Would you become a professional helicopter pilot again?
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Chilliwack, BC Canada
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As I recall, each and every one of us had 100 hours once.
I never received any promises of employment when I started training. The flight school merely quoted a price, and I paid them for instruction. End of story.
After that, I hit the streets, found a job (not flying) and worked hard to gain expereince and trust. For me, things fell into place and the rest is history.
If you think a job will be offered to you, or your sob story is going to get sympathy, it's simply not going to happen.
Get off your arse, hustle, display a positive attitude and MAKE it happen for yourself.
There ARE jobs out there , make sure you're the #1 applicant.
I never received any promises of employment when I started training. The flight school merely quoted a price, and I paid them for instruction. End of story.
After that, I hit the streets, found a job (not flying) and worked hard to gain expereince and trust. For me, things fell into place and the rest is history.
If you think a job will be offered to you, or your sob story is going to get sympathy, it's simply not going to happen.
Get off your arse, hustle, display a positive attitude and MAKE it happen for yourself.
There ARE jobs out there , make sure you're the #1 applicant.
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
...hmm - v. similar plan to mine.
What you will have to remember is that you can never go back to Oxon.!!
At 1000 hours, you should start to be useful to employers so, if you can afford to self-fund up to UK JAA FI(R) and, initially work part-time as an instructor and part-time in software to build your sours, you should be OK. The job market could up and you'd be well-placed for any positions going.
Cheers
Whirlygig
What you will have to remember is that you can never go back to Oxon.!!
At 1000 hours, you should start to be useful to employers so, if you can afford to self-fund up to UK JAA FI(R) and, initially work part-time as an instructor and part-time in software to build your sours, you should be OK. The job market could up and you'd be well-placed for any positions going.
Cheers
Whirlygig
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
FlyingSquirrel,
....aaaargggghhh
I would really like to learn from others mistakes as I won't live long enough to make them all myself !
I can understand if you don't want to make it public but I would be grateful if you could PM me.
Cheers
Whirlygig
....aaaargggghhh
I would really like to learn from others mistakes as I won't live long enough to make them all myself !
I can understand if you don't want to make it public but I would be grateful if you could PM me.
Cheers
Whirlygig
The Original Whirly
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Belper, Derbyshire, UK
Posts: 4,326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I enjoyed every minute of the exams and training
This is how I saw it. Having not thought beyond my PPL(H), when I got it I realised I had a straight choice. I could either do lots of helicopter flying because I loved it, and end up with a load of hours and nothing to show for it; or I could do lots of helicopter flying, take some exams, do a flying course which would teach me more and which I'd probably enjoy, and maybe get paid to fly in the long term. I did the latter, saved some more money, and decided to get the hours needed for the FI course by going off flying abroad - two flying holidays in the US and Russia. I had a whale of a time, and apart from the CPL ground exams and the FI course, I enjoyed every minute of it all. I'm not saying it was easy; actually I found it very tough. But I like challenges; who needs easy?
It's interesting, but I was often accused by others of not taking the whole thing seriously. Unlike many, I wasn't doing it as fast as possible; I flew when I wanted to, took breaks when I didn't. I treated it all as a hobby - since I enjoy learning new stuff about flying, why not? I said openly that I didn't care that much if I didn't get a job at the end of it. And so I made myself very unpopular in some circles...or was it that people were jealous at my happy-go-lucky attitude? Like the CFI, at a school I instructed at till recently, who openly accused me of taking the bread out of his mouth since I had another job to fall back on. Like, he didn't have a choice!
Not being the world's most confident person (a female disease I think
) I occasionally wondered if I'd got it all wrong. But now I'm damned sure I had it right! Though maybe, just maybe, I should learn to keep my mouth shut if I don't want to annoy people. 
Basically, to all you wannabes out there, if you want to fly helicopters, fly helicopters. If you want to do the CPL, do it. But don't do it unless you're willing to do it for its own sake, and enjoy the path as much as the possible eventual goal.
And don't, absolutely don't, go into debt to do it!
The Original Whirly
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Belper, Derbyshire, UK
Posts: 4,326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Naive wannabe? No, not at all. It sounds to me like you've really thought this through.
The only thing I would suggest, if you haven't done it, is that you get a Class 1 medical before you start, just to make sure that you can. It would be a shame to do everything and find that you fail the Class 1 for some stupid reason you didn't know about and hadn't thought of, and believe me, it happens.
Other than that, sounds good. go for it, and good luck.
The only thing I would suggest, if you haven't done it, is that you get a Class 1 medical before you start, just to make sure that you can. It would be a shame to do everything and find that you fail the Class 1 for some stupid reason you didn't know about and hadn't thought of, and believe me, it happens.
Other than that, sounds good. go for it, and good luck.
Guest
Posts: n/a
I concur. You sound as though you've done the homework, are aware there are no guarantees and the rotary job market is pants. I say go for it! Better to try and fail or succeed, than to never try and wonder for ever after?
A lot of us here asked ourselves very similar questions.
Good luck.
A lot of us here asked ourselves very similar questions.
Good luck.
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: London UK
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Simon,
Long time listener, first time caller - usual story....! Just wanted to make contact with you, as I too am booked in to go to HAI in sept 05 for the JAA/FAA course.
Obviously there is not really any advice that I can give you, but just wanted to let you know that there are other people out there in the same situation as you. I am fully prepared to drop everything here to chase the dream, however as much as I plan, I can only forsee that I will end up penniless, with no job and no place to live. I do have things to fall back on, so this will be a calculated risk, but a risk nonetheless.....
What a wonderful world we live in!!!! Roll on September......
Long time listener, first time caller - usual story....! Just wanted to make contact with you, as I too am booked in to go to HAI in sept 05 for the JAA/FAA course.
Obviously there is not really any advice that I can give you, but just wanted to let you know that there are other people out there in the same situation as you. I am fully prepared to drop everything here to chase the dream, however as much as I plan, I can only forsee that I will end up penniless, with no job and no place to live. I do have things to fall back on, so this will be a calculated risk, but a risk nonetheless.....
What a wonderful world we live in!!!! Roll on September......
Dude,
Read 407 drivers post and get a grip.
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
leaving a grand a week job to fly for bugger all does not make sense
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Its a LIFESTYLE job and I really don't think you have the desire to follow it through.
Bugger spending the 15000 to do more flying. If you really want to fly then get your arse out to the places there are jobs. I have had to go from NZ to Aussie to Canada to chase the work.
God bless the Aussies and Canuks...
Take yourself to Africa if you can handle it. Don't become another instructor. Our industry doesn't need you. I don't need you...I am fed up with having to train low time pilots to think cause their instructor couldn't teach them how.
Other than all this: Take your 15K and go on a cruise or something else menial...
Read 407 drivers post and get a grip.
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
leaving a grand a week job to fly for bugger all does not make sense
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Its a LIFESTYLE job and I really don't think you have the desire to follow it through.
Bugger spending the 15000 to do more flying. If you really want to fly then get your arse out to the places there are jobs. I have had to go from NZ to Aussie to Canada to chase the work.
God bless the Aussies and Canuks...
Take yourself to Africa if you can handle it. Don't become another instructor. Our industry doesn't need you. I don't need you...I am fed up with having to train low time pilots to think cause their instructor couldn't teach them how.
Other than all this: Take your 15K and go on a cruise or something else menial...
Senis Semper Fidelis
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Lancashire U K
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Real World
Hey TFS,
I have some time's been chastised for being a little harsh on people, with my down to earth Northern CS,
But come on guy, get real, smell the coffee, or any other such cliche that may fit the bill, you mention that you were led to believe that JOBS were plentyfull, , do you not read anything, do you not listen to older more experienced Pilots, seems like you need a swift lesson in total world realism , you say you have a Grand a week, well if I was you I would keep the daytime job and carry on building hours and EXPERIENCE were you can.
No one in there right mind will give you a shiney new copter with 200hrs on yer ticket, would you if it was your shiney new piece of kit?
NOTHING in the world comes easy, otherwise we would all be on easy street,
You must keep pushin the wheel, when finally you are at the top of the hill, you can then take things easy, and look back on your hard won past!
Vfr
PS. if as you say you get your feet wet in the North Sea, go back to the day job!
I have some time's been chastised for being a little harsh on people, with my down to earth Northern CS,
But come on guy, get real, smell the coffee, or any other such cliche that may fit the bill, you mention that you were led to believe that JOBS were plentyfull, , do you not read anything, do you not listen to older more experienced Pilots, seems like you need a swift lesson in total world realism , you say you have a Grand a week, well if I was you I would keep the daytime job and carry on building hours and EXPERIENCE were you can.
No one in there right mind will give you a shiney new copter with 200hrs on yer ticket, would you if it was your shiney new piece of kit?
NOTHING in the world comes easy, otherwise we would all be on easy street,
You must keep pushin the wheel, when finally you are at the top of the hill, you can then take things easy, and look back on your hard won past!
Vfr
PS. if as you say you get your feet wet in the North Sea, go back to the day job!
Senis Semper Fidelis
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Lancashire U K
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey Rupert,
Look at the thread from TFS headed up "Big Mistake" then perhaps you will see why some Pilots are just a little harsh with their comments!
Vfr
Look at the thread from TFS headed up "Big Mistake" then perhaps you will see why some Pilots are just a little harsh with their comments!
Vfr
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: 18 Degrees North
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
and another thing, why the hell should an employer give a low timer a job straight off, whats in in for them apart from high risk !
in all other professions people work there way up, therefore it only seems appropriate to get lots of time on your R22 before moving to bigger machines, especially f you are being paid for it, doesnt it?
EVERY time in my experience a Jetranger engine got cooked, it was ALWAYS a low timer, I aint joking
regards
CF
in all other professions people work there way up, therefore it only seems appropriate to get lots of time on your R22 before moving to bigger machines, especially f you are being paid for it, doesnt it?
EVERY time in my experience a Jetranger engine got cooked, it was ALWAYS a low timer, I aint joking
regards
CF
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Desert Rat
Age: 53
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
to the previous post
Hey you bum, Low timer and cooking engines.... well thats your opinion.
But I have seen enough high timers who should actually get kicked out of the industry for disobeying SOPs and cooking engines as well. Just a thought to heat the bloody debate.
But I have seen enough high timers who should actually get kicked out of the industry for disobeying SOPs and cooking engines as well. Just a thought to heat the bloody debate.
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for all the replies. Glad to hear I seem to be on the right track. The trouble I've found is that I just don't know how to guage advice I receive from training academies. (They're after my money after all...)
Whirlybird: Yep, I agree on the medical. I'm doing that later this month and aren't committing myself financially in any way until I (hopefully) get that.
Cheers,
Si
Whirlybird: Yep, I agree on the medical. I'm doing that later this month and aren't committing myself financially in any way until I (hopefully) get that.
Cheers,
Si
Simon: what a breath of fresh air. You seem to have gone to considerable lengths to check out the industry before you apply. This alone will stand you in good stead.
You will be 36-37 by the time you offer your body to science
If you want a future in commercial helos then, there is an above average risk that you could end up doing mediocre work, like the odd part time charter, joy rides, etc. These pay mediocre salaries and the future would be hit and miss to say the least.
IF you are prepared for this (financially and emotionally) then there will be no bad surprises in store.
Alternatively, you are entering the bottom end of the industry for better quality jobs (with those quals). And judging by the level of research you have already completed, you seem to have the aptitude to get yourself ahead of most!
With no dependents, no financial difficulties.....go for it BIG TIME.
Happy New Year.
You will be 36-37 by the time you offer your body to science
If you want a future in commercial helos then, there is an above average risk that you could end up doing mediocre work, like the odd part time charter, joy rides, etc. These pay mediocre salaries and the future would be hit and miss to say the least.
IF you are prepared for this (financially and emotionally) then there will be no bad surprises in store.
Alternatively, you are entering the bottom end of the industry for better quality jobs (with those quals). And judging by the level of research you have already completed, you seem to have the aptitude to get yourself ahead of most!
With no dependents, no financial difficulties.....go for it BIG TIME.
Happy New Year.
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: uk
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FlyingSquirrel
As a wannabie ive been considering giving up my day job to take up helicopter flying as a career, is it really as difficult to find work afterwards as you seem to think, i may have to reconsider.
To all new qualified cpls can you fill us in on
How long did it take?
Full time or part time ?
where did you train ?
how much does it cost ?
who or where to avoid (pms will do on this one)
!
i am specifically interested in the uk , but i am sure others would appreciate answers for their areas.
thanx
gyralupa
As a wannabie ive been considering giving up my day job to take up helicopter flying as a career, is it really as difficult to find work afterwards as you seem to think, i may have to reconsider.
To all new qualified cpls can you fill us in on
How long did it take?
Full time or part time ?
where did you train ?
how much does it cost ?
who or where to avoid (pms will do on this one)
!i am specifically interested in the uk , but i am sure others would appreciate answers for their areas.
thanx
gyralupa
Heliport, for christs sake please blend these fifty seven different wannabee helo driver threads into one. On their own they take up too much bandwidth
If another 'newbie' asks the same damn question WITHOUT USING THE SEARCH BUTTON...
I'm going to pi** in his petrol tank
If another 'newbie' asks the same damn question WITHOUT USING THE SEARCH BUTTON...
I'm going to pi** in his petrol tank
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: uk
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
T C
well as a fellow newbie, and that is in every sense, finding pprune has proven to be very useful, but as the newbie title would suggest we do not all know about the search facility, and as such sometimes like to ask a question that we feel is specific to us alone. There are quite a few people on pprune that have slated me for the posts i have put forward and to some replys that I have entered into.
IF YOU DONT LIKE THE QUESTION BEING ASKED DONT READ IT AND DONT WASTE YOUR TIME AND OURS BUY BEING RUDE AND UNHELPFUL.
I would like to think that in years to come when i make it in this industry that i can be as helpful and informative to others as some have been to me.
So T C when you see a post asking for newbie advice as a thread, do us all a favour and dont bother to look at it.
well as a fellow newbie, and that is in every sense, finding pprune has proven to be very useful, but as the newbie title would suggest we do not all know about the search facility, and as such sometimes like to ask a question that we feel is specific to us alone. There are quite a few people on pprune that have slated me for the posts i have put forward and to some replys that I have entered into.
IF YOU DONT LIKE THE QUESTION BEING ASKED DONT READ IT AND DONT WASTE YOUR TIME AND OURS BUY BEING RUDE AND UNHELPFUL.
I would like to think that in years to come when i make it in this industry that i can be as helpful and informative to others as some have been to me.
So T C when you see a post asking for newbie advice as a thread, do us all a favour and dont bother to look at it.