an S-61...mmm very handy!) In short, abroad has the most options but the North sea is where you are going to get your hours up in a hurry but only IF you have an IR (another 15 large on top of the cost of the CPL).Let alone the fact of getting a job in a saturated market once you have it. Feel free to E-mail me and the very best of luck in whatever you decide to do.

tigerpic

har litt informasjon til deg... skriv email!

misterbonkers

Hey guys!

Does anyone know of any job vacancies going or potential hiring with the big helicopter companies?

Surely a 20 year old commercial helicopter pilot has gotta be gold dust!

I did hear a rumour that Bristow may be hiring next spring, but then I also heard a rumour that they have just awarded 3 cadetships. Can this be verified?

Cheers!

SASless

Heck...the way Bristow is running off pilots in Nigeria....if you will volunteer for Port Harcourt....they should just about send a limo for you. For an American owned company...they sure are scarce of Yanks in Nigeria here lately.....for some odd reason. You can slink off in the night from your previous contract and be welcomed with open arms by them. Birds of a feather maybe?

Steve76

I have decided to try and post as many jobs as I can find (worldwide) each Friday.
If you know of any positions worldwide no matter how small PLEASE e-mail me at
collectivelybias@yahoo.nz

Lets work together to make this a regular addition to this forum:


REEF HELICOPTERS Pty Ltd
CFI [H] CHIEF PILOT
Cairns Helicopter School seeks applications from a qualified Grade 1 Instructors for position as CFI [H] / Chief Pilot for our Flying School based Cairns. Salary package $50,000.
Fax / Email applications no later than 7 Feb. 2003
Email school@reefhelicopters.com.au . Fax 07 4034 9421
P O BOX 191, STRATFORD. QLD 4870



Director, Flight Operations

Immediate Employment Opportunity with Helijet International Inc: Flight Operations Training Officer The Training Officer is responsible for monitoring the operation and identifying problems, which may require the provision of extra training or changes in operational procedures. The Training Officer is responsible, together with the Chief Pilot, for the establishment and promulgation of the standards and piloting techniques with which flight crew will be expected to comply during flight operations and which the flight crew will be required to demonstrate during initial and recurrent checks. Particular responsibilities are: a) Scheduling ground and flight training as required by the Training Program; b) conducting ground and flight training of all flight crew in accordance with the approved training program; c) supervision of the standards and recommending amendments to their respective standard operating procedures; d) maintaining the air operator’s training records; e) crew scheduling, as directed by the Chief Pilot; f) any responsibilities assigned by the Chief Pilot. This is a full-time position based in Vancouver with salary and benefits including extended medical, dental, short and long term disability, life insurance, company RRSP, profit-sharing and travel privileges with partner airlines. Preference will be given to applicants with time as an IFR Captain on Sikorsky 76 with previous training experience. Bush time with broad experience on a variety of light and medium equipment will be an asset. If you are a team player desiring significant career growth potential with a cutting edge, people oriented organization contact Ken Glaze at 604-273-4688 or email at kwg@helijet.com. http://www.helijet.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contact: Ken Glaze
Email: kwg@helijet.com
Telephone: 604-273-4688
Fax: 604-273-5301 Address:5911 Airport Road South
Richmond, British
Columbia V7B 1B5



HELICOPTER PILOT REQUIRED
*Instructor Rating
*Min 500 Hrs
*Immediate start - Fax resumes 02 6257 0999



HELICOPTER PILOT
Westpac life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service [ Souther Region]
Reguires BK 117 Twin I/R Captain, ATPL, Winch endorsed and previous EMS/Rescue experience.
*2500 Hrs [H]
*1000 Hrs - PIC [H] Turbine
*50 Hrs PIC Night VFR [H]
*Current [H] I/R Rating
Apply:- Chief Pilot, P O Box 6003, Malabar NSW 2036 Fax 02 9311 3050. Email pyates@lifesaverhelicopter.com



JAYROW HELICOPTERS PTY LTD
Helicopter Offshore Captain based in the Pilbara W. A. [ Marine Pilot Transfer and Oil Platform Support ]
*1500 Hrs PIC [H] 500 Hrs Turbine CHPL - NVFR
* ATPL and IREX subjects highly desirable
Apply :- The Chief Pilot, Jayrow Helicopters Pty Ltd, P O Box 46, Mentone. Vic 3194 Fax 03 9580 1236 Email enquire@rosecorp.com.au



Helicopter Pilot
Company: Calgary Police Service
Email contact: cpscivilian@calgarypolice.ca
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Salary: $60,000 per annum
Website: http://www.calgarypolice.com



Full-time helicopter pilot position in an airborne law enforcement role for the Calgary Police Service. Duties include operational air support to ground police units, search and rescue, water rescue and fire suppression. Ideal candidate must have an Airline Transport Pilot License (Helicopters); current Group IV (Helicopter) instrument rating; excellent safety record, 3000 hours flying experience of which 300 hours should be night or instrument flying, and the ability to work well in a team environment. Knowledge of the Calgary area, police, Medevac, military and vertical reference flying would be an asset. A security clearance and polygraph interview will be conducted.

Salary: starting at $60,000 per annum
Email resumes to cpscivilian@calgarypolice.ca; must be received by 2003 February 21.

Other ways to contact:
Fax 403-216-5381



CFII helicopter Needed
Posted by: Bjorn Beijens
Company: Mazzei Flying Service
Email contact: mazzeiflyingservicecfi@yahoo.com
Location: Fresno , California


Website: www.flymfs.com



Needed is a CFI/II Rotorcraft helicopter Minimum requirments :
CFI /II
250h total
100 H dual instruction given in R22 also will need to have the Robinson Safety course completed. (insurance)
We are in need of another CFI due to the high amount of student applications.This position needs to be filled as soon as possible.
Please send your resume to the e-mail below. Thanks



Experience K-MAX Pilot wanted
Email contact: wk747888@yahoo.com
Asian Company seeking experience K-Max Pilot




Jet Co-pilot / Helicopter pilot
Posted by: Mark Briner
Email contact: corpplt02@yahoo.com
Location: Owensboro,KY
Travel Requirements: 2 days / week

need dual rated pilot for managed, corporate / 135 operation. operating MU300, LR31 and possibly a corporate (part 91) 407 or 206 in the near future. based at OWB. 300-400 hours a year in the Diamond. helicopter operation unknown. 50 + overnights a year - most occur weekends (thurs-fri-sat). operations mostly in southeastern U.S.. helicopter operations within 150 NM radius of OWB.
position is for co-pilot / helicopter pilot. all normal co-pilot duties and any others as assigned. previous schools and expirence or mechanic helpfull but not required.
individual that fills position will be required to pass necessary aircraft schools.
please resubmit information if you have sent previously.
no phone calls..



Air Medical Pilot Positions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Omniflight currently has openings for air medical pilots. Colin Henry, Chief Pilot, is looking for someone with at least 2000 hours in helicopters with a Commercial/Instrument Helicopter Rating. If you or someone you know is interested in the positions below, please e-mail Colin at chenry@omniflight.com. You may also send your resume to:

AIR MEDICAL HELICOPTER PILOT
Fax: (972) 404-8593
Postal Address:
4650 Airport Parkway Addison, Texas 75001

Email: humanres@omniflight.com

The current positions are as follows:
Location Aircraft Type
Saginaw, MI PIC BK 117
Wellston, OH PIC BK 117
EauClaire, WI PIC BK 117
Birmingham, AL PIC BH 206
Aberdeen PIC BH 206


There are about 5 Jobs available for those with Greencards or US citizenships at this operator:
http://www.air-evac.com/employment.html

Aussierotor

G,Day,

Being a new kid off the block can anyone throw a few clues my way as to where opportunities are for a job at present.
Did the dual course routine at chopperline in R22,s and a R22 safety course.
Ive yet to venture on the door knock trail as the old piggy bank isnt rattling much,and the numerous phone call/letters never eventuate..
Worked for a tour company as hanger rat and everything else after being conned that i could get some hours up,then being told 2 years later i couldnt because of their insurance policy.Good experience but a let down.

So anyone out there that can help.

At present getting my R44 endorsement to increase the odds.
Like 100,s of others im just busting for a start.

Thanks

gulliBell

Firstly, forget spending more $$$ on additional endorsements, it's a waste of money and you said yourself money is tight. Most reputable employers would/should put you through any required type ratings or other training if they were going to hire you. Your money would be better spent getting the IREX exam passed, and maybe the ATP exam as well. Once you've done that, then go knocking on doors for a co-pilot position (S76 co-pilot jobs are coming along more frequently now). Then you can get yourself installed on some nice machinery, learn the ropes from an experienced Captain, and then once you've put some experience togther then look towards a single-engine turbine job. After a few years you'll be looking pretty for a multi-engine offshore Captain position, and opportunities which pay good $$$ not just in Australia but in international ops (Middle East, Africa, Far East etc). So my advice is get into the IFR exam books, not the R44 flight manual!!

wokker

Sorry if this has been done to death,

Where should I be looking for Heli jobs?

Looking at doing CPL in NZ with Instructor and turbine rating and converting once back in blighty

Cheers:

wokker

Cheers Guys

I understand everyone has to start somewhere

misterbonkers

why not do your training over here with a company that may then offer you work?

This company will at least know you, and despite being low hours you will have had the chance to show them what you can do for them.

Otherwise, I fear you may return from NZ with relatively little knowledge of the industry here in the UK. It's a small world so consider 'is it actually worth sacrificing a few dollars in order to make some contacts here in the UK?'

wokker

Mr Bonkers,

Which companies would those be?

I would greatfully receive a recommendation

Whirlybird

Most flying schools make noises about employing you when you qualify. They would, wouldn't they - they want students. But it only works for the very lucky few. Think about it - how many pilots are each of those schools actually going to need? I'm not sure it's worth paying a lot more for that slight chance...might be better to get more turbine hours in NZ with the money instead.

Helinut

There are several advantages for a flying school in recruiting new employees/freelancers from those it teaches.

They get a really good chance to see what you are really like, so they reduce the risk of taking you on. If you do not have significant flying experience when you apply for a job, it is very risky for a school/operator to take you on.

You are also likely to "follow the party line" or style of flying and instruction that the school prefers, if you were taught there.

misterbonkers

Wokker,

Just ask around and get to know a few places. Of course some places may just say they'll offer you work, but you can get round that by having something in writing.

There are still some genuine helicopter operators around!

Whirlybird

misterbonkers,

Am I missing something here? You say:Er...how? You go to a flying school and tell them you want to learn to fly and then get a CPL, and ask if they're likely to employ you afterwards. They say they may...so you then ask for that in writing!!!!! They've never even flown with you, and you won't have a CPL for a year at the very least. What exactly do they write? And how would you hold them to it if they did?

Yes, but that's not the point. They may well employ former students, but probably one or two out of the...several, many, hundreds, who went through during that time. There's no guarantee it'll be you. The odds are against it.

Getting known in the industry is indeed useful. Schools/operators do sometimes employ former students. I know a couple of people who got started that way...and many more who hoped to but didn't. And I also remember what one instrutor said to me, when I was hourbuilding: "Everyone thinks their school will take them on. Don't rely on it; there are too many of us".

Yes, there are too many of us. Welcome to the real world of commercial helicopter flying.

markboscott

I am a 22 year old University graduate about to embark on my long standing career aim of becoming a commercial helicopter pilot.

I have some questions that, currently as an outsider to the aviation industry, I cannot seem to find the answers to. I have gained my JAA Class 1 Medical and am hopefully going to leave my air training school with a CPL(H) having followed an integrated helicopter pilots course.

I would like to know of the jobs that can be secured with this qualification, and indeed where these jobs for newly qualified helicopter pilots with low flight hours can be found?

I need to know, that after going through the expensive and timely process of gaining my CPL(H), what are the next steps on the career path? I understand that an instrument rating is required for many helicopter pilots job, what other ways are there for achieving this rating, or is it a case of paying for and completing another course?

I would be very grateful if you felt you could share any experiences and ideas for somebody in my position trying to break into the helicopter industry. I realise that it is going to take an immense amount of determination for me to succeed but I believe that have the motivation, the means and passion that will be required; what I am currently lacking is the advice and the insight that I hope you will be able to provide me with.

thank you.