Would you become a professional helicopter pilot again?
The Original Whirly
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Desert Dude,
Whirly-whatever-her-name-is hasn't really got the helicopter flying experience to comment, but since you mentioned my name - well, nearly anyway
I guess it just depends what you want out of life. I've done all sorts of different things, and yes, I've been called an under achiever too, just because I never followed a conventional career path or made lots of money. But I did whatever I wanted to do when I wanted to do it, and that kind of freedom is what's important to me. If the rest of the world disapproves, that's their problem not mine.
Five years ago I inherited some money and decided to learn to fly; two years later I discovered helicopters. I keep saying I wish I'd started flying them years ago, but if I had, maybe I'd be as disillusioned as some of you are now. As it is, maybe I can actually get paid to fly them someday, because otherwise I won't be able to afford to. That's about the sum total of my ambitions, flying-wise, right at this moment. If that makes me an under achiever, so be it. It's what I want to do right now. It may not work out, but life is a dangerous and unpredictable business.
When I was considering spending huge amounts of money on a CPL(H), a man in his 70s told me to go for it. "You never regret what you have done, only what you haven't", he told me. I always remember that. I don't intend to end up looking back and saying: "if only..." I'll know at least I tried.
Whirly-whatever-her-name-is hasn't really got the helicopter flying experience to comment, but since you mentioned my name - well, nearly anyway
I guess it just depends what you want out of life. I've done all sorts of different things, and yes, I've been called an under achiever too, just because I never followed a conventional career path or made lots of money. But I did whatever I wanted to do when I wanted to do it, and that kind of freedom is what's important to me. If the rest of the world disapproves, that's their problem not mine.
Five years ago I inherited some money and decided to learn to fly; two years later I discovered helicopters. I keep saying I wish I'd started flying them years ago, but if I had, maybe I'd be as disillusioned as some of you are now. As it is, maybe I can actually get paid to fly them someday, because otherwise I won't be able to afford to. That's about the sum total of my ambitions, flying-wise, right at this moment. If that makes me an under achiever, so be it. It's what I want to do right now. It may not work out, but life is a dangerous and unpredictable business.
When I was considering spending huge amounts of money on a CPL(H), a man in his 70s told me to go for it. "You never regret what you have done, only what you haven't", he told me. I always remember that. I don't intend to end up looking back and saying: "if only..." I'll know at least I tried.
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Bert
My roster is 5 on 2 off 5 on 2 off 3 on 2 off 4 on 5 off every 28 days with 4 weeks paid leave and £60,000 PA, I usually have one flight per day and on earlies I am home by by 12:00 hrs I have loss of licence, medical cover and numerious other benifits that I have yet to discover, This my friend is a far far cry from my previous employment and If you think that this is hard work then you have never worked hard in your life.
Regards
My roster is 5 on 2 off 5 on 2 off 3 on 2 off 4 on 5 off every 28 days with 4 weeks paid leave and £60,000 PA, I usually have one flight per day and on earlies I am home by by 12:00 hrs I have loss of licence, medical cover and numerious other benifits that I have yet to discover, This my friend is a far far cry from my previous employment and If you think that this is hard work then you have never worked hard in your life.
Regards
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As Heliport was good enough to send me an email to join in the conversation, I guess I better.
After reading the adventures of Biggles ( don't laugh ), I decided I had to become a pilot. As a nervous young teenage cadet, I had my first flight in June 1952 in a fairly new Tiger Moth! In 1954 I blew my medical for the Royal Navy when I stupidly admitted getting sea sick! After that I managed to get some private flying while chasing various other career paths but none really satisfied. In 1962, older and wiser I had another RN interview and denied ever getting sea sick! It worked and I have flown helicopters ever since with a 5 year break as an ATC at Sydney airport.
Some jobs were great, some lousy but if I was unhappy, I simply moved on to another company in any part of the world. I confess jobs were easier to come by then, but there is still a huge shortage of experienced pilots now. Giving up flying was easy, I did it many times! Now that I am semi retired, I still find that there are jobs out there for us oldies. At least in Australia they don't stop you flying on reaching 60 as in most countries.
Would I do it again? Absolutely, maybe differently but I would always want to fly. 4 sons and not one of them wants to fly!
After reading the adventures of Biggles ( don't laugh ), I decided I had to become a pilot. As a nervous young teenage cadet, I had my first flight in June 1952 in a fairly new Tiger Moth! In 1954 I blew my medical for the Royal Navy when I stupidly admitted getting sea sick! After that I managed to get some private flying while chasing various other career paths but none really satisfied. In 1962, older and wiser I had another RN interview and denied ever getting sea sick! It worked and I have flown helicopters ever since with a 5 year break as an ATC at Sydney airport.
Some jobs were great, some lousy but if I was unhappy, I simply moved on to another company in any part of the world. I confess jobs were easier to come by then, but there is still a huge shortage of experienced pilots now. Giving up flying was easy, I did it many times! Now that I am semi retired, I still find that there are jobs out there for us oldies. At least in Australia they don't stop you flying on reaching 60 as in most countries.
Would I do it again? Absolutely, maybe differently but I would always want to fly. 4 sons and not one of them wants to fly!
Gatvol
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Sorry Folks, I almost missed being drug or dragged through the dirt. Had the Niece and Nephew down at Disneyland trying to scare hell out of me on the rides.
Just because I stated that "Generally" Helicopter Pilots have a hard go of it, DOES NOT mean I dislike it. I just want to let these bright eyed kids see what life is like for MOST of the folks, before they invest all the profits of a great train robbery into flying for a living......
YES some guys have great jobs with tons of money.....but for sure its not the majority.
I have sampled a bit of most types of work, from Alaska to Africa, in the Caribbean and here in the 48..... Fires to Slingloads, Search/ Rescue, Law Enforcement, Military and Tourists so big you would think a Chinook was needed......All this in 33 years of flying. I/We can go to almost any operator in the U.S. that provides the services I mentioned above, and Im sure you will hear the comments I mentioned, repeated. Most of those folks wont say it, but they HAVE to work as they have nothing at the other end. Its a sad but true story of this industry.
I dont claim to be Gods gift to Aviation, but Ive flown safe over those years and gotten into more than one battle over some jerk who would risk my ass for his wallet.
Max Ng I dont need to send you a resume, Ive had my share of hard work..
Read the book.....
Just because I stated that "Generally" Helicopter Pilots have a hard go of it, DOES NOT mean I dislike it. I just want to let these bright eyed kids see what life is like for MOST of the folks, before they invest all the profits of a great train robbery into flying for a living......
YES some guys have great jobs with tons of money.....but for sure its not the majority.
I have sampled a bit of most types of work, from Alaska to Africa, in the Caribbean and here in the 48..... Fires to Slingloads, Search/ Rescue, Law Enforcement, Military and Tourists so big you would think a Chinook was needed......All this in 33 years of flying. I/We can go to almost any operator in the U.S. that provides the services I mentioned above, and Im sure you will hear the comments I mentioned, repeated. Most of those folks wont say it, but they HAVE to work as they have nothing at the other end. Its a sad but true story of this industry.
I dont claim to be Gods gift to Aviation, but Ive flown safe over those years and gotten into more than one battle over some jerk who would risk my ass for his wallet.
Max Ng I dont need to send you a resume, Ive had my share of hard work..
Read the book.....
Gatvol
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Almost forgot.... I saw this Steve76 Special posted somewhere here.....
"Eg: I was chatting with a lear driver in Windsor the other day. He drives a 10,000,000 aircraft has 3000hrs + 1000hrs on the lear = $35000 Canadian a year.
Most guys I know can easily double that in a summer. Its only taken them 3-5yrs to reach that level"
Hes drive a $10Mil Aircraft..............Duh, which he does not own....
and makes $35k/yr Canadian???..... Excuse me, I believe thats Poverty Level flying.
JUST LIKE HELICOPTERS.
I see adds like "fly in our muti-Million dollar Aircraft". But does it say anything about the $8/hr Pilot.....
Folks ask me about flying, I tell them get a good MBA, work for a company that pays no less than $300K a year and then while you a cruising along to a Grateful Dead Concert, with a Martini (shaken , not stirred) and doin the CEOs Daughter in His Super Puma (sorry Nick......S-76). Ask the Pilot how he likes his job...
Bert. Edited your first line - it was Steve76's post. It picked up my name in the transfer.
"Eg: I was chatting with a lear driver in Windsor the other day. He drives a 10,000,000 aircraft has 3000hrs + 1000hrs on the lear = $35000 Canadian a year.
Most guys I know can easily double that in a summer. Its only taken them 3-5yrs to reach that level"
Hes drive a $10Mil Aircraft..............Duh, which he does not own....
and makes $35k/yr Canadian???..... Excuse me, I believe thats Poverty Level flying.
JUST LIKE HELICOPTERS.
I see adds like "fly in our muti-Million dollar Aircraft". But does it say anything about the $8/hr Pilot.....
Folks ask me about flying, I tell them get a good MBA, work for a company that pays no less than $300K a year and then while you a cruising along to a Grateful Dead Concert, with a Martini (shaken , not stirred) and doin the CEOs Daughter in His Super Puma (sorry Nick......S-76). Ask the Pilot how he likes his job...
Bert. Edited your first line - it was Steve76's post. It picked up my name in the transfer.
Last edited by Heliport; 3rd Jul 2002 at 06:44.
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Okay, someone asked to hear from some law enforcement types.
Been flying all of my life, flew the fixed wing stuff and was teaching to build up those preciouse hours. But saw the writing on the wall at the time. Never knowing when I would be home and always on call until I made the big leagues. And not having my degree finished kinda threw a wrench in the big leagues at the time. So, I became a law enforcement ground pounder and after working the streets made it to our helicopter division.
Now, tell me that this is not heaven. I have a helicopter assigned to me, in a hangar (no one else uses the hangar), close to home, and a very good observer partner. I go to work, call the brass (home base is 80 miles away) to tell them I am at work, preflight, fly around five hours a day, call the brass and tell them I am going home. I have a blast doing the law enforcement work, and if there is a search for someone missing in the mountains, I get the call. What a blast it is to search for someone, find him/her, and know that you just might have saved their life, or in fact did. I am responsible for 2,000 sq miles and deal with 100+ temps of the high desert, to the 9,000 foot mountains, to the beach. And of course winds usually in the desert of 20-40 kts most of the times.
The flying is challenging as I have to operate my helicopter at the max of its performance, and dealing with the turbulence in the mountains can really get ones heart beating fast.
I plotted my path and made it. Tell me if any fixed wing can do this. And I get paid fairly well. And not shot at too much
. Most of my ex-students and childhood friends that are airline pilots keep trying to ride along with me.
If you love flying, find out all the good and bad of both sides, make your decision and have fun. If you don't like it, get out of it. I watched my dad, a very well respected engineer for a leading aerospace industry company, and could not comprehend the 9-5 at a desk.
Been flying all of my life, flew the fixed wing stuff and was teaching to build up those preciouse hours. But saw the writing on the wall at the time. Never knowing when I would be home and always on call until I made the big leagues. And not having my degree finished kinda threw a wrench in the big leagues at the time. So, I became a law enforcement ground pounder and after working the streets made it to our helicopter division.
Now, tell me that this is not heaven. I have a helicopter assigned to me, in a hangar (no one else uses the hangar), close to home, and a very good observer partner. I go to work, call the brass (home base is 80 miles away) to tell them I am at work, preflight, fly around five hours a day, call the brass and tell them I am going home. I have a blast doing the law enforcement work, and if there is a search for someone missing in the mountains, I get the call. What a blast it is to search for someone, find him/her, and know that you just might have saved their life, or in fact did. I am responsible for 2,000 sq miles and deal with 100+ temps of the high desert, to the 9,000 foot mountains, to the beach. And of course winds usually in the desert of 20-40 kts most of the times.
The flying is challenging as I have to operate my helicopter at the max of its performance, and dealing with the turbulence in the mountains can really get ones heart beating fast.
I plotted my path and made it. Tell me if any fixed wing can do this. And I get paid fairly well. And not shot at too much
. Most of my ex-students and childhood friends that are airline pilots keep trying to ride along with me.If you love flying, find out all the good and bad of both sides, make your decision and have fun. If you don't like it, get out of it. I watched my dad, a very well respected engineer for a leading aerospace industry company, and could not comprehend the 9-5 at a desk.
Flare damit:
You've got a cheek, taking a pop at helo drivers and then having a go at us for taking a snipe at you (in your latest post).
You've definitely got a large chip on your shoulder without a doubt. Somewhere, somehow perhaps you have been professionally abused
I suspect, by the way you respond to individual posts, that you are having difficulty understanding how people tick!
I also observed your predereliction towards remuneration.
Please try to appreciate that one man's meat is another man's poison. (notwithstanding female pilots).
There are innumerable helo outfits leeching off their pilots and providing less than satisfactory working conditions. But I can think of the same number of FW operators doing the same. 4 pilots who work (and worked) with me, are/have been FW. 2 of them are premier division (BA, Virgin,etc) and the remaining 2 lower down the rung (rhymes with Bear 2000 / Thirsk) . BOTH sets of pilots bitch and moan incessantly about their situation, too. It's a mix of pay and conditions.
It's horses for courses - each to their own. Try and accept that there is no perfect solution, too many variables, uncertain outcomes.
The main thing is: do you get out of bed in the morning and look forward to what you are about to do for a living
Carpe Diem
You've got a cheek, taking a pop at helo drivers and then having a go at us for taking a snipe at you (in your latest post).
You've definitely got a large chip on your shoulder without a doubt. Somewhere, somehow perhaps you have been professionally abused
I suspect, by the way you respond to individual posts, that you are having difficulty understanding how people tick!
I also observed your predereliction towards remuneration.
Please try to appreciate that one man's meat is another man's poison. (notwithstanding female pilots).
There are innumerable helo outfits leeching off their pilots and providing less than satisfactory working conditions. But I can think of the same number of FW operators doing the same. 4 pilots who work (and worked) with me, are/have been FW. 2 of them are premier division (BA, Virgin,etc) and the remaining 2 lower down the rung (rhymes with Bear 2000 / Thirsk) . BOTH sets of pilots bitch and moan incessantly about their situation, too. It's a mix of pay and conditions.
It's horses for courses - each to their own. Try and accept that there is no perfect solution, too many variables, uncertain outcomes.
The main thing is: do you get out of bed in the morning and look forward to what you are about to do for a living
Carpe Diem
I think its like motorcycles and cars. The bike ends up costing more, is seen to be more risky, ocassionally is downright miserable when your wet and cold but man, no car gives you quite the same ride!!
If you disagree, stick to fixed wing. Simple.
If you disagree, stick to fixed wing. Simple.
In reply to the thread title, Yes, Yes & Yes.
I was lucky enough in 1967 to get into the RN as a helicopter driver, and have had a variety of jobs around the world. Independence, variety, initiative and challenge are all features of our job, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Neither, I suspect, would any of you.
Youthful foolishness initially led me to the RAF for a career, and I still recall the utter astonishment shown by the selection board when I showed a preference for Helicopters. I swear a Group Captain just about fell off his chair! Needless to say, Dartmouth became more attractive than Cranwell.....
I cannot recall any job I've had as a helicopter pilot that has been poorly paid (although my wife may have other ideas...
), low on benefits, time off, variety (some offshore runs, but they change over a few months) or interest. The couple of times a year that I run up and down runways in a plank wing reminds me how lucky we are, and helps me value the jobs that we have in helicopters.
I was lucky enough in 1967 to get into the RN as a helicopter driver, and have had a variety of jobs around the world. Independence, variety, initiative and challenge are all features of our job, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Neither, I suspect, would any of you.
Youthful foolishness initially led me to the RAF for a career, and I still recall the utter astonishment shown by the selection board when I showed a preference for Helicopters. I swear a Group Captain just about fell off his chair! Needless to say, Dartmouth became more attractive than Cranwell.....
I cannot recall any job I've had as a helicopter pilot that has been poorly paid (although my wife may have other ideas...
), low on benefits, time off, variety (some offshore runs, but they change over a few months) or interest. The couple of times a year that I run up and down runways in a plank wing reminds me how lucky we are, and helps me value the jobs that we have in helicopters.
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For all you guys who get bitchily defensive about how helicopter flying is such a great career...all I've got to say is that you're delusional.
Helicopter flying is a great JOB, but as a *career* it blows. This has ALWAYS been the case. And unless the unions bring about some major changes, it always WILL always be the case.
Look, you like what you like. If you dig helicopter flying, you'll find any way of rationalizing it and claiming you've got a great job. Eh- maybe you do. But as Bert pointed out, the MAJORITY of line pilots do not. They work paycheck-to-paycheck, always hoping that the *NEXT* job will be "the one." And sometimes they go their entire "careers" without finding it. Yes indeedy, there are risks associated with doing this for money! Noboby promised any of us that we'd get rich. But money is beside the point, right? It's all about "job satisfaction."
The difference between us and airline pilots is that *they* have a clearly defined path to better pay/benefits. And yes, whether you admit it or not, at the end of the day it IS about how much money you have to support yourself when you cannot fly anymore. (Oh gee, we're not supposed to think about that, are we?) And in this case, airline pilots beat us hands down.
For someone who's just entering the industry and wants to know which way to go, the airlines are CLEARLY the wiser choice...unless, as I've said, the person has that neurotic need to fly helicopters. Don't tell him/her that one type of flying is *better* than the other. Don't tell him/her that airline flying is "easy" or "unchallenging" or "cushy." As proud as you may be of the demands of our job, that's just silly. On the other hand, don't tell him/her that the road to "success" in helicopters is easy and short and that every working day will be pure heaven on earth (as some of you have indicated). We all know differently, even if we don't want to admit it.
If I have a chip on my shoulder, it's because helicopter pilots have forever been taken advantage of by our employers. But that's only the half of it. They've been able to do that because too many of us have let them. We think that helicopter flying is "better than a 9-to-5 desk job," as if that's the ONLY alternative.
Not long ago I got a call. Friend-of-a-friend kind of thing. This guy was offering me an ENG position in N.Y. as a pilot and perhaps pilot/reporter. First question out of my mouth: How much money are we talking about? He hems and haws and says they *might* be able to go as high as $45k/year. I said that we would START talking at $90k. Taken aback and flustered, he goes, "B-b-but this is NEW YORK CITY!" I said big deal, and that he needed to find some low-time kid with stars in his eyes who would try to live "in NEW YORK CITY!" on that kind of money. And I guess that's what they did. I have not lost one wink of sleep over it, nor is it likely that I will.
$40-45k/year for a 24-7, no-drinking, no days-off ENG job, AND be responsible for scheduling the maintenance and stuff like that, AND live thirty minutes from the bird? Oh yeah! This business still blows. No doubt about it. Why would Rob Powell choose any other??
Helicopter flying is a great JOB, but as a *career* it blows. This has ALWAYS been the case. And unless the unions bring about some major changes, it always WILL always be the case.
Look, you like what you like. If you dig helicopter flying, you'll find any way of rationalizing it and claiming you've got a great job. Eh- maybe you do. But as Bert pointed out, the MAJORITY of line pilots do not. They work paycheck-to-paycheck, always hoping that the *NEXT* job will be "the one." And sometimes they go their entire "careers" without finding it. Yes indeedy, there are risks associated with doing this for money! Noboby promised any of us that we'd get rich. But money is beside the point, right? It's all about "job satisfaction."
The difference between us and airline pilots is that *they* have a clearly defined path to better pay/benefits. And yes, whether you admit it or not, at the end of the day it IS about how much money you have to support yourself when you cannot fly anymore. (Oh gee, we're not supposed to think about that, are we?) And in this case, airline pilots beat us hands down.
For someone who's just entering the industry and wants to know which way to go, the airlines are CLEARLY the wiser choice...unless, as I've said, the person has that neurotic need to fly helicopters. Don't tell him/her that one type of flying is *better* than the other. Don't tell him/her that airline flying is "easy" or "unchallenging" or "cushy." As proud as you may be of the demands of our job, that's just silly. On the other hand, don't tell him/her that the road to "success" in helicopters is easy and short and that every working day will be pure heaven on earth (as some of you have indicated). We all know differently, even if we don't want to admit it.
If I have a chip on my shoulder, it's because helicopter pilots have forever been taken advantage of by our employers. But that's only the half of it. They've been able to do that because too many of us have let them. We think that helicopter flying is "better than a 9-to-5 desk job," as if that's the ONLY alternative.
Not long ago I got a call. Friend-of-a-friend kind of thing. This guy was offering me an ENG position in N.Y. as a pilot and perhaps pilot/reporter. First question out of my mouth: How much money are we talking about? He hems and haws and says they *might* be able to go as high as $45k/year. I said that we would START talking at $90k. Taken aback and flustered, he goes, "B-b-but this is NEW YORK CITY!" I said big deal, and that he needed to find some low-time kid with stars in his eyes who would try to live "in NEW YORK CITY!" on that kind of money. And I guess that's what they did. I have not lost one wink of sleep over it, nor is it likely that I will.
$40-45k/year for a 24-7, no-drinking, no days-off ENG job, AND be responsible for scheduling the maintenance and stuff like that, AND live thirty minutes from the bird? Oh yeah! This business still blows. No doubt about it. Why would Rob Powell choose any other??
My career in helicopter flying is one of those things that you would not pay anything for ....but at the same time would not take any amount of money for it. As a career, it has been rewarding but only due to the ability I have had in setting money aside for my retirement and that took some very real sacrifice.
I remember all of the good times, the wonderful friends I have made, the sights I have seen, the events that have filled me with satisfaction, and those that have shown me my mortaility. Through the years I have been fortunate to work in dozens of countries and experienced an education that is only possible by doing that and one that is beyond any university degree possible.
My advice to youngsters....is simple....if you like life at the end of the road....where the pavement ends....then flying helicopters can be a rewarding life's work. If you need the city, routine, and are not happy being on your own, using your wits, and need a worn path to follow...then maybe helicopter aviation isn't for you.
If wealth is measured by the friends you have, then helicopter aviation has made me a millionaire......and I hope I have contributed to their net worth as well.
I remember all of the good times, the wonderful friends I have made, the sights I have seen, the events that have filled me with satisfaction, and those that have shown me my mortaility. Through the years I have been fortunate to work in dozens of countries and experienced an education that is only possible by doing that and one that is beyond any university degree possible.
My advice to youngsters....is simple....if you like life at the end of the road....where the pavement ends....then flying helicopters can be a rewarding life's work. If you need the city, routine, and are not happy being on your own, using your wits, and need a worn path to follow...then maybe helicopter aviation isn't for you.
If wealth is measured by the friends you have, then helicopter aviation has made me a millionaire......and I hope I have contributed to their net worth as well.
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Another Yes
Eight years ago I self-financed myself through flight school. Sold everything I owned to travel to another country and spend all of it, plus a little bit more.
Would I do it again???
Yes, I would.
I enjoyed spending the money and now I'm enjoying earning it. Regardless if it's enough for you it's enough for me.
I do pity those that haven't found what I have from this career. But just like many things, if you don't find what you are looking for, move on.
I've heard many talk about switching to fixed wing and joined in the conversations but I have never been slightly tempted.
Would I do it again???
Yes, I would.
I enjoyed spending the money and now I'm enjoying earning it. Regardless if it's enough for you it's enough for me.
I do pity those that haven't found what I have from this career. But just like many things, if you don't find what you are looking for, move on.
I've heard many talk about switching to fixed wing and joined in the conversations but I have never been slightly tempted.
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So how much does it cost and how is the pay
I've just subscribed to pprune, on a recommendation from a friend. I had my first lesson on Saturday ........
Your friend was right, and I'm sorry to delete your first post, but please check the title of threads before you post.
PPLs are always welcome on Rotorheads, but this is clearly a discussion between professionals about a specific topic.
If you try the 'search' function, you'll find numerous threads where professionals give advice about becoming a helicopter pilot, job prospects etc.
Your friend was right, and I'm sorry to delete your first post, but please check the title of threads before you post.
PPLs are always welcome on Rotorheads, but this is clearly a discussion between professionals about a specific topic.
If you try the 'search' function, you'll find numerous threads where professionals give advice about becoming a helicopter pilot, job prospects etc.
Last edited by Heliport; 3rd Jul 2002 at 15:55.
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What Limits
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Flare Dammit "I'm convinced that most helicopter pilots are neurotic nutjobs."
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Again? Heck I'm just trying for the first time!
I've never figured I would make a lot $$$ flying helicopters.
It's not the $$$ that draws me in the first place.
I want to fly helis. Period.
To me, the most important thing is to do what you want with your life. Not how much you make, retire, etc. (sure it's important, and I have other things going on woirk wise to address that)
My point is that if you are not happy doing what you are doing, stop doing it, don't settle for less.
I've had co-workers who ask me why I still slog, sloooowly gaining hours.
I ask them "What cjob would you love to do, if you could pick anything?" They tell me, and I ask them "What are you doing TODAY to move towards that job?"
I may make it, I may not, but it's the road traveled to me that is important.
I hope that fit in somewhat to the topic ...
I've never figured I would make a lot $$$ flying helicopters.
It's not the $$$ that draws me in the first place.
I want to fly helis. Period.
To me, the most important thing is to do what you want with your life. Not how much you make, retire, etc. (sure it's important, and I have other things going on woirk wise to address that)
My point is that if you are not happy doing what you are doing, stop doing it, don't settle for less.
I've had co-workers who ask me why I still slog, sloooowly gaining hours.
I ask them "What cjob would you love to do, if you could pick anything?" They tell me, and I ask them "What are you doing TODAY to move towards that job?"
I may make it, I may not, but it's the road traveled to me that is important.
I hope that fit in somewhat to the topic ...
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Yes I would definately do it again, but I wouldn't do it if I didn't have money coming from other source than flying.
Flying has definately given me great experiences and has given me a steady flow of satisfaction, but I really don't see it as the way I will be making a living forever.
There are a few, cool, good paying, stable, jobs, these are VERY rare, also most of the time these jobs are Corporate Related, and trust me, if you are going to fly helicopters for VIP's you WILL get bored, and you are much better off flying Corporate Planes. At least instead of going from the company helipad, to the ranch, the airport, the other facililty, the country club, waiting endlessly asleep in the helicopter, you will at least go all over the world, know places, stay at neat places.
Also I would not live as a helicopter pilot in certain countries where they have the perception that line helicopter pilots are just uneducated numbers, and make you feel unappreciated.
Flying has definately given me great experiences and has given me a steady flow of satisfaction, but I really don't see it as the way I will be making a living forever.
There are a few, cool, good paying, stable, jobs, these are VERY rare, also most of the time these jobs are Corporate Related, and trust me, if you are going to fly helicopters for VIP's you WILL get bored, and you are much better off flying Corporate Planes. At least instead of going from the company helipad, to the ranch, the airport, the other facililty, the country club, waiting endlessly asleep in the helicopter, you will at least go all over the world, know places, stay at neat places.
Also I would not live as a helicopter pilot in certain countries where they have the perception that line helicopter pilots are just uneducated numbers, and make you feel unappreciated.
Gatvol
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I see so bright and early that Flaredamit and I are at the Alamo and the guns are blazing. I also look at the list of those who think this career is so wundaful and find a few flaws.
I also did the military thing and those folks should be eliminated from this as they also make a good living with benefits and retirement.......
Nick, is doing a technical job and is also making great money....
Law enforcement for the most part pays way above the average Helo Pilot, at least here in the states. Mainly due to Law Enforcement first, Pilot second. Few are Civilian Pilots( non-sworn)
Some others have said they are also compfortable.
My comments should be considered by all those folks I fly with as line pilots for companies doing work in the field as in fire fighting, Government contracts, oil rigs, tours and ems, seismic, logging etc. and yes CFIs
Again, without beating a dead horse, many are making good bucks as corporate, manufacturer pilot etc. The rest are struggling....
Believe me folks, Im not unhappy about helicopters and I have a guaranteed income fly or not. For me its not a big deal. MANY Pilots cant speak out due to fear of losing their jobs.
Shall we make this a Union issue??
Flare, Toss me some C rats and ammo, look like a long firefight........
I also did the military thing and those folks should be eliminated from this as they also make a good living with benefits and retirement.......
Nick, is doing a technical job and is also making great money....
Law enforcement for the most part pays way above the average Helo Pilot, at least here in the states. Mainly due to Law Enforcement first, Pilot second. Few are Civilian Pilots( non-sworn)
Some others have said they are also compfortable.
My comments should be considered by all those folks I fly with as line pilots for companies doing work in the field as in fire fighting, Government contracts, oil rigs, tours and ems, seismic, logging etc. and yes CFIs
Again, without beating a dead horse, many are making good bucks as corporate, manufacturer pilot etc. The rest are struggling....
Believe me folks, Im not unhappy about helicopters and I have a guaranteed income fly or not. For me its not a big deal. MANY Pilots cant speak out due to fear of losing their jobs.
Shall we make this a Union issue??
Flare, Toss me some C rats and ammo, look like a long firefight........
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Gentlemen
Allow me to present perhaps a slightly different slant on this thread. I am early/mid thirties, have been a professional helicopter pilot for 12 years, and love it. I earn £48000 per year, which is enough for me look after the family rather well, own a lovely house, and drive 2 cars, one of which is a porsche 964 convertible. My helicopter is less than 1 year old, costs 29 000 000 (that's 29 million) per copy, and comes with all the bells and whistles that you have ever heard of, and a whole bunch that you haven't. I have a guaranteed job until I'm 55 - I only lose it if I decide to leave. It's no big secret how I did this - I'm in the RAF. I am still (and will hopefully remain!) a junior officer, but am a senior pilot. I fly 300 'ish hrs per year, more than 200 of that is below 100 ft, and that includes the night flying (on NVG using FLIR backup). The flying that I have done is unbelievable by the standards of any civvies I have talked to, but standard by military terms. Hovering with blades 5 ft from a cliff, at 3500 ft, IMC, in snow, at night? Yep, easy peasy compared to operating in the Falklands.
Would I do it again? What do you think. Plank drivers - good lads, but Sooooo boring.
Allow me to present perhaps a slightly different slant on this thread. I am early/mid thirties, have been a professional helicopter pilot for 12 years, and love it. I earn £48000 per year, which is enough for me look after the family rather well, own a lovely house, and drive 2 cars, one of which is a porsche 964 convertible. My helicopter is less than 1 year old, costs 29 000 000 (that's 29 million) per copy, and comes with all the bells and whistles that you have ever heard of, and a whole bunch that you haven't. I have a guaranteed job until I'm 55 - I only lose it if I decide to leave. It's no big secret how I did this - I'm in the RAF. I am still (and will hopefully remain!) a junior officer, but am a senior pilot. I fly 300 'ish hrs per year, more than 200 of that is below 100 ft, and that includes the night flying (on NVG using FLIR backup). The flying that I have done is unbelievable by the standards of any civvies I have talked to, but standard by military terms. Hovering with blades 5 ft from a cliff, at 3500 ft, IMC, in snow, at night? Yep, easy peasy compared to operating in the Falklands.
Would I do it again? What do you think. Plank drivers - good lads, but Sooooo boring.
Bert,
To prove your point...ask any long serving Gulf of Mexico offshore pilot about how lucrative the pay has been. Get them to tell you the story of going ten years without a cost of living raise....or the Britiish pilots.....the bullcook who made my bed on the offshore rig I lived on made exactly one Pound Sterling a month less than I did.....look at some of the adverts for pilots even now....less than 4000 US per month for a 212/412 Flight Instructor and Maintenance test pilot in Saudi. Companies that offer a 6/6 schedule but want to cut your pay if you take that offer versus an 8/4 rotation. How about that wonderful Saudi gig on the Kawasaki's....barely 4000 US and a whopping 41 days leave.....or some of the grand EMS jobs flying Jetrangers at night over hostile terrain......for less than 4000 US per month.
Go fly the corporate turbo props and jets....at least you get to live in a Motel 8 with cable TV and meals provided.....even at the shoddy outfits. Aviation is not an easy life....nor will it change as long as people will do it for the sheer enjoyment it gives instead of being completely mercenary about it.
There are excellent jobs out there.....have had some....almost had others....but I have also had some real winners....each of us has to decide what it is in life we want....and then go get it. I wanted to travel and see the world....and that I have done. Now, all I want to do....is throw out the anchor....make a decent living, fly safe machines, and have some time off to enjoy my leisure actiivities.
To prove your point...ask any long serving Gulf of Mexico offshore pilot about how lucrative the pay has been. Get them to tell you the story of going ten years without a cost of living raise....or the Britiish pilots.....the bullcook who made my bed on the offshore rig I lived on made exactly one Pound Sterling a month less than I did.....look at some of the adverts for pilots even now....less than 4000 US per month for a 212/412 Flight Instructor and Maintenance test pilot in Saudi. Companies that offer a 6/6 schedule but want to cut your pay if you take that offer versus an 8/4 rotation. How about that wonderful Saudi gig on the Kawasaki's....barely 4000 US and a whopping 41 days leave.....or some of the grand EMS jobs flying Jetrangers at night over hostile terrain......for less than 4000 US per month.
Go fly the corporate turbo props and jets....at least you get to live in a Motel 8 with cable TV and meals provided.....even at the shoddy outfits. Aviation is not an easy life....nor will it change as long as people will do it for the sheer enjoyment it gives instead of being completely mercenary about it.
There are excellent jobs out there.....have had some....almost had others....but I have also had some real winners....each of us has to decide what it is in life we want....and then go get it. I wanted to travel and see the world....and that I have done. Now, all I want to do....is throw out the anchor....make a decent living, fly safe machines, and have some time off to enjoy my leisure actiivities.
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What a lot of negative comments from people! I've been flying helicopters for 37 years now and every day when I get up I think what a great time I've had and am still having. It's not a job, it's fun. I went the military route which was great for teaching self-reliance and variety. I also worked in the North Sea and was fortunate that my employer had overseas contracts so I could try other countries and types of flying. The money has never been great, but it's always been enough and I've always paid into a personal pension which hopefully will support my retirement. If I've become bored or disillusioned with what I'm doing for more than a month or two (hey, no job's utterly perfect!), then I've looked around for something else and usually taken a pay cut to go and try it. Where I'm now working it's with a great bunch of guys, with a lot of Ozzies and Kiwis who have a very positive approach to what they're doing and like it a great deal. I still love flying helicopters and hope to go on doing so professionally until well into my 60's. Every day I wake up, am grateful for all the fun and travel I've had from my job and hope I'll continue to do so until the day I'm forced to retire