Aust Pilot.
I have been following the replies with interest and have some pearls for your consideration.
John's comment and others on fixed wing first has some benefit financially and as you already have a FW then you will get credits for for CPL H. However for someone who is starting out, total helicopter time is what gets the job flying a helicopter and not so much your fixed wing time. Two candidates that present for the same job both with brand new CPL H, the one that has 105 hours as against the the dual rated one with 70 hours H will stand the better chance.
The selection of a flying school is important. Although I believe not primarily for the reputation or percieved quality of training of one school above another. As a new CPL H your first challenge is to find a job. Your best chance is with an organisation that already knows you, your abilities and character. That is the school that you have been flying with to gain your licence.
So it goes logically that your choice of school should be one that offers you the best chance of progression once you have completed your training. Most people can be taught to fly. The makeup of the individual determines if they will turn out to be a pilot that displays good airmanship and common sense. If you display these attributes throughout your training, you will more than likely be on the list for a slot with that training organisations other activities when you obtain your licence.
After all it is more unlikely that you will get your first job with a CHC. Bristow, Esso or EMS type of operator, so be prepared to negoitate the stepping stones on the way. As time goes by the company that did your initial training has less influence on the sucess or otherwise of your job applications. You have the biggest influence on that.
Good luck, its not easy getting a start, but those with the will, will.
