Becoming a professional pilot, and finding a job
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Cheshire
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Heli Job After Airline Flying?
Hi All
well after 15 years flying for Big Airline (737 et al) I have decided that I would like to return to my roots and strap a helo on again. I flew for 8 years in the RN (Gazelle, Wessex, SeaKing Commando) and after leaving assumed I was of to better things in the airline industry.....wrong!!! Money nice but no flying just button pushing.
I have kept up my ATPL(H) (no helo IR) by having 5 hours no less in an Enstrom to revalidate my licence. (S61 also on licence).
I have been given a retirement option by Big Airline so money is not hugely important. Idealy I would like to fly Air Ambulance or Police work, definately not rig work (sorry guys). Any ideas from anyone? Location not important although preferably not South East.
So what do you reckon? After 15 years will anyone want my talents or was it all just a beautiful dream?
well after 15 years flying for Big Airline (737 et al) I have decided that I would like to return to my roots and strap a helo on again. I flew for 8 years in the RN (Gazelle, Wessex, SeaKing Commando) and after leaving assumed I was of to better things in the airline industry.....wrong!!! Money nice but no flying just button pushing.
I have kept up my ATPL(H) (no helo IR) by having 5 hours no less in an Enstrom to revalidate my licence. (S61 also on licence).
I have been given a retirement option by Big Airline so money is not hugely important. Idealy I would like to fly Air Ambulance or Police work, definately not rig work (sorry guys). Any ideas from anyone? Location not important although preferably not South East.
So what do you reckon? After 15 years will anyone want my talents or was it all just a beautiful dream?
Suave yet Shallow
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: half way between the gutter and the stars.
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I'd have thought speaking to Police Aviation Services down at Staverton...they'd have given you the low-down as to how employable you are. And they run a lot of the EMS/Police choppers around the UK so they'd be a good co to get friendly with.
Hope it helps
TC
Actually I just noticed your in Cheshire, I believe in your area the police use fixed wing aircraft too, so that could be another option. Its a twin turbo-prob but I'm darned if I can remember it...I can picture it..but am having a blond moment..I'm sure someone else could enlighten us.
Hope it helps
TC
Actually I just noticed your in Cheshire, I believe in your area the police use fixed wing aircraft too, so that could be another option. Its a twin turbo-prob but I'm darned if I can remember it...I can picture it..but am having a blond moment..I'm sure someone else could enlighten us.
Join Date: Aug 2001
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Traps
You say money is not hugely important as you have a retirement option from the airline.
If you are offered a job, try to remember there are quite a few helicopter pilots out there with no retirement package etc who are trying to make a decent living. (ie trying to get paid a decent wage).
I guess what I am trying to say is don`t work for peanuts just because you have another income.
You say money is not hugely important as you have a retirement option from the airline.
If you are offered a job, try to remember there are quite a few helicopter pilots out there with no retirement package etc who are trying to make a decent living. (ie trying to get paid a decent wage).
I guess what I am trying to say is don`t work for peanuts just because you have another income.
Traps,
I agree with the last comment, you have the luxury of picking and choosing because you feel the need to change direction...I continue to receive endless Cv's from genuine, sometimes desperate helo drivers who would give their hind teeth to fly in our industry.
A word of advice...if you are determined to break into our territory, change your background story, or it won't go down well by some of these more deserving people.
Cheshire fly an Islander, they might even be increasing their operational availability, but I could not possibly comment on that!
They are looking for pilots, and currently they are doing it through PAS, Staverton...but who knows what is around the corner, at this quiet outpost??
I agree with the last comment, you have the luxury of picking and choosing because you feel the need to change direction...I continue to receive endless Cv's from genuine, sometimes desperate helo drivers who would give their hind teeth to fly in our industry.
A word of advice...if you are determined to break into our territory, change your background story, or it won't go down well by some of these more deserving people.
Cheshire fly an Islander, they might even be increasing their operational availability, but I could not possibly comment on that!
They are looking for pilots, and currently they are doing it through PAS, Staverton...but who knows what is around the corner, at this quiet outpost??
Gatvol
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Traps
There are jobs after retirement. We are in the same boat in that sense. I retired from Law Enforcement about seven years ago and have been flying all over the world since them. I had plenty of the right numbers to get a job albeit every company has you at the bottom of the list.....Who cares. Your seeing the world on someone elses dime and they pay you also.
I just finished almost five months in the Caribbean and am now back in Las Vegas doing tours. Dont limit yourself to flying in the U.K. theres plenty of nice places to see....
The secret you may ask has to do with what Gonedeaf mentioned. I DONT COMPETE with those who need this life as a sole means of income. I work part time or relief and my employers schedule me accordingly. I get more than enough flying and a nice paycheck to boot. The other Pilots know Im not a threat to their jobs and are actually happy as they know someone is around when they need an extra day off.
Its a great life. Email is good if you have questions.
There are jobs after retirement. We are in the same boat in that sense. I retired from Law Enforcement about seven years ago and have been flying all over the world since them. I had plenty of the right numbers to get a job albeit every company has you at the bottom of the list.....Who cares. Your seeing the world on someone elses dime and they pay you also.
I just finished almost five months in the Caribbean and am now back in Las Vegas doing tours. Dont limit yourself to flying in the U.K. theres plenty of nice places to see....
The secret you may ask has to do with what Gonedeaf mentioned. I DONT COMPETE with those who need this life as a sole means of income. I work part time or relief and my employers schedule me accordingly. I get more than enough flying and a nice paycheck to boot. The other Pilots know Im not a threat to their jobs and are actually happy as they know someone is around when they need an extra day off.
Its a great life. Email is good if you have questions.
Thomas Coupling,
I don't think there's any need to change 'background stories' as long as Traps, or anyone for that matter, is honest about his or her motivation and has a bit of tact and empathy when talking money to co-workers, if it comes up.
Sure, don't agree to being paid peanuts for work, but a bit of research should give an idea of what is an acceptable wage for whatever jobs are about.
Like BSousa, I'm doing casual work, nobody gets upset about my previous career or different path into the job, and it's working out great lifestyle wise.
Many people in aviation seem to think the only way to go is bigger and more highly paid, understandably I guess, but I'd like to think there is also room for those who choose to take what some would call a backward step in order to regain some job satisfaction.
The industry probably benefits in a way from the different viewpoint and experiences of these people, although I do understand the frustration of those trying to break in who may see it as taking limited jobs. On that issue, if you're working on a casual basis, you'll provide a handy fill-in when the full-timers hit their duty limits, get sick or whatever, and make it more likely that they will be able to take their leave when they want to.
I don't think there's any need to change 'background stories' as long as Traps, or anyone for that matter, is honest about his or her motivation and has a bit of tact and empathy when talking money to co-workers, if it comes up.
Sure, don't agree to being paid peanuts for work, but a bit of research should give an idea of what is an acceptable wage for whatever jobs are about.
Like BSousa, I'm doing casual work, nobody gets upset about my previous career or different path into the job, and it's working out great lifestyle wise.
Many people in aviation seem to think the only way to go is bigger and more highly paid, understandably I guess, but I'd like to think there is also room for those who choose to take what some would call a backward step in order to regain some job satisfaction.
The industry probably benefits in a way from the different viewpoint and experiences of these people, although I do understand the frustration of those trying to break in who may see it as taking limited jobs. On that issue, if you're working on a casual basis, you'll provide a handy fill-in when the full-timers hit their duty limits, get sick or whatever, and make it more likely that they will be able to take their leave when they want to.
Join Date: Sep 2002
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your job and how you got there
as i have been browsing this forum, i have noticed that quite a few of you have really cool jobs - flying some nice machinery in various exotic locations.
to inspire us young wannabe heli pilots, it would be nice to hear how you guys went about getting your wings, and a few stories of the cooler jobs you have had.
i especially want to know how to become a mercenary and get to fly that awesome Mi-24!!!
to inspire us young wannabe heli pilots, it would be nice to hear how you guys went about getting your wings, and a few stories of the cooler jobs you have had.
i especially want to know how to become a mercenary and get to fly that awesome Mi-24!!!
Last edited by Heliport; 19th Apr 2003 at 03:26.
Join Date: Nov 2000
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Please include whether it was
who you knew at the time,
who you knew intimately at the time,
if payment was in cash, check or money order....
Argh ... after 4 long hard years, I'm seeing the light (CFI Checkride within the next 90 days gang), and its a Landing light coming at me hehe. (And CFI is only the beginning!
)
who you knew at the time,
who you knew intimately at the time,
if payment was in cash, check or money order....
Argh ... after 4 long hard years, I'm seeing the light (CFI Checkride within the next 90 days gang), and its a Landing light coming at me hehe. (And CFI is only the beginning!
)
Join Date: Jul 2002
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My rich uncle, Sam, needed young & stupid pilots for the Southeast Asia war games back in '71, so he provided me a scholarship to US Army Flight School. After 10 years, I had paid him back, so I quit that & came to the Gulf of Mexico, where pretty much everyone needed pilots. I hired on & I'm still here. Obvious lack of ambition. As soon as I get enough time logged, I'm going to get a real job. 
GLS....Shame on you.....lying to the lads! We know the truth....you made so much money in the Gulf you just do it now to have an excuse to get away from the wives....four ex's and the current one! The other reason you hang around the oil patch is to see what enlightened management decisions come down the pike.....and wait for an opportunity to give some of that "easy money" back to them. The truth to your buying that mobile home is so you can feel like you are in your normal accomodations....do you still pee out the door like you do at work?
GLS....
Must be your natural charm and salve what hair....and that big ol' fat wallet with all that money. Is it true you guys have to use a wheel barrow to carry it to the bank? I know it is hard to save....what with all the ways to spend it at the work sites...like Fort Fooooo-shannnnn and Venice....all the girlie bars and disco's....five star restaurants and shopping malls.
Must be your natural charm and salve what hair....and that big ol' fat wallet with all that money. Is it true you guys have to use a wheel barrow to carry it to the bank? I know it is hard to save....what with all the ways to spend it at the work sites...like Fort Fooooo-shannnnn and Venice....all the girlie bars and disco's....five star restaurants and shopping malls.
Join Date: Jul 2002
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Must be your natural charm and salve what hair....and that big ol' fat wallet with all that money.
.
As for Port Fourchon (foooshawn), it's a wonderful place. Some time back I heard some tugboat crews on the marine radio desperate for the Lousiana powerball lottery numbers. Their plan, if they won, was to drop the lines to the jackup rig they were towing, & head for Fourchon. They didn't say what they planned to do once they got there.
In Intracoastal City (someone was really, really optimistic to name that hole "city"!) you have a grocery store, laundromat, liquor store, gas station, restaurant, beer joint, all under one roof. It's a small roof, though.
All in all, with such wonderful places to work, I don't know why we even bother to leave at the end of the hitch. And we're trying to save some of the money - my wife has her eye on a loaf of bread, & we may buy it some day.
"Just a pilot"
Like GLS, I learned to fly courtesy of my rich uncle and the SE Asian unpleasentness. My exposure to the military didn't take.
Tried "work" for 10 years, then returned to flying helos. With no civilian time, I naturally started out as a CFI, then went to the GOM to get some 206 time and stayed 13 years.
Currently a helo ems slave in my soon to be ex's hometown.
As to your wish to fly big iron and shoot people-that gets very old very, very quickly.
Tried "work" for 10 years, then returned to flying helos. With no civilian time, I naturally started out as a CFI, then went to the GOM to get some 206 time and stayed 13 years.
Currently a helo ems slave in my soon to be ex's hometown.
As to your wish to fly big iron and shoot people-that gets very old very, very quickly.
Join Date: Apr 2003
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It seems that most of the guys have either got Uncle Sam or HRH to pay for their flying lessons.
I did it the other way: PPL, AFI, QFI, CPL. Cost a mint, ruined a few relationships but never regretted it. I now fly SAR. Brilliant job with great guys.
Keep that dream alive and one day you might be lucky (????!!!) enough to fly one of those big Russian jobs - rather you than me!!
I did it the other way: PPL, AFI, QFI, CPL. Cost a mint, ruined a few relationships but never regretted it. I now fly SAR. Brilliant job with great guys.
Keep that dream alive and one day you might be lucky (????!!!) enough to fly one of those big Russian jobs - rather you than me!!
Join Date: Apr 2003
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I was like "crashondeck", PPL/AFI/QFI/CPL/ATPL now fly offshore in the UK, cost-a-packet, even allowing for NVQ, took 4 years from when I started till I got a "proper" job although was instructing after about 18 months on the old "self improver route"
marriage survived it, looking back would never have started if I knew how much effort and particularly time was involved especially at the "QFI" stage (full time instructing is very very time hungry), but now I am there it was worth it.
to anyone starting out, I have not found any rocket science involved, hard bits (for me anyway) were the AFI course, and the IR course (IR course was really hard), CPL flying course was relatively easy oh yeah and dont forget the dreaded "commercial exams", they were difficult because of the volume of information to learn
for newbies, dont give up and certainly dont expect anyone to hire you when you have your shiny new JAR CPL(H), and try not to think too far ahead, I used to have PPL students who were going on about commercial exams and I would say " why dont we learn to hover first" !
marriage survived it, looking back would never have started if I knew how much effort and particularly time was involved especially at the "QFI" stage (full time instructing is very very time hungry), but now I am there it was worth it.
to anyone starting out, I have not found any rocket science involved, hard bits (for me anyway) were the AFI course, and the IR course (IR course was really hard), CPL flying course was relatively easy oh yeah and dont forget the dreaded "commercial exams", they were difficult because of the volume of information to learn
for newbies, dont give up and certainly dont expect anyone to hire you when you have your shiny new JAR CPL(H), and try not to think too far ahead, I used to have PPL students who were going on about commercial exams and I would say " why dont we learn to hover first" !