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View Full Version : Am I Mad need advice


mcde674
13th Mar 2006, 20:08
Thinking of going to New Zealand to do my CPL (H).
Im 32 years old does this seem a bit extreame.
Giving up my job and selling my house to hopefully become
a rotorhead. I have no experience of helicopters
Am i diving into a empty pool head first or should i stick
to my guns and head down under????

What would my chances of getting a job in a years time
back in europe?? Would be prepared to work over-seas???


Please need some advice!!!!!!!!:) :ok:

mcde674
13th Mar 2006, 20:18
Thinking of heading to New Zealand to do my CPL (H).
I am 32 years old giving up my job selling my house and
going for it. Am i jumping into a empty pool head first???

I am prepared to work overseas if I pass. This is something i have wanted to do for a long time and only have the funs now.

Please need some advice before i commit my self :) :ok:

alouette
13th Mar 2006, 20:24
Firstly, I think we rotorheads are all mad for having chosen a profession that gives little in return for the first few years, but takes a lot in those inital stages. Regardless, I fought my way through with a lot of pain though, and lots of expenses.

Referring to your question if you are "Mad" or not; on one hand if you already have a job, trade, whatever, I would not give it up. Particularly, the next question that arises is; what happens if all your money is spent on flying but you still do not have the desired job? Think a bit more logical. I don't know if there is somebody else on this forum sharing my view, but if you really want to fly you should do it though be prepared for a difficult journey. Thirty-two is maybe not too old for being that "Mad", but take a word of advice: "Don't give it all up." Your current job might pull you through if there is no permanent helo job in sight.

Good luck in making your decision:ok:

Alouette

diginagain
13th Mar 2006, 20:28
FFS, JUMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll bring the boat round, you do the work. I'll catch the fish, and give you the info, you chase the ticket.

Airflowreversal_1
13th Mar 2006, 21:06
If you want to return to Europe and fly here, I would investigate the fact wetter you can convert your license. I am in the understanding that it is not possible and that you will have to do all the 14 ATPL exams and pass a flight test.

In case you want to stay there and work, you might want to check VISA and such, I have no clue about that.

As far as I know, HAI in florida is the only place to do a JAA CPL(h) outside Europe. Also a fairly cheap place compared to back home.

Good luck!!!

Felipe
13th Mar 2006, 21:43
My good friend, alouette is right, don't jump head on yet, before you do, get prepair, get the basic at home, if you are a low time pilot, you will need at least 1200 hr with instrument rating to be consider on any company for a psition, if you lucky you may land a job with 600 hr. fly fotos on a R22.
I realy admire your corage and your will. Dreams and ambition is what keep us going, don't lose hope, but be prepair, have a helmet on before you jump head on, probability of survival will be better.

SASless
14th Mar 2006, 04:38
One does not have to be "Mad" to be a helicopter pilot....however it certainly helps.

Add my vote to the others....think it over very carefully before you make a final committment. Look very carefully into the well, before you leap in. Just because you jump into a well does not mean the good Lord is bound to fetch you out.

R22DRIVER
14th Mar 2006, 05:02
Good luck to you which ever path you decide to take. Just some advice, plan, research, prepare and then do it all again several times. Spending a year now doing research into every aspect of your route will help iron out as many problems as possible. Talk to as many people as you can who have done it and also research other countries for flight training. Talk to the training companies who specialise in overseas students.

I to took the big plunge as i realised i only live once. I gave up my Very good job in engineering, moved 6000 miles away on my own ( to live away from the folks for the first time as well ), had to learn how to use an iron and a washing machine!, and im now loving my training.

I spent 1 year doing my research and so far its all going smoothly and im happy with what the future is possibly going to hold.

Although im a young guy and i have that on my side, you just never know unless you try it! Just do it right if you want to stand a good chance of it succeeding, you just never know whats round the corner!!

If you want bad enough you will find a way to reach your dream.

Mines in progress, so just keep at it.

Ps, There are some misso's on here who will put you down. Just ignore them and follow your feelings.

R22:ok:

Heliport
14th Mar 2006, 06:14
mcde674

There's a load of information here to help you decide > FAQ (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=122944)

eg
Becoming a helicopter pilot
Would you become a professional helicopter pilot again?
Training in New Zealand


Heliport