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View Full Version : Am i limiting my options too much?

Blackhander wannabe
25th Jun 2011, 15:02
Hey guys, just seeking some personal opinions from those experienced mechanical LAMEs out there.
I am currently doing a prevoc course in Aus, doing very well and lovin it more the more i see (so far!).
My question is am i limiting my options too much by choosing to specialise on rotary aircraft? A lot of people i speak to think that helicopter LAMEs are severely underpaid and under appreciated (though everyone thinks that!) and while money is far from a motivating factor in my career choice, being older it does factor in somewhat.
My main interest is engines both recip and turbines and i intend to specialise in that area, so while i would love to work on helis i think i could find a fulfilling career working on fixed wing also. It is coming up to the time to start applications and i need to decide what i will be chasing.
So should i purely focus on the heli industry or would that cut me out of some jobs that might pay more where i could still get my hands on some nice
powerplants.

Thanks guys!
SeldomFixit
26th Jun 2011, 09:38
With fling wings, you'll be doing it for love and love only.
With fixed wing you'll do it for love and love only.
If you are really unlucky you'll score an airline gig one day and do it for love and love only.
IE: No real money in this game but at least most airlines ( for now at least ) have staff travel.

If you love flying machines I think heli's offer a lot.
SF
Blackhander wannabe
26th Jun 2011, 09:55
That is one point that was worrying me, i love helis and that enthusiasm is hard to fake if your not truly in it for the love of it.
Wait a little longer, ill see how I feel in a few months if there is no major disparity in pay and conditions between the 2 options.
SeldomFixit
26th Jun 2011, 10:23
Heli's will often offer remote support work which will build your self confidence and skills. Both make you a more valuable employee and THEN you may begin to see some financial reward. First MUST do is sit all the relevant basic exam modules so when you are able to sit type training, you are primed to go.