The way of the helicopter industry

[berlioz]

Hello to all

I leave here my latest reply to a job opportunity

I will not mention what operator it was and i say that at least this one gave me a reply and not as 90% of the other operators that don´t even reply.

As we have seen this recent times there no more investment in pilots from operators, it does not matter how many hours you have, how much experience you have, what´s your background......either you have the type rating or your dead.

This becomes even more critical nowadays when a big number of operators are flying the AW139 and for those who wonder a 139 rating is about 50.000 euros plux 24% taxes.

This last 2 weeks i´ve seen at least 3 big players in the industry asking for pilots.....sorry...not pilots.......Rated Pilots, big difference. Its a such a kick in the low parts when i see this adds.

"We would not recommend a potential candidate undertake an XX-XXX course on the basis of the possibility of a position as a pilot with XXX. However if a candidate feels that he / she is in a better position to apply for a position within the industry having gained a particular qualification, then that is a decision for you."

I do believe this kind of attitude from operators will byte them in the arse...as pilots will have no remorse or regret on changing from one operator to the other as they feel they are not appreciated or feel the company has bet on him. They are creating mercenaries instead of pilots. And those out there that are fortunate enough that daddy has lots of money and can offer a type rating are safe......and all the others with experience and big numbers of hours will became dinosaurs.

I don´t think this is just me.....how do you see the current situation???

To all ... safe flights

[paco]

I have every sympathy, but I have seen operators invest heavily in pilots only to see them move on a week or so later. That was a major reason behind the demise of Northern Mountain Helicopters. 61 ratings are expensive as well.

[Robbiee]

For 50k you could move to the States, convert to FAA, and just work your way into one of those jobs flying the big boys.

[Robbiee]

Better yet convert to fixed and go work for the airlines, that industry is booming with former chopper jocks!

[Canuck Guy]

The pendulum is always swinging. Around 2010 an IFR heli pilot was literally worth his/her weight in gold in the offshore market. The world was your oyster.

Five years later the bottom fell out of the industry and pilots became a top heavy burden.

The pendulum may be starting to come back around. Maybe... don’t wanna jinx it. But until it does and the major companies have reabsorbed everyone available that they had to lay off... no rating, no invite.

Depending on where you sit, it either sucks or is totally fair.

[SASless]

The helicopter industry is "contract" driven.....when the Operator has "contracts" it needs Pilots. When the "contracts" dry up....they do not need Pilots. That is the way of the industry.

As long as the market is up and down...so will life in the helicopter industry be up and down.

As long as you accept that fact and are willing to be a "contractor" yourself....and look out for your own best interest then you will prosper.

Just as Operators seek their own place in the business....so should the Pilot.

The broader your experience, the more you have in your own "skill set", the more open to moving from one location to another, the quicker you can be ready if offered a position....the steadier your work will be.

The key to remember.....if you are on a good lick flying helicopters....enjoy it while it lasts....for it surely will end sooner or later but it shall end.

My advice.....for the younger folks.....go to the airlines....and do not look back a single time.

[megan]

1976 a chap in the colonies left the military and joined Bristow. Sent to UK to get ATPL(H) and instructors rating. Upon returning to country promptly resigned and joined airline, because the opportunity had suddenly arisen, ending employment when the airline went bust as a 767 Captain. Talking to Shell aviation adviser about the morality of the jump from Bristow to airline, given what Bristow had invested in him, the reply was "good on him". It screwed the opportunity for further colonists being given advancement, all instructors then coming from the UK. Seems loyalty doesn't exist on either side of the fence if you take the story at face value. Known all the personalities involved a long time.

[SASless]

I seem to recall BHL Nigeria seeing quite a few Brits taking conversion courses, command courses, and TRE/IRE Courses and jumping ship for other operators, oil companies, and airlines but that did not stop the company from continuing to push Brits and Nigerians up the ladder.