Foetus
28th Feb 2000, 11:20
Dear All,
My first time on this site at the recommendation of a chopper pilot friend (Rob, ex-Aussie Navy) who suggested that I sound some people here out about helicopter training. I'm planning to move to the US in a few months after 12 years as a copper in Hong Kong to do what I've always wanted - fly choppers for a living. I'm 32, have 0 hours, and have been researching some flight schools on the web. I'll be based in VA initially and plan to do my CPL and CFI with a turbine transition. Does anyone know of two companies called Metrohelicopters or Helicopterhigh in VA? What are they like? Has anyone trained with them? Can anyone recommend another decent school in the DC area?
Whilst I can read all the neatly marketed patter put out by the schools, I need some cold hard facts about what life as a heli pilot will be like from people who have been there - both as a low-hour newbie, and as a more seasoned pilot. What's the average carreer curve like? (if there is such a thing as average in this game) What's a realistic first job? (How long's a piece of string - I know!)I'm interested in flying for a Police Dept/Search & Rescue/Medivac etc. Maybe someone who's in this line of work could give me some advice. I'm not expecting to walk into a job fresh out of training, but obviously want to be as prepared as I can. From what I've read, the airlines are on a recruiting drive at the moment and the chopper schools have apparently picked up on this. I don't think I've seen a single ad which doesn't include the line "now is the premier time to begin your career as a helicopter pilot". Is the drive really extending to choppers or is this just marketing bull? I'm open to any and all advice and would greatly appreciate any input/suggestions you have on training/the job/ratings I'd need etc. The list is endless!
Thanks fellas!
My first time on this site at the recommendation of a chopper pilot friend (Rob, ex-Aussie Navy) who suggested that I sound some people here out about helicopter training. I'm planning to move to the US in a few months after 12 years as a copper in Hong Kong to do what I've always wanted - fly choppers for a living. I'm 32, have 0 hours, and have been researching some flight schools on the web. I'll be based in VA initially and plan to do my CPL and CFI with a turbine transition. Does anyone know of two companies called Metrohelicopters or Helicopterhigh in VA? What are they like? Has anyone trained with them? Can anyone recommend another decent school in the DC area?
Whilst I can read all the neatly marketed patter put out by the schools, I need some cold hard facts about what life as a heli pilot will be like from people who have been there - both as a low-hour newbie, and as a more seasoned pilot. What's the average carreer curve like? (if there is such a thing as average in this game) What's a realistic first job? (How long's a piece of string - I know!)I'm interested in flying for a Police Dept/Search & Rescue/Medivac etc. Maybe someone who's in this line of work could give me some advice. I'm not expecting to walk into a job fresh out of training, but obviously want to be as prepared as I can. From what I've read, the airlines are on a recruiting drive at the moment and the chopper schools have apparently picked up on this. I don't think I've seen a single ad which doesn't include the line "now is the premier time to begin your career as a helicopter pilot". Is the drive really extending to choppers or is this just marketing bull? I'm open to any and all advice and would greatly appreciate any input/suggestions you have on training/the job/ratings I'd need etc. The list is endless!
Thanks fellas!