Turkey,
Originally Posted by
Turkeyslapper
What are employment prospects (and conditions/ pay etc) like at the moment in the UK??? I have a Multi Command IR and a few thou hours etc
With your sort of background, Turkey, you shouldn't struggle to find work over here. Both the offshore operators and the onshore charter operators would be interested in talking to you once you've got your JAA licence. I can think of 3 largish operators in the London area who have all recently been looking for someone with your experience.
You might just need a bit of time to acclimatise to the UK environment but that should be covered in your CPL/IR conversions.
Originally Posted by
Turkeyslapper
are people in the industry happy and optimistic about what the future holds for rotary drivers?
Personally speaking, I'm pretty happy with my current 'lot'. The industry generally has recently experienced a very high level of recruitment, both on and offshore. But beware of a couple of things: a) as you are no doubt aware, aviation is very cyclical. If we are currently on the crest of a wave, which way is it likely to go? By the time that you've converted your licence, the situation might be very different. b) If everybody is correct, we've got a recession coming up around the corner. I can't help but feel that the helicopter industry (esp onshore charter and training) is going to get hit by this.
Originally Posted by
Turkeyslapper
Any recommendations on where to do a conversion woud be appreciated also.
Your biggest hurdle will be the theory exams. I suggest that you get a start on these by going distance learning with either
Bristol Ground School or
Caledonian Advanced Pilot Training.
There are a few flying schools which would be suitable for the flying conversions. The best for you would probably be determined where you end up being based. Try
this thread for plenty of suggestions and recommendations.
Finally, you don't mention if you've got a 'right to work' in the UK. Without an EU passport or visa, this all might be bit of a non starter.
Anyway, I hope this helps and the best of luck with everything. Send me a PM once you've got your JAA licence.
