Fixed-wing or Rotary career? (incl Changing licence to Rotary)
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 512
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
im really looking to get the best flying experience for the dosh.
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Port Townsend,WA. USA
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ultralight vs Helo
GLS,
I am interested in your comparison of ultralight and helicopter for low and slow.
It seems to me that for safety the helo pilot will almost always takeoff and land with a shallow angle. This requires a large field so an ultralight with a steep climb could operate at many of the same places.
In the case of power loss an ultralight is going to need about 100ft or so to land and a helo maybe 50ft. Not much different.
slowrotor
I am interested in your comparison of ultralight and helicopter for low and slow.
It seems to me that for safety the helo pilot will almost always takeoff and land with a shallow angle. This requires a large field so an ultralight with a steep climb could operate at many of the same places.
In the case of power loss an ultralight is going to need about 100ft or so to land and a helo maybe 50ft. Not much different.
slowrotor
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Earth
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Need some advice
Okay, here's my deal.
I'm a 5000+ hour fixed-wing ATP and CFI with plenty of turbine/multiengine time. 37 years old. U.S. citizen. Could get a cushy jet job somewhere, settle in and wait for retirement, old age, decrepitude and death. Or I could mortgage the farm, get my helicopter ratings and go off and do....well.....whatever it is that dual-rated pilots do.
So, what're your recommendations? Choose one.
1. Sober up and go for the jet gig 'cuz I'm in for a long, uphill fight to get a job well-paid enough to justify the extraordinary expense of rotary ratings.
2. Go for it! There is a strong demand for helicopter pilots - especially ones who can go both ways....er....fly fixed-wing, too.
Any input would be greatly appreciated
I'm a 5000+ hour fixed-wing ATP and CFI with plenty of turbine/multiengine time. 37 years old. U.S. citizen. Could get a cushy jet job somewhere, settle in and wait for retirement, old age, decrepitude and death. Or I could mortgage the farm, get my helicopter ratings and go off and do....well.....whatever it is that dual-rated pilots do.
So, what're your recommendations? Choose one.
1. Sober up and go for the jet gig 'cuz I'm in for a long, uphill fight to get a job well-paid enough to justify the extraordinary expense of rotary ratings.
2. Go for it! There is a strong demand for helicopter pilots - especially ones who can go both ways....er....fly fixed-wing, too.
Any input would be greatly appreciated
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: White Waltham, Prestwick & Calgary
Age: 72
Posts: 4,151
Likes: 0
Received 29 Likes
on
14 Posts
I'd go for option one, plus get it out of your system with a PPL/CPL - No 2 is correct as far as it goes, but the demand is for experienced pilots. Being dual rated myself, with some time on both, I can tell you there isn't much demand for it - all you do is delay the point at which you are more employable in both fields.
phil
phil
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Earth
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, paco.
The PPL/CPL-get-it-out-of-my-system idea has merit. I suspect that the money that I'd spend on that would be far less than the income I would forego by moving into the helicopter world.
What about flight instructing? Do those jobs require alot of experience, too?
The PPL/CPL-get-it-out-of-my-system idea has merit. I suspect that the money that I'd spend on that would be far less than the income I would forego by moving into the helicopter world.
What about flight instructing? Do those jobs require alot of experience, too?
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: White Waltham, Prestwick & Calgary
Age: 72
Posts: 4,151
Likes: 0
Received 29 Likes
on
14 Posts
But when did common sense have anything to do with it? 
There is a need for good flying instructors, but I don't know too much about that - perhaps an instructor might have some suggestions, but I know that you still need a CPL as part of the qualification. But you're a CFI anyway - if you're only bringing people up to a certain standard that may not matter. It's probably the best way.
Phil
There is a need for good flying instructors, but I don't know too much about that - perhaps an instructor might have some suggestions, but I know that you still need a CPL as part of the qualification. But you're a CFI anyway - if you're only bringing people up to a certain standard that may not matter. It's probably the best way.
Phil
Given a chance to fly nice jets....live in nice hotels while away...for very short periods of time....eat in nice restaurants...play golf at good courses.....or live in squalid house trailers with four or five other guys....doing your own cooking...staying gone for a month of more at the time....at less pay....ah, heck there is no choice. Go helicopter and become a gypsy with AIDS....aviation induced divorce syndrome.
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: West of zero
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Paco and SASless are right. If you’d rather fly than eat, sleep, or do the other thing I’m not allowed to mention here, this being a family forum and all… then a career as a helicopter pilot may be for you.
But if you have, or aspire to, or think in the distant future you might like, a life besides the job – stay away! It’ll save a lot of bitterness.
And yes, doing a heli PPL off all that moolah that’s sure to come your way with the jet job will be well worth it.
But if you have, or aspire to, or think in the distant future you might like, a life besides the job – stay away! It’ll save a lot of bitterness.
And yes, doing a heli PPL off all that moolah that’s sure to come your way with the jet job will be well worth it.
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Scary Eire
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
fixed wing to rotary
hello all...
just a bit curious about something-
If you have a PPL (a) with all ATPL exams complete and you decide you want to fly rotary..how do you go about the conversion?
Do you have to start from scratch?
Can you use any of the ATPL exams towards any exams for the PPL or CPL(H)?
Is it difficult?
thanks
just a bit curious about something-
If you have a PPL (a) with all ATPL exams complete and you decide you want to fly rotary..how do you go about the conversion?
Do you have to start from scratch?
Can you use any of the ATPL exams towards any exams for the PPL or CPL(H)?
Is it difficult?
thanks
Hovering AND talking
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Propping up bars in the Lands of D H Lawrence and Bishop Bonner
Age: 59
Posts: 5,705
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think that your PPL(A) exams should be valid for PPL(H) with the exception maybe of Principles of Flight (being a slightly different principle!!) and definitely the Aircraft Specific (since you will be a getting a rating in a different machine!).
Depending on time limits, your ATPL(A) exams should also be valid but you may have to sit the Helicopter Principles of Flight. There is very little difference between the exams for CPL(A) / CPL(H) and ATPL(A) and ATPL(H).
As for the actual flying bit - your PPL(H) minimum hours are reduced by 6 to 39. But beware, you may not do it in minimum hours; very few do!
Cheers
Whirls
Depending on time limits, your ATPL(A) exams should also be valid but you may have to sit the Helicopter Principles of Flight. There is very little difference between the exams for CPL(A) / CPL(H) and ATPL(A) and ATPL(H).
As for the actual flying bit - your PPL(H) minimum hours are reduced by 6 to 39. But beware, you may not do it in minimum hours; very few do!
Cheers
Whirls
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Germany
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you are going to get a JAR-FCL CPL(H) you find useful information in JAR-FCL 2.050(b) and in Appendix 1 to JAR-FCL 2.050.
Unfortunately it says that you need an ATPL(A) or CPL(A) with ATPL-Theory to get the credit.
Unfortunately it says that you need an ATPL(A) or CPL(A) with ATPL-Theory to get the credit.
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Larndern
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fixed wing to rotary conversion?
Evening all,
Does anyone know whats required to convert a Frozen ATPL (A) to a frozen ATPL (H) if I already have an FAA CPL H?
Can I use the JAA ATPL exams that I already passed for the fixed wing courses, or do I have to re-sit them all again?
Thanks
Does anyone know whats required to convert a Frozen ATPL (A) to a frozen ATPL (H) if I already have an FAA CPL H?
Can I use the JAA ATPL exams that I already passed for the fixed wing courses, or do I have to re-sit them all again?
Thanks
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Budapest
Age: 46
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
JAR BOY,
For JAA, from CAA licencing department, ref LASORS 2005:
...."In order to satisfy the theoretical knowledge requirements for the JAR-FCL ATPL(H), the holder of a JAR-FCL ATPL(A), or CPL(A) with valid ATPL(A) theory credit, is required to complete bridge instruction for the subjects/topics detailed in Appendix 1 to JAR-FCL 2.050. In addition, a pass in the following ATPL(H) examinations must be obtained, in accordance with JAR-FCL 2.490:- Performance: Operational Procedures: Principles of Flight (H) and the Composite ATPL(H) bridge examination"....
I have just bridged from JAR ATPL(H) to (A),
Hope that helps,
Rotorcraft
For JAA, from CAA licencing department, ref LASORS 2005:
...."In order to satisfy the theoretical knowledge requirements for the JAR-FCL ATPL(H), the holder of a JAR-FCL ATPL(A), or CPL(A) with valid ATPL(A) theory credit, is required to complete bridge instruction for the subjects/topics detailed in Appendix 1 to JAR-FCL 2.050. In addition, a pass in the following ATPL(H) examinations must be obtained, in accordance with JAR-FCL 2.490:- Performance: Operational Procedures: Principles of Flight (H) and the Composite ATPL(H) bridge examination"....
I have just bridged from JAR ATPL(H) to (A),
Hope that helps,
Rotorcraft
Join Date: May 2005
Location: west sussex
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jar Boy
I have just finished my ATPL (H) exams and the only difference between that and the (A) was the principles of flight and the fact I didn t have to do performance. I believe that there are no helicopter specific papers at the moment but the CAA are planning to change... Always worth a quick call to the CAA, they can give you the definitive answer.
I have just finished my ATPL (H) exams and the only difference between that and the (A) was the principles of flight and the fact I didn t have to do performance. I believe that there are no helicopter specific papers at the moment but the CAA are planning to change... Always worth a quick call to the CAA, they can give you the definitive answer.
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Florida
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fixed wing to rotary conversion
There seems to be a misconception that there is not a full set of ATPL(H) exams in all subjects. They have been in force for at least two years at helicopter only schools, such as HAI and now Dragon with their CPL(H).
The f/w schools were granted an exemption during the transition stage and this seems to have been extended indefinitely for commercial reasons as it would not make sense for them to hold separate classes for one or two pupils. Thus they do all f/w except for POF(H).
However, as you can see in LASORs there is a bridging exam for ATPL(A) to (H) consisting of POF(H),OPS PROC(H), Perf(H), and a composite paper consisting of Air Law, Airframes and systems, Instrumentation, Mass and balance, Flight Planning and monitoring.
This paper seems to be a committee idea. Air law is not generic, instruments work the same way with different markings on them, flight planning is low level with a different chart and a slow speed confuser, M&B is pure calculation, the only difference is that MTOW is the same as MLDGW. So all we really needed was the old Rotor controls and transmission, which used to be included in POF(H).
That is what we have got, so pass the lot.
The f/w schools were granted an exemption during the transition stage and this seems to have been extended indefinitely for commercial reasons as it would not make sense for them to hold separate classes for one or two pupils. Thus they do all f/w except for POF(H).
However, as you can see in LASORs there is a bridging exam for ATPL(A) to (H) consisting of POF(H),OPS PROC(H), Perf(H), and a composite paper consisting of Air Law, Airframes and systems, Instrumentation, Mass and balance, Flight Planning and monitoring.
This paper seems to be a committee idea. Air law is not generic, instruments work the same way with different markings on them, flight planning is low level with a different chart and a slow speed confuser, M&B is pure calculation, the only difference is that MTOW is the same as MLDGW. So all we really needed was the old Rotor controls and transmission, which used to be included in POF(H).
That is what we have got, so pass the lot.
Join Date: May 2001
Location: 75N 16E
Age: 54
Posts: 4,729
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What actual flying would need to be done to convert FAA to JAA? I'm guessing that if the candidate is already a JAA IR(A) holder plus FAA IR(H) holder, then the IR requirements are probably met, and then they would only have to satisfy the examiner during a check flight? Likewise with the CPL I would assume.
To go from FAA CPL/IR(A) to FAA CPL/IR(H) (assuming R22) you would need 20 hours dual (because its a Robinson), plus 35 hours pilot in command. The IR requirements would be met, by virtue of the IR(A) and so the CPL/IR check ride could be acomplished in one hit at around 55 hours....unless there is some excemption for the 35 hr solo by virtue of the CPL/IR(A)........
cheers
To go from FAA CPL/IR(A) to FAA CPL/IR(H) (assuming R22) you would need 20 hours dual (because its a Robinson), plus 35 hours pilot in command. The IR requirements would be met, by virtue of the IR(A) and so the CPL/IR check ride could be acomplished in one hit at around 55 hours....unless there is some excemption for the 35 hr solo by virtue of the CPL/IR(A)........
cheers
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: england
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
PPL(A) to PPL(H) ??
PPL(A) to PPL(H) ??
Hey guys, I gained my PPL (A) last year, and I was just wondering how much flying time and ground school is allowed to be transferred t a PPL (H), as I quite fancy doing my helicopter licence as it looks like cracking fun
, also , how much is it going to cost approximatly, as I know they are more expensive than light aircraft to operate. Can anyone reccomend any schools around the birmingham/midlands area cheers guys
Hey guys, I gained my PPL (A) last year, and I was just wondering how much flying time and ground school is allowed to be transferred t a PPL (H), as I quite fancy doing my helicopter licence as it looks like cracking fun
, also , how much is it going to cost approximatly, as I know they are more expensive than light aircraft to operate. Can anyone reccomend any schools around the birmingham/midlands area cheers guys