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.
