Would you become a professional helicopter pilot again?
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Oh yes, one more thing - Schweizer or Robinsons - I know they cost different to learn in I'm tempted by the Schweizer 'cos it's dual stick (I'm told), though more expensive per hr.
Anybody got any views or advice ? Thanks a lot.
BG
Anybody got any views or advice ? Thanks a lot.
BG
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PPf#1 Sounds like you are getting hyped up over another persons perspective. I enjoy flying, and am doing the commercials so I can get paid to do something I enjoy, more concerned with enjoying work than living a life of misery, even if it will be a long slog. If some people do for the enjoyment, they may not consider it as working as they would possibly do it as a hobby otherwise if they could afford to, I know I would - but then I guess I am young and foolish.
Most of the guys and gals in the industry started because it is something that they always wanted to do and enjoy it, not because they thought that they would get rich from it.
In terms of the robbos and schwiezers, can't comment on the schwizers, but the robbos have the teetering cyclic, so dual is no isue, but it is an expensive career change, so costs you should take into deep consideration.
Most of the guys and gals in the industry started because it is something that they always wanted to do and enjoy it, not because they thought that they would get rich from it.
In terms of the robbos and schwiezers, can't comment on the schwizers, but the robbos have the teetering cyclic, so dual is no isue, but it is an expensive career change, so costs you should take into deep consideration.
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I only know about the R22 which I can highly recommend, especially after having been to the factory safetycourse.
I was told if you were to own an R22 it would cost you something like £100 an hour to run it and if you manage to hire it to your training organisation it earns its keep.
Regards to making a mint in this rotary business I believe the young ones are flying Helicopters because they love flying and quality of life.
Now how can one put a price on quality of life?
Also do not forget you already bought all your toys, you already own your house and I imagine you own a car so all you need to earn is money for food and the mortgage.
And somebody is paying to fly helicopters which can be worth millions, with views which are priceless.
regards Brilliant Stuff
I was told if you were to own an R22 it would cost you something like £100 an hour to run it and if you manage to hire it to your training organisation it earns its keep.
Regards to making a mint in this rotary business I believe the young ones are flying Helicopters because they love flying and quality of life.
Now how can one put a price on quality of life?
Also do not forget you already bought all your toys, you already own your house and I imagine you own a car so all you need to earn is money for food and the mortgage.
And somebody is paying to fly helicopters which can be worth millions, with views which are priceless.
regards Brilliant Stuff
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Robbo v Schweizer
Banjo,
The advice I received (which I took) from a number of reputable pilots, was that if I had any thoughts about taking my PPL further to CPL, then learn on a Schweizer. It has a "proper" cyclic (please, Robbo flyers - don't have a pop at me for that!!) and is robust aircraft that was designed for training whereas a R22 was designed more as cheap, personal transport rather than as a trainer.
There is also a theory (and I don't have any figures to back it up) that an R22 is harder to learn on and could therefore take more hours to pass which could wipe out the hourly savings compared with a Schweizer.
On the other hand, there are more R22s in the country from which to choose. If you want any info on the place where I trained, please PM me.
Cheers
Whirlygig
The advice I received (which I took) from a number of reputable pilots, was that if I had any thoughts about taking my PPL further to CPL, then learn on a Schweizer. It has a "proper" cyclic (please, Robbo flyers - don't have a pop at me for that!!) and is robust aircraft that was designed for training whereas a R22 was designed more as cheap, personal transport rather than as a trainer.
There is also a theory (and I don't have any figures to back it up) that an R22 is harder to learn on and could therefore take more hours to pass which could wipe out the hourly savings compared with a Schweizer.
On the other hand, there are more R22s in the country from which to choose. If you want any info on the place where I trained, please PM me.
Cheers
Whirlygig
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PPf#1 Sounds like you are getting hyped up over another persons perspective.
I hope that Goaround's post was misinturpretted. It might not seem like work, but being a professional pilot is no walk in the park.
For those of you starting out in a career in helo's, the most important attribute is attitude. Just about anyone can learn to fly a helicopter. Many will have the grit to pass the CPL exams. But it takes a professional attitude to get a job (in the UK at least).
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Personally, I feel Goaround was just trying to explain that flying is perhaps more than just a job, but I fully accept that consuumate professionalism is required at all times.
If I cock up a project plan or a financial breakdown, I live to see another day. Not so in a heli potentially.
That's a thing I admire about Cabair - whilst it may be superficial to some, I think having uniforms and keeping the machines clean after usage shows a degree of care and method.
As I am wholly new to all this, I can't speak with any authority on the matter, but that's how it seems.
If I cock up a project plan or a financial breakdown, I live to see another day. Not so in a heli potentially.
That's a thing I admire about Cabair - whilst it may be superficial to some, I think having uniforms and keeping the machines clean after usage shows a degree of care and method.
As I am wholly new to all this, I can't speak with any authority on the matter, but that's how it seems.
The Original Whirly
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It might not seem like work, but being a professional pilot is no walk in the park.
But the point I'm making is that unless it actually got to the point of being dangerous, I couldn't turn round and say that actually I didn't like the weather and didn't feel like doing it. And that's something that no-one pointed out to me when I was a starry-eyed PPL thinking it would be great to get paid to fly.
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Hmmmmm, all jobs have crap bits or very crap bits.
There's probably only a handful however where potentially, you're putting your life on the line.
Would it be fair to assume however that if anyone was really really unhappy about going up, then the job would just have to be sacrificed if some bean counter was saying 'go up or else ?'
There's probably only a handful however where potentially, you're putting your life on the line.
Would it be fair to assume however that if anyone was really really unhappy about going up, then the job would just have to be sacrificed if some bean counter was saying 'go up or else ?'
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Yupp, if you are in any way unhappy or get a funny feeling before you get in the maschine stop there and then and return later. If you can talk to somebody who might be able explain your concerns.
If you are in the air and the weather changes and you feel uncomfortable land and wait it out.
If your passengers start to complain just point out to them they are paying you to deliver them safely and alive at their destination and weather is unpredictable.
Just because we see the Job not as work does not mean we are not unprofessional or lax in our attitude. It just means we are looking forward to going to work and do not dread Monday to Friday.
regards Brilliant Stuff
If you are in the air and the weather changes and you feel uncomfortable land and wait it out.
If your passengers start to complain just point out to them they are paying you to deliver them safely and alive at their destination and weather is unpredictable.
Just because we see the Job not as work does not mean we are not unprofessional or lax in our attitude. It just means we are looking forward to going to work and do not dread Monday to Friday.
regards Brilliant Stuff
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Hello all,
does anyone have a contact for Mike Green (ex FAST) - or does anyone know if he's on this forum. I'm told he may be able to give some cracking advice.
Thanks,
BG
does anyone have a contact for Mike Green (ex FAST) - or does anyone know if he's on this forum. I'm told he may be able to give some cracking advice.
Thanks,
BG
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BANJO. MY ONLY ADVICE IS GO FOR IT! FLYING HELIS IS A LEGAL DRUG, ONCE YOU START YOU CANT STOP!! IVE BEEN TRAINING/PLEASURE FLYING FOR 2 YEARS NOW AND HAVE RACKED UP A MEASLY 80 HOURS ON AROUND 7 DIFFERENT HELIS INCLUDING ROBBOS, SWIEZERS,JETBOXES GAZZELLES AND EC130S HAS COST ME A FORTUNE BUT IVE ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT AND DONT REGRET 1 PENNY.
WHO KNOWS ONE DAY I MIGHT EVEN DO MY FIRST SOLO.
FINANCIALLY THE ADVICE I WOULD GIVE IS DONT PAY FOR THE WHOLE COURSE UP FRONT, AND EVERYONE CAN SLATE ME FOR THIS IF THEY WANT. BUT HELICOPTER SCHOOLS HAVE A HABIT OF DISSAPEARING OVERNIGHT, ALONG WITH YOUR TRAINING MONEY, SO PICK A LARGE OUTFIT THAT ARE BUSY AND YOU KNOW WILL STILL BE THERE 2 YEARS DOWN THE LINE.
I WAS TRAINING WITH FLIGHTWORKS AT COVENTRY AND NOW THEYVE GONE BANKRUPT SO IM GLAD I DIDNT PAY UP FRONT.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU, AND WHEN YOU GET TO HOUR 10 AND YOU CAN HOVER AND SMILE AT THE SAME TIME YOU WILL KNOW IT WAS MONEY WELL SPENT!
PS WHEN YOU TELL THE GIRLS IN THE PUB YOU FLY HELIS ITS BLOODY GREAT
WHO KNOWS ONE DAY I MIGHT EVEN DO MY FIRST SOLO.
FINANCIALLY THE ADVICE I WOULD GIVE IS DONT PAY FOR THE WHOLE COURSE UP FRONT, AND EVERYONE CAN SLATE ME FOR THIS IF THEY WANT. BUT HELICOPTER SCHOOLS HAVE A HABIT OF DISSAPEARING OVERNIGHT, ALONG WITH YOUR TRAINING MONEY, SO PICK A LARGE OUTFIT THAT ARE BUSY AND YOU KNOW WILL STILL BE THERE 2 YEARS DOWN THE LINE.
I WAS TRAINING WITH FLIGHTWORKS AT COVENTRY AND NOW THEYVE GONE BANKRUPT SO IM GLAD I DIDNT PAY UP FRONT.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU, AND WHEN YOU GET TO HOUR 10 AND YOU CAN HOVER AND SMILE AT THE SAME TIME YOU WILL KNOW IT WAS MONEY WELL SPENT!
PS WHEN YOU TELL THE GIRLS IN THE PUB YOU FLY HELIS ITS BLOODY GREAT
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Okay, Fan #1
So I was waxing a little lyrical there, I do know that flying to rigs in IF is not all fun and games, and it was a arrogant to speak for a whole profession. However I stand by what I said in relation to the pilots with whom I spend my time.
I also agree that, especially compared to airline pilots, we are underpaid but that’s true for any industry where there are a large number of people, (obviously not you) with a passion for what they do.
You sound like someone who never had to commute to the slow death of an office job every day and don’t appreciate what you have. I also suspect you didn’t pay for your own training and take your privileged position too lightly.
If you hate it that much, (and judging by your language you do) then get yourself an office job, stop flying and leave a gap for someone else who’ll appreciate it (like Banjo maybe !).
So I was waxing a little lyrical there, I do know that flying to rigs in IF is not all fun and games, and it was a arrogant to speak for a whole profession. However I stand by what I said in relation to the pilots with whom I spend my time.
I also agree that, especially compared to airline pilots, we are underpaid but that’s true for any industry where there are a large number of people, (obviously not you) with a passion for what they do.
You sound like someone who never had to commute to the slow death of an office job every day and don’t appreciate what you have. I also suspect you didn’t pay for your own training and take your privileged position too lightly.
If you hate it that much, (and judging by your language you do) then get yourself an office job, stop flying and leave a gap for someone else who’ll appreciate it (like Banjo maybe !).
To goaround7: Apology accepted. You're a bigger man than I gave you credit for being.
I'm always curious when people make personal judgements about others on the basis of internet posts. I suppose that there are those who assume (like ol' goaround here) that I am bitterly disgusted with flying, that I hate my job, hate my life, hate my wife, hate my dog, etc.
...Simply because I'm not all starry-eyed and ga-ga about flying anymore. More curious is that I detect an attitude in some people that I should therefore quit flying(!) and leave the industry to those who get all squishy and dreamy at the mere thought of rotor blades a-twirlin'. Yeah, that's me: bitter, old PPRUNE FAN#1 who gets up every morning just dreading the fact that he has to go fly a helicopter, and then whining about it later. Yeah. Right. Grow up.
The idea that I did not pay for my own training, that I hate what I do, that I've never held any other jobs, never commuted, or that I do not appreciate what I've got are simply the laughably naive, unfounded speculations of dolts.
Look, I have worked very hard to get where I am in this industry. I take my *JOB* very seriously...extremely seriously! I do not consider it a lark or a hobby, and I would *NOT* do this (work) for free. Make no mistake, people- it is work...dignified, valid, valuable work. And it should be treated as such. I reject the notion that if you have a passion for something then you should accept substandard wages simply so you can pursue that passion. Hypothesis: Rejected!
To anyone who feels differently: perhaps it is YOU who should get out of this industry and leave it to us professionals who know the value of performing a service for remuneration. How's that for an idea!
On the other hand, I love to fly! My passion for flying has never abated. I fly helicopters, I fly airplanes...heck, I'll fly the box the thing came in if need be. When I'm not flying for money, I'm flying my own airplane for pleasure. But friends, flying is not the only thing in life that gives me such pleasure. Nor is it the only thing that makes my life meaningful. It's a big part of what makes me who I am, but it does not define me. I pity those for whom life offers so little else.
Hypothetically, if I won a pot o' gold, I would be a fool to continue flying commercially. I've got all the flight time that I could ever hope for. There is nothing anymore that I want to do with a helicopter that I have not already done. And as risky as it is, there is a huge chance that the only persons enjoying my windfall might be my heirs and survivors. Now wouldn't that be ironic!
No, there is too much more to life, and too much at risk to continue unnecessarily, had I that option. But does that mean I'm disillusioned and angry enough to quit right now? Not hardly!
I know this is long, but let me address one other point. Banjo George wondered:
It's not that simple. In fact, it never is. Most pilots are quite loathe to summarily quit a job when there's a mortgage (or other bills) to consider. It would be reckless!
Too, there is a line between something being "uncomfortable" and something being "unsafe." Believe me, there are mornings when the weather is crappy, when the rain is pounding and the wind is blowing, and the very last thing on earth that I want to do is climb into another g*ddam helicopter and go fly. But you know what? I don't only get to fly on days with clear blue skies, little white puffy clouds and flute music blowing softly in the background. I don't get that choice. For the most part, I fly when the customer tells me to fly.
We all draw lines over which we will not step. In my many years in this industry, I have been pushed right up to that line, but never beyond. Never has an operator asked me to do something that was patently illegal or unsafe. Most won't...at least not directly. They might leave that door open for YOU to walk through, but they won't push you through it.
And so we find ourselves in these rock/hard-place situations, faced with tough "life or death" decisions and choices that are not always easy. In fact, sometimes they are gut-wrenchingly tough. THAT is why they pay us the big bucks. And THAT is why commercial aviation has no room for dilettantes, hobbyists, or the unprofessional.
I'm always curious when people make personal judgements about others on the basis of internet posts. I suppose that there are those who assume (like ol' goaround here) that I am bitterly disgusted with flying, that I hate my job, hate my life, hate my wife, hate my dog, etc.
...Simply because I'm not all starry-eyed and ga-ga about flying anymore. More curious is that I detect an attitude in some people that I should therefore quit flying(!) and leave the industry to those who get all squishy and dreamy at the mere thought of rotor blades a-twirlin'. Yeah, that's me: bitter, old PPRUNE FAN#1 who gets up every morning just dreading the fact that he has to go fly a helicopter, and then whining about it later. Yeah. Right. Grow up.
The idea that I did not pay for my own training, that I hate what I do, that I've never held any other jobs, never commuted, or that I do not appreciate what I've got are simply the laughably naive, unfounded speculations of dolts.
Look, I have worked very hard to get where I am in this industry. I take my *JOB* very seriously...extremely seriously! I do not consider it a lark or a hobby, and I would *NOT* do this (work) for free. Make no mistake, people- it is work...dignified, valid, valuable work. And it should be treated as such. I reject the notion that if you have a passion for something then you should accept substandard wages simply so you can pursue that passion. Hypothesis: Rejected!
To anyone who feels differently: perhaps it is YOU who should get out of this industry and leave it to us professionals who know the value of performing a service for remuneration. How's that for an idea!
On the other hand, I love to fly! My passion for flying has never abated. I fly helicopters, I fly airplanes...heck, I'll fly the box the thing came in if need be. When I'm not flying for money, I'm flying my own airplane for pleasure. But friends, flying is not the only thing in life that gives me such pleasure. Nor is it the only thing that makes my life meaningful. It's a big part of what makes me who I am, but it does not define me. I pity those for whom life offers so little else.
Hypothetically, if I won a pot o' gold, I would be a fool to continue flying commercially. I've got all the flight time that I could ever hope for. There is nothing anymore that I want to do with a helicopter that I have not already done. And as risky as it is, there is a huge chance that the only persons enjoying my windfall might be my heirs and survivors. Now wouldn't that be ironic!
No, there is too much more to life, and too much at risk to continue unnecessarily, had I that option. But does that mean I'm disillusioned and angry enough to quit right now? Not hardly!
I know this is long, but let me address one other point. Banjo George wondered:
Would it be fair to assume however that if anyone was really really unhappy about going up, then the job would just have to be sacrificed if some bean counter was saying 'go up or else ?'
Too, there is a line between something being "uncomfortable" and something being "unsafe." Believe me, there are mornings when the weather is crappy, when the rain is pounding and the wind is blowing, and the very last thing on earth that I want to do is climb into another g*ddam helicopter and go fly. But you know what? I don't only get to fly on days with clear blue skies, little white puffy clouds and flute music blowing softly in the background. I don't get that choice. For the most part, I fly when the customer tells me to fly.
We all draw lines over which we will not step. In my many years in this industry, I have been pushed right up to that line, but never beyond. Never has an operator asked me to do something that was patently illegal or unsafe. Most won't...at least not directly. They might leave that door open for YOU to walk through, but they won't push you through it.
And so we find ourselves in these rock/hard-place situations, faced with tough "life or death" decisions and choices that are not always easy. In fact, sometimes they are gut-wrenchingly tough. THAT is why they pay us the big bucks. And THAT is why commercial aviation has no room for dilettantes, hobbyists, or the unprofessional.
The Original Whirly
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PFF1,
Well, I did think that...because you'd very definitely implied it. But after reading your last post, I don't think it any more.
We don't have anything to go on here, other than people's posts, do we?
I'm always curious when people make personal judgements about others on the basis of internet posts. I suppose that there are those who assume (like ol' goaround here) that I am bitterly disgusted with flying, that I hate my job, hate my life, hate my wife, hate my dog, etc.
We don't have anything to go on here, other than people's posts, do we?
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Oh no, my thread is falling out with each other .........
Well, I have to respect the views of all the posts on this 'cos I know diddley about the industry, and in a way, a bit of disagreement has churned up views that are very useful and incisive.
I think I love to fly 'cos I've always loved every minute of the little flying I've done. As I said before however, I think my goal is to be as professional and SAFE as I can be. Sure it would be nice to stand in the pub with aviator shades and glinting teeth, but that's a bonus really. I'm long enough in the tooth and been round the block enough NOT to be blown away by terms like 'glamour' etc. To me, it will simply be enough of a challenge to pass everything (and pass it WELL I hope) and then get a blooming job.
Regarding money, well I take the points about it being a professional industry etc, and remuneration should be commensurate. Taking a different view however, and a slightly 'lefty' one at that, one could argue that people should be paid more for doing the ****e jobs in life - cleaning bogs, sweeping roads, looking after old folks etc. It's the lucky people who've actually had a 'choice' of career. I know life ain't like that, but it's markets that dictate wages, not ability or experience. If there were only 20 heli pilots in the UK, they'd all get paid shedloads. The supply and demand does NOT favour heli pilots, irrespective of professionalism or training or anything - that's just the way it seems, like it or not.
At my age, I will accept what I'm given in the heli world and just accept the fact that A. It was my choice and B. If I don't like it, I can piss off elsewhere.
Heli pilots per se may be 'underpaid' but compared to other jobs ??????????????
I hope I don't get systematically taken apart for this mail now ....
BG
BTW, thanks Dave for your post - very inspirational and wise words too re. financial status.
In the 10 days or so that this thread has been running, I\'ve already doubled my pre-requisite ideas and questions prior to starting. I\'m re-considering where I\'m going to do the training now as well (which will go down like a lead balloon I\'m sure with HC).
More importantly, everyone bar none has given massive encoragement and that\'s very, very heartening - I really appreciate ALL the contributors taking time out to help a novice - says a lot about the people working in the industry IMHO.
It\'s a minefield starting out but I\'m far better equipped now than I was before - even the little things like ascertaining when a flying lesson \'starts\' (when does the \'hour\' commence). Such a small thing, but 15 mins in every hour over 250 hours is a lot of cash for eg. Little tips like that are priceless. On the subject of which, does anyone know how open to \'haggling\' the schools are ? If I\'m about to splash 15 grand, I want a discount for a block booking (I guess loads of schools read this too).
Any other tips ? Cheers Guys ........................
BG
(PS Thanks too to PPrune)
Well, I have to respect the views of all the posts on this 'cos I know diddley about the industry, and in a way, a bit of disagreement has churned up views that are very useful and incisive.
I think I love to fly 'cos I've always loved every minute of the little flying I've done. As I said before however, I think my goal is to be as professional and SAFE as I can be. Sure it would be nice to stand in the pub with aviator shades and glinting teeth, but that's a bonus really. I'm long enough in the tooth and been round the block enough NOT to be blown away by terms like 'glamour' etc. To me, it will simply be enough of a challenge to pass everything (and pass it WELL I hope) and then get a blooming job.
Regarding money, well I take the points about it being a professional industry etc, and remuneration should be commensurate. Taking a different view however, and a slightly 'lefty' one at that, one could argue that people should be paid more for doing the ****e jobs in life - cleaning bogs, sweeping roads, looking after old folks etc. It's the lucky people who've actually had a 'choice' of career. I know life ain't like that, but it's markets that dictate wages, not ability or experience. If there were only 20 heli pilots in the UK, they'd all get paid shedloads. The supply and demand does NOT favour heli pilots, irrespective of professionalism or training or anything - that's just the way it seems, like it or not.
At my age, I will accept what I'm given in the heli world and just accept the fact that A. It was my choice and B. If I don't like it, I can piss off elsewhere.
Heli pilots per se may be 'underpaid' but compared to other jobs ??????????????
I hope I don't get systematically taken apart for this mail now ....
BG
BTW, thanks Dave for your post - very inspirational and wise words too re. financial status.
In the 10 days or so that this thread has been running, I\'ve already doubled my pre-requisite ideas and questions prior to starting. I\'m re-considering where I\'m going to do the training now as well (which will go down like a lead balloon I\'m sure with HC).
More importantly, everyone bar none has given massive encoragement and that\'s very, very heartening - I really appreciate ALL the contributors taking time out to help a novice - says a lot about the people working in the industry IMHO.
It\'s a minefield starting out but I\'m far better equipped now than I was before - even the little things like ascertaining when a flying lesson \'starts\' (when does the \'hour\' commence). Such a small thing, but 15 mins in every hour over 250 hours is a lot of cash for eg. Little tips like that are priceless. On the subject of which, does anyone know how open to \'haggling\' the schools are ? If I\'m about to splash 15 grand, I want a discount for a block booking (I guess loads of schools read this too).
Any other tips ? Cheers Guys ........................
BG
(PS Thanks too to PPrune)
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Hats off once again to PPRUNE FAN#1, I don't think it is possible to put it any better then he put it.
And if you don't agree with him now, and you do go ahead and loose everything you have just to qualify, come back in a few years and read his posts.
And then see how you will feel about
starry-eyed and ga-ga about flying,
newbies who think you deserve to be paid F'all cause your JOB is classed as "Cool" and seem oblivious to the inherant dangers, and quality of life in some of the absoloute S***holes that you have to live in to get a job think you may love.
And if you don't agree with him now, and you do go ahead and loose everything you have just to qualify, come back in a few years and read his posts.
And then see how you will feel about
starry-eyed and ga-ga about flying,
newbies who think you deserve to be paid F'all cause your JOB is classed as "Cool" and seem oblivious to the inherant dangers, and quality of life in some of the absoloute S***holes that you have to live in to get a job think you may love.
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Didn't entirely understand that rant, but assume it was directed at me ?!?!?!
Ga-Ga and starry eyed ? A tad condescending ?Are all beginners starry eyed and ga-ga 'cos if so, maybe I'm too pragmatic to be a heli pilot/beginner. Presumably all pilots on this forum were also starry eyed and ga-ga at some stage too ?
Being a PM, I'm fully aware of risk analysis etc and have weighed up the pros and cons very carefully. Risks are events that MAY happen, not necessarily WILL. When you weigh them up and the worst case scenario is acceptable, then the risk is ameliorated and thus acceptable. Before you get to that however, you can try to either prevent, reduce, transfer or use contingency.
Regarding making mistakes, well some people say it's the best way to learn. If I make a mistake, I'll try and learn from it, but I won't keep re-reading web forums to beat the **** out of myself for even trying !!!!
Cheers, BG
Ga-Ga and starry eyed ? A tad condescending ?Are all beginners starry eyed and ga-ga 'cos if so, maybe I'm too pragmatic to be a heli pilot/beginner. Presumably all pilots on this forum were also starry eyed and ga-ga at some stage too ?
Being a PM, I'm fully aware of risk analysis etc and have weighed up the pros and cons very carefully. Risks are events that MAY happen, not necessarily WILL. When you weigh them up and the worst case scenario is acceptable, then the risk is ameliorated and thus acceptable. Before you get to that however, you can try to either prevent, reduce, transfer or use contingency.
Regarding making mistakes, well some people say it's the best way to learn. If I make a mistake, I'll try and learn from it, but I won't keep re-reading web forums to beat the **** out of myself for even trying !!!!
Cheers, BG
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
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but assume it was directed at me ?!?!?!
I'm sure BG and others don't get to their positions in life (socially, financially etc) without have some nouce with respect to risks, mortgages etc. so patronizing comments are not helpful. Sure, point out pitfalls but it would be nice to have some advice on how to avoid such pitfalls rather than "don't come running to me when it all ends in tears".
PPF#1 - I know that you're a soft hearted old chap really and understand the points you make but sometimes they don't always come across as you obviously intend. Watchoutbelow - did you forget to take a happy pill this morning?
Cheers
Whirlygig