Becoming a professional pilot, and finding a job
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Becoming a professional pilot, and finding a job
I recently passed my JAR Class 1 medical, and am now seriously considering following through and becoming a CPL(H)
I have 82.6 heli hours of which >20 are JetRanger/H500 and 50 PPL(A) hours (if that counts for anything). I don't have an IMC or IR rating, nor a night rating. Just plain ol' VFR.
As I have a full-time job, I can't attend full-time study but understand there are "distance learning" courses available.
So, what are my options? What should I be doing next? Can anyone recommend a suitable course of study for the exams? And books/videos?
Is the future rosy for up-and-coming commercial helo pilots? (I'm led to believe that there is a shortage of them)
Darren
I have 82.6 heli hours of which >20 are JetRanger/H500 and 50 PPL(A) hours (if that counts for anything). I don't have an IMC or IR rating, nor a night rating. Just plain ol' VFR.
As I have a full-time job, I can't attend full-time study but understand there are "distance learning" courses available.
So, what are my options? What should I be doing next? Can anyone recommend a suitable course of study for the exams? And books/videos?
Is the future rosy for up-and-coming commercial helo pilots? (I'm led to believe that there is a shortage of them)
Darren
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agree 100% with the previous post!
until you have 1000+/1500+ you're not qoing to even be looked at...even then, you're a dime a dozen. and pay? not unless you're lucky enough to get LL experience and then land a decent contract. but even that work is cyclical. And remain single and without family 'cause you will travel the world if seeking the $$$$$.
Seriously though, go the f/w route,at least check out all the options.
get with airline and make a Decent living, family and all.
then fly the helis for fun!
Good luck to you
until you have 1000+/1500+ you're not qoing to even be looked at...even then, you're a dime a dozen. and pay? not unless you're lucky enough to get LL experience and then land a decent contract. but even that work is cyclical. And remain single and without family 'cause you will travel the world if seeking the $$$$$.
Seriously though, go the f/w route,at least check out all the options.
get with airline and make a Decent living, family and all.
then fly the helis for fun!
Good luck to you
Guest
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Oh dear, in the light of your replies, things do look rather grim :-( Are they *really* that bad? Aren't helicopters much more versatile, even if I gain a twin type rating (for example, Twin Squirrel or Augusta 109)?
What is "LL" in the last posting?
So what are my options fixed-wing then? I wouldn't have thought, at my age (I'm 33 next March), that the airlines would even look at me.
(Looking for a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel...)
Darren
What is "LL" in the last posting?
So what are my options fixed-wing then? I wouldn't have thought, at my age (I'm 33 next March), that the airlines would even look at me.
(Looking for a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel...)
Darren
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I agree to a certain extent with the other posts, but if it's helicopters that you want to fly; fly helicopters. If you want to earn money, fly fixed wing. It is really difficult to get the licence, I know two people that gave up on trying to get the UK licence, and that was after flying for a number of years abroad. I am looking for work in this country after finally jumping through all the CAA hoops. It's amazing how difficult they can make it. Add to that the time it takes waiting to take exams, waiting for results, etc. etc. It costs a fortune.
If you're single I would definitely consider going to the states or Canada to do your training. The job prospects are significantly better over there and if you go to the right school, you'll get a visa to work for two years. That should be enough to get your experience up to around a thousand hours or so.
The problem is; if you want to work here, you will still have to go through all the CAA Bull to get the UK licence. It's extremely frustrating, BELIEVE ME!
Get as much info as you can, there's only yourself can decide, I'm 34 now and I went to the USA in 1996 to get a CPL, I love it, it's taken me all over the world and I wouldn't do anything else.
Hope that helps.
If you're single I would definitely consider going to the states or Canada to do your training. The job prospects are significantly better over there and if you go to the right school, you'll get a visa to work for two years. That should be enough to get your experience up to around a thousand hours or so.
The problem is; if you want to work here, you will still have to go through all the CAA Bull to get the UK licence. It's extremely frustrating, BELIEVE ME!
Get as much info as you can, there's only yourself can decide, I'm 34 now and I went to the USA in 1996 to get a CPL, I love it, it's taken me all over the world and I wouldn't do anything else.
Hope that helps.
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Heliflyer:
I've been reading quite a few posts lately, advising people to go siezed-wing. I say Bullocks. You had the correct conclusion about age, with regards to the airlines.
Everyone seems to think the grass is greener on the F/W side but believe me, unless you are a young sprog that can be tailored to the Airline industry, you have a much better shot in the fling-wing world.
I have several freinds who, when starting to fly helicopters, were on their third career. These individuals are now in their late forties and are Offshore Captains earning a very good salary.
Only you can decide where you want to go, but if at the end of the day you can say you're happy with the choices you made, then you obviously made the right decision.
By the way LL is Long Lining.
Cheers, OffshoreIgor
[This message has been edited by offshoreigor (edited 01 December 2000).]
I've been reading quite a few posts lately, advising people to go siezed-wing. I say Bullocks. You had the correct conclusion about age, with regards to the airlines.
Everyone seems to think the grass is greener on the F/W side but believe me, unless you are a young sprog that can be tailored to the Airline industry, you have a much better shot in the fling-wing world.
I have several freinds who, when starting to fly helicopters, were on their third career. These individuals are now in their late forties and are Offshore Captains earning a very good salary.
Only you can decide where you want to go, but if at the end of the day you can say you're happy with the choices you made, then you obviously made the right decision.
By the way LL is Long Lining.
Cheers, OffshoreIgor
[This message has been edited by offshoreigor (edited 01 December 2000).]
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If you want to fly helicopters, go do it an don't listen to anyone else - same goes if you want to be a photographer, or a dustman! Only you know what's best for you.
However, you need to be aware that professional helicoptering is a whole different ball game, in that the pay you get just about covers you for the paperwork and BS, and the poling is the icing on the cake. There's a lot to be gained from the job, and having seen both sides of the coin, the British licence is more academic, but the Canadian is more practical, aside from needing about 600 hours less to qualify. I am certainly a way better pilot having done a couple of seasons in Canada.
Wherever you go, you need about 1000 hours to be employable, or have some sort of specialisation, so if you can only afford about 300, make sure you have a mountain course, an IR or get the guys to give you a thorough grounding in longlining (kinda fun), assuming that your instructors have actually done the job - when I finally got around to doing my Canadian commercial, only one of the instructors had any real commercial experience, and I was teaching him a few things about going into clearings!
I did an article in Pilot about flying in Canada and doing the commercial ride - I believe it was about 9 months ago. If you haven't got any back copies I may be able to dig up the text.
Oh yes, ignore any schools who say they will employ you after your course. At least, only regard it as a minor factor in your decision.
Hope that helps!
Phil
However, you need to be aware that professional helicoptering is a whole different ball game, in that the pay you get just about covers you for the paperwork and BS, and the poling is the icing on the cake. There's a lot to be gained from the job, and having seen both sides of the coin, the British licence is more academic, but the Canadian is more practical, aside from needing about 600 hours less to qualify. I am certainly a way better pilot having done a couple of seasons in Canada.
Wherever you go, you need about 1000 hours to be employable, or have some sort of specialisation, so if you can only afford about 300, make sure you have a mountain course, an IR or get the guys to give you a thorough grounding in longlining (kinda fun), assuming that your instructors have actually done the job - when I finally got around to doing my Canadian commercial, only one of the instructors had any real commercial experience, and I was teaching him a few things about going into clearings!
I did an article in Pilot about flying in Canada and doing the commercial ride - I believe it was about 9 months ago. If you haven't got any back copies I may be able to dig up the text.
Oh yes, ignore any schools who say they will employ you after your course. At least, only regard it as a minor factor in your decision.
Hope that helps!
Phil
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'H', you're a database consultant. presumably it pays for your lessons but doesn't give you much fun, eh?
I'm assuming you want to end up in the UK and to that end, I can assure you, anything commercial (jobs) requires an ATPL(H)if that job is a good one. That will cost you around £50,000 ish! Still interested? Anything less than ATPL may get you into a lower profile slot with their inherent insecurities (not all, but most).
If you want to fly helo's for fun, stick with it and do it because it's different. If you want to support a decent (financial) lifestyle...go FW.
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TC
[This message has been edited by Thomas coupling (edited 03 December 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Thomas coupling (edited 03 December 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Thomas coupling (edited 03 December 2000).]
I'm assuming you want to end up in the UK and to that end, I can assure you, anything commercial (jobs) requires an ATPL(H)if that job is a good one. That will cost you around £50,000 ish! Still interested? Anything less than ATPL may get you into a lower profile slot with their inherent insecurities (not all, but most).
If you want to fly helo's for fun, stick with it and do it because it's different. If you want to support a decent (financial) lifestyle...go FW.
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TC
[This message has been edited by Thomas coupling (edited 03 December 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Thomas coupling (edited 03 December 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Thomas coupling (edited 03 December 2000).]
Guest
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What are my chances?
Hi,
According to my peers I must have become bored with living, because I have decided to change my intended career path from shiny big jets to helicopters. The only problem is, I'm 20 with 43hrs(A).
I'm lucky enough to have financial backing to do whatever I choose but I obviously have a few questions which I hope someone might shed some light on.
Where's the best place to train, USA or UK? Anyone had an expereince of HAI?
What is the helicopter job market like? What kind of jobs could I expect with a fresh JAA-CPL etc?
Does anyone offer any kind of sponsorship, or do any school have good links with employers?
I have already got an RAF Scholarship and have got through to the last stage of BA selection.
Many thanks in advance,
GA
[This message has been edited by Go-Around (edited 11 December 2000).]
According to my peers I must have become bored with living, because I have decided to change my intended career path from shiny big jets to helicopters. The only problem is, I'm 20 with 43hrs(A).
I'm lucky enough to have financial backing to do whatever I choose but I obviously have a few questions which I hope someone might shed some light on.
Where's the best place to train, USA or UK? Anyone had an expereince of HAI?
What is the helicopter job market like? What kind of jobs could I expect with a fresh JAA-CPL etc?
Does anyone offer any kind of sponsorship, or do any school have good links with employers?
I have already got an RAF Scholarship and have got through to the last stage of BA selection.
Many thanks in advance,
GA
[This message has been edited by Go-Around (edited 11 December 2000).]
Guest
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Hmmmm. My opinion, for what it's worth, is that you are making the wrong move. I'm on the rotary side, and I am considering the opposite move.
There is definitely a bigger difference in the top and bottom salaries on the fixed-wing side, than on the rotary side.
Put another way: Considering the cost of gaining a professional rotary qualification, the financial reward is not there !.
There is definitely a bigger difference in the top and bottom salaries on the fixed-wing side, than on the rotary side.
Put another way: Considering the cost of gaining a professional rotary qualification, the financial reward is not there !.
Guest
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Eggbeater,
What about job satisfaction ?? There's more to a job than just salaries. I've been in helo's for 16yrs now & it's the best job in the world (my humble opinion of course)& the money's not that bad either. I'd say go for it "Go-Around"!
What about job satisfaction ?? There's more to a job than just salaries. I've been in helo's for 16yrs now & it's the best job in the world (my humble opinion of course)& the money's not that bad either. I'd say go for it "Go-Around"!
Guest
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I got my CPL(H) about 18 months ago and have hardly left the ground since. Now seems not to be a good time to get into rotary wing flying.
If you've got the chance of going into the RAF, it might be worth taking it - ask on the military thread what the chances are of streaming into rotary and what the life's like. If you're through to BA's final stages, it would certainly be worth having a go at that and using your financial backing to get a PPL(H) - you can fly for a (good) living and blat around in helicopters for fun. Best of both worlds.
Scattercat - I've no doubt that with 16 years under your belt you've got the experience, training and hours to move easily from job to job, so that you can find one you love and pays. As a tyro at the moment it's nigh-on impossible.
If you've got the chance of going into the RAF, it might be worth taking it - ask on the military thread what the chances are of streaming into rotary and what the life's like. If you're through to BA's final stages, it would certainly be worth having a go at that and using your financial backing to get a PPL(H) - you can fly for a (good) living and blat around in helicopters for fun. Best of both worlds.
Scattercat - I've no doubt that with 16 years under your belt you've got the experience, training and hours to move easily from job to job, so that you can find one you love and pays. As a tyro at the moment it's nigh-on impossible.
Guest
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So disregarding the fact i will work all hours God sends, be away from home 4 ever and day and not earn that much, it doesn't sound that bad!!!<g>
OK I don't mean to annoy anyone just provoke some thought.
Do some of you guys fly just for the money? I'm sure most people can program a FMC and fly that way. Isn't helicopter flying a challenge, especially in weather you rig pilots get? Does no-one like a challenge any more? Is it not about as hands on as you can get?
I am looking for an aviation challenge (just getting my foot in the door is the hardest) and i can think of nothing better than helicopters. Maybe some people should take a step back and think about why they got into flying in the first place.
(Give me 5 years and I'll be moaning with the best of them!)
So to my original point, if I self sponsor myself to a JAA CPL(H) will Bristow et al want me, it sounds like they could be a bit short soon.
Cheers
GA
OK I don't mean to annoy anyone just provoke some thought.
Do some of you guys fly just for the money? I'm sure most people can program a FMC and fly that way. Isn't helicopter flying a challenge, especially in weather you rig pilots get? Does no-one like a challenge any more? Is it not about as hands on as you can get?
I am looking for an aviation challenge (just getting my foot in the door is the hardest) and i can think of nothing better than helicopters. Maybe some people should take a step back and think about why they got into flying in the first place.
(Give me 5 years and I'll be moaning with the best of them!)
So to my original point, if I self sponsor myself to a JAA CPL(H) will Bristow et al want me, it sounds like they could be a bit short soon.
Cheers
GA
Guest
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G-A,
>>So disregarding the fact i will work all hours God sends, be away from home 4 ever and day and not earn that much, it doesn't sound that bad!!!<<
Could always be worse, someone could be shooting at you
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Marc
>>So disregarding the fact i will work all hours God sends, be away from home 4 ever and day and not earn that much, it doesn't sound that bad!!!<<
Could always be worse, someone could be shooting at you
------------------
Marc
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I actually like my job, and I've always said I wouldn't be in it for the money.(Well that was lucky!). It can be a great job, it can also be a pain of a job sometimes. My concern is how much longer it will continue to be a job. 10 years more on the North Sea, 15 maybe, then what?? Where's the reinvestment?
Guest
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Thought of training in NZ?
More Helis per capita than any other country,
many reasons to use them and many things done with them.
No "little pilot" CPL licences either (I do NOT mean UK!)
Probably the slingloading mecca of the world.
With the US$ and pound exchange rate as it is with the kiwi $ our training is for almost nothing.
Check my site, and my employer's, which you can get through my profile.
Anyway, if you want to do the big wings then
here's how to check it out.
(1) Find someone who has a house with bay window.
(2) Get comfy chair and someone to bring you a coffee now and then.
(3) Sit in window all day, dawn til dusk, watch it become light and then watch it become dark.
(4)After you have done 12 hrs of that, ask yourself again what it is you want.
OK?
All the best whatever you do!
More Helis per capita than any other country,
many reasons to use them and many things done with them.
No "little pilot" CPL licences either (I do NOT mean UK!)
Probably the slingloading mecca of the world.
With the US$ and pound exchange rate as it is with the kiwi $ our training is for almost nothing.
Check my site, and my employer's, which you can get through my profile.
Anyway, if you want to do the big wings then
here's how to check it out.
(1) Find someone who has a house with bay window.
(2) Get comfy chair and someone to bring you a coffee now and then.
(3) Sit in window all day, dawn til dusk, watch it become light and then watch it become dark.
(4)After you have done 12 hrs of that, ask yourself again what it is you want.
OK?
All the best whatever you do!