HAI graduates/Offshore pilots
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HAI graduates/Offshore pilots
Having recently decided i want to go down the self-funded route HAI has jumped out at me. Their graduates page is mightily impressive, even more so considering that my aim is to eventually end up working as an oil industry pilot.
I was wondering if any graduates out there could tell me their experiences of HAI and how easy (or should that read difficult?) getting that first job was. A bit about their history etc.
At the moment the route to take seems to be to get a CPL and then get an instructors job in the States and hopefully build enough hours to get a job in the GOM or maybe even the North sea.
Any input from current offshore pilots of whether this route could be succesful or any general advice would be hugely appreciated!
Thanks for any help
Also what if any assistance do HAI offer in finding you a job after you are qualified and are their \"contacts\" any good? I notice they have quite a few ex- bristow pilots working for them.
I was wondering if any graduates out there could tell me their experiences of HAI and how easy (or should that read difficult?) getting that first job was. A bit about their history etc.
At the moment the route to take seems to be to get a CPL and then get an instructors job in the States and hopefully build enough hours to get a job in the GOM or maybe even the North sea.
Any input from current offshore pilots of whether this route could be succesful or any general advice would be hugely appreciated!
Thanks for any help
Also what if any assistance do HAI offer in finding you a job after you are qualified and are their \"contacts\" any good? I notice they have quite a few ex- bristow pilots working for them.
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if it helps i know 3 guys who came through HAI
then instructed for them, got the hrs they wanted
and returned to the uk. one still instructs,another
was north sea then lifting now SAR, and the last
one is lifting just now, but about to go back to the
states instructing.
they cant all have just been in the right place at the
right time( tho this does help)!!
mk10
then instructed for them, got the hrs they wanted
and returned to the uk. one still instructs,another
was north sea then lifting now SAR, and the last
one is lifting just now, but about to go back to the
states instructing.
they cant all have just been in the right place at the
right time( tho this does help)!!
mk10
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Ullevi
I am not a graduate of HAI but I run the JAA Courses here in Florida! We cannot profess to find jobs for you after your training here - but we believe that you will be pretty well set up to put your CVs out there with the best of them once you have completed our training courses. If you have managed to secure a job here at the school after qualifying as an FAA CFI (or elsewhere in the USA - and US employers know the quality of pilot we produce! The school notice board is normally full of N American job offers) then you will leave here at the end of your Visa time with a respectable number of hours. The European helicopter industry is suitably small and of course we will probably know somebody in the area you wish to work - and assuming you merit it - we can recommend you!
The Ferret
I am not a graduate of HAI but I run the JAA Courses here in Florida! We cannot profess to find jobs for you after your training here - but we believe that you will be pretty well set up to put your CVs out there with the best of them once you have completed our training courses. If you have managed to secure a job here at the school after qualifying as an FAA CFI (or elsewhere in the USA - and US employers know the quality of pilot we produce! The school notice board is normally full of N American job offers) then you will leave here at the end of your Visa time with a respectable number of hours. The European helicopter industry is suitably small and of course we will probably know somebody in the area you wish to work - and assuming you merit it - we can recommend you!
The Ferret
I have heard some Bull in my time in this industry but that has got to be right at the top of the list!
What percentage of your pilots manage to secure a job at your school after, I assume, paying for an instructor's rating?
What percentage of total students who obtain a CPL from you actually obtain a position flying a helicopter?
What percentage of your pilots manage to secure a job at your school after, I assume, paying for an instructor's rating?
What percentage of total students who obtain a CPL from you actually obtain a position flying a helicopter?
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It all depends on yourself. It's not HAI who does the trick. It's not just going to the States get you CPL/CFI and everybody's waiting for you.
A school adds to your own qualities in the first place. Ie. rubbish in, rubbish out.
It's very simple of 100% enlisting 80% gets a PPL, 80% of that makes it to CPL/CFI. (Might take 'em quite a long time). Then you might find a job and build up hours.
Then people return to Europe with 300-1200 hours. Yes, a very broad range. If you did the JAA in the US, you might find a job here. But if you didn't do JAA you have to study for another 6-9 months and a lot of guys just quit.
I discovered an awfull lot of ex-HAI guys don't even fly anymore.
By the way I'm not one of them. I'm only telling you the way it is.
A school adds to your own qualities in the first place. Ie. rubbish in, rubbish out.
It's very simple of 100% enlisting 80% gets a PPL, 80% of that makes it to CPL/CFI. (Might take 'em quite a long time). Then you might find a job and build up hours.
Then people return to Europe with 300-1200 hours. Yes, a very broad range. If you did the JAA in the US, you might find a job here. But if you didn't do JAA you have to study for another 6-9 months and a lot of guys just quit.
I discovered an awfull lot of ex-HAI guys don't even fly anymore.
By the way I'm not one of them. I'm only telling you the way it is.
Albatross,
I think you should have read The Ferret's answer a bit more carefully:
"...If you have managed to secure a job here at the school after qualifying as an FAA CFI (or elsewhere in the USA - and US employers know the quality of pilot we produce! The school notice board is normally full of N American job offers)..."
Most of the Hai grads get a job outside the school..
Fly safe,
Bell4can
(Hai 96)
I think you should have read The Ferret's answer a bit more carefully:
"...If you have managed to secure a job here at the school after qualifying as an FAA CFI (or elsewhere in the USA - and US employers know the quality of pilot we produce! The school notice board is normally full of N American job offers)..."
Most of the Hai grads get a job outside the school..
Fly safe,
Bell4can
(Hai 96)
I read the Ferret's reply most carefully... hence my BS call.
"The school notice board is normally full of N American job offers)..."
Translation - "Put them up there myself. "
If you read on to "then you will leave here at the end of your Visa time with a respectable number of hours."
Translation - "Here refers to the USA as a whole not our shool in particular. You may be able get a job with someone else and build some hours! No promises whatsoever however! I am sure you are willing to believe that US flight schools / operators prefer to hire expats on temp visas as there is such a shortage of low time pilots here in the US."
"The European helicopter industry is suitably small and of course we will probably know somebody in the area you wish to work - "
Translation - "I think I know someone working in Europe someplace. I have no pull with them however or I wouldn't be here myself."
"and assuming you merit it - we can recommend you!"
Translation - "Don't hold your breath. We took your money but have no duty to do anything for you - don't let the doorknob hit you in the ass on the way out the door."
I have seen too many schools who are less than forthright about employment opportunities after spending all that money. Sometimes the BS is also contained in how the prospectus is written or what is not said .
"The school notice board is normally full of N American job offers)..."
Translation - "Put them up there myself. "
If you read on to "then you will leave here at the end of your Visa time with a respectable number of hours."
Translation - "Here refers to the USA as a whole not our shool in particular. You may be able get a job with someone else and build some hours! No promises whatsoever however! I am sure you are willing to believe that US flight schools / operators prefer to hire expats on temp visas as there is such a shortage of low time pilots here in the US."
"The European helicopter industry is suitably small and of course we will probably know somebody in the area you wish to work - "
Translation - "I think I know someone working in Europe someplace. I have no pull with them however or I wouldn't be here myself."
"and assuming you merit it - we can recommend you!"
Translation - "Don't hold your breath. We took your money but have no duty to do anything for you - don't let the doorknob hit you in the ass on the way out the door."
I have seen too many schools who are less than forthright about employment opportunities after spending all that money. Sometimes the BS is also contained in how the prospectus is written or what is not said .
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Ullevi I got my CAA CPL(H), my FAA CPL(H), IR and CFI at HAI. I now work for Bristow flying the S61 on the SAR contract. PM me if you want to ask questions.
I have to agree with Ablatros a bit, HAI do pick and choose their staff. They also try and sell their services, they are after all a business. Dont hold your breath of getting a job with them though, there are a shed load of people wanting to wrok for them. I hung around HAI for months to see if they would give me a job, didnt happen so I came home. I was the FIRST person to go through HAI and do all the above. AND I got my PPL in the UK, so could be usefull as an instructor for the CAA/JAA course at some point. I thought so at least, my problem was I didnt kiss up to the senior staff, hence I left the US and got a job with Bristow. Which in hindsight suited me far better.
To be fair though, the CAA ground school was GREAT, with G Bedford in charge it ran pretty smooth. And the flying side was good when I flew with CAA (UK) trained instructors like Alan Boswell etc. If you do go to HAI, and want to come back to the UK after your JAA CPL(H) expect to readjust somewhat. But it is worth going, just have a plan in your head as to what you want and go for it.
There is work in the US for hour building, but the likes of Scotia and Bristow dont really care if you have 150 or 1500 hours. What makes a difference is having a JAA IR etc. If you are the right person in the right place and pass the interview you get the job. Its hard to say anything specific as to how to get a job, as its all a gamble.
Good luck and enjoy the ride.
I have to agree with Ablatros a bit, HAI do pick and choose their staff. They also try and sell their services, they are after all a business. Dont hold your breath of getting a job with them though, there are a shed load of people wanting to wrok for them. I hung around HAI for months to see if they would give me a job, didnt happen so I came home. I was the FIRST person to go through HAI and do all the above. AND I got my PPL in the UK, so could be usefull as an instructor for the CAA/JAA course at some point. I thought so at least, my problem was I didnt kiss up to the senior staff, hence I left the US and got a job with Bristow. Which in hindsight suited me far better.
To be fair though, the CAA ground school was GREAT, with G Bedford in charge it ran pretty smooth. And the flying side was good when I flew with CAA (UK) trained instructors like Alan Boswell etc. If you do go to HAI, and want to come back to the UK after your JAA CPL(H) expect to readjust somewhat. But it is worth going, just have a plan in your head as to what you want and go for it.
There is work in the US for hour building, but the likes of Scotia and Bristow dont really care if you have 150 or 1500 hours. What makes a difference is having a JAA IR etc. If you are the right person in the right place and pass the interview you get the job. Its hard to say anything specific as to how to get a job, as its all a gamble.
Good luck and enjoy the ride.
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"The school notice board is normally full of N American job offers)..."
Translation - "Put them up there myself. "
If you read on to "then you will leave here at the end of your Visa time with a respectable number of hours."
Translation - "Here refers to the USA as a whole not our shool in particular. You may be able get a job with someone else and build some hours! No promises whatsoever however! I am sure you are willing to believe that US flight schools / operators prefer to hire expats on temp visas as there is such a shortage of low time pilots here in the US."
Translation - "Put them up there myself. "
If you read on to "then you will leave here at the end of your Visa time with a respectable number of hours."
Translation - "Here refers to the USA as a whole not our shool in particular. You may be able get a job with someone else and build some hours! No promises whatsoever however! I am sure you are willing to believe that US flight schools / operators prefer to hire expats on temp visas as there is such a shortage of low time pilots here in the US."
If we hire a foriegn instructor on a visa, the visa is transferred to us, so that instructor keeps working.
It would be foolish to think that every graduate of HAI is automatically going to be a top pilot, as not everyone who goes there has the makeup to be a top pilot, but if the students are motivated, overall they will come out as well educated and trained as they could possibly be (outside of the military).
HAI has some issues, mostly related to size and the huge demand for their product - it's a big, busy place, and they've definitely been going through some akward growth spurts in the last two years. If you are one to get lost in a shuffle, it might not suit you. Our little school get a fair number of folks who left HAI not due to quality, but due to wanting a small, homey kind of place.
"and assuming you merit it - we can recommend you!"
Translation - "Don't hold your breath. We took your money but have no duty to do anything for you - don't let the doorknob hit you in the ass on the way out the door."
Translation - "Don't hold your breath. We took your money but have no duty to do anything for you - don't let the doorknob hit you in the ass on the way out the door."
They are still helping me - I get support from the A & P staff, from Sam, from some of the CFI staff whom I trained with - in addition, if an HAI graduate applies to me, I can count on getting solid info from HAI on what kind of CFI they will be.
Wow - OK I have gone on a bit here, forgive me. Albatross, you are entitled to your opinion, and you are empowered by this forum to express it. However, unless your opinion is based on actual experience and/or demonstrated fact, your opinion may be just another one of those things that everybody's got one of.
Yes it is my opinion Flingwing.
I have seen too many Puppy Farms.
Go back and read Ferret's post from the standpoint of a young person with dreams of becoming a pilot.
I find it misleading. That is my point.
HAI may be the best school in the world and, if so, all the best to them.
All I am asking for is more transparency as to employement chances.
You, yourself, have 4 CFI's on staff. How many CPL students per year? How many will get jobs?
That's it for me on this subject.
I have seen too many Puppy Farms.
Go back and read Ferret's post from the standpoint of a young person with dreams of becoming a pilot.
I find it misleading. That is my point.
HAI may be the best school in the world and, if so, all the best to them.
All I am asking for is more transparency as to employement chances.
You, yourself, have 4 CFI's on staff. How many CPL students per year? How many will get jobs?
That's it for me on this subject.
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Albatross
Were you the guy that told me five years ago not to bother with my dream of being a helicopter pilot as it was far too difficult and anyway there's no jobs out there??
I am now flying the North Sea having gone the HAI student and instructor route.
It's not easy, it's certainly not a holiday - years of sheer hard work with little reward and no guarantees but with a bullish attitude and determination (and a little luck) it is possible to get there.
What is amazing is the number of people that turn out for training in beach shorts, a t-shirt and a hangover and then expect to get a job at the end of it. Unless you are very mature this is not a good thing to do as a university substitute.
My advice for getting jobs is to act like a professional from day one of your training; dress like one, act like one and study like one. People will treat you as a professional and before you know it the job offers will come.
Start building up contacts from now. Get on the phone, visit operators and write to them. When a job comes up you must be known to them already. Start talking to both schools that employ instructors and for the jobs after that. Be as wide ranging as you can in companies, types of companies and locations. www.helicopter.li is a good place to start for contact companies. It is never too early to start looking for jobs and building contacts. I am always amazed at the positive reaction I receive from the people I have called.
The longer you can work in the states the easier it will be to build up hours. If you have a way to get a green card then apply now. If you can (Brits can't) then apply for the green card lottery asap. Find a pretty American girl and marry her! You can maximise your J1 visa working time by getting as much experience as you can before applying for it (ie get a private first). Beware though - if you already have a CPL then you can't apply for the J1. You will maximise your working time by concentrating on FAA ratings while in the US. This may mean doing the JAA by a modular route (doing the exams in the uk seperate to the flying). You will need a CFII to have a good chance of getting a job in the states so budget for it. You can only legaly work as an instructor on the J1 - to work the GOM/ Alaska/ Grand Canyon (all of which are possible once you have 1000 odd hours) you will need a different visa.
Be aware that many North Sea operators are expecting you to get your own IR now so if you can budget for that from the start then it will improve your chances immeasurably.
Expect it to take twice as long and double any estimates of living costs. Living like a student from the start (rice and chicken is cheap!) will help here.
Long ramble I know but hope this helps. Any more questions then PM me.
Good luck!
Splodge
Were you the guy that told me five years ago not to bother with my dream of being a helicopter pilot as it was far too difficult and anyway there's no jobs out there??
I am now flying the North Sea having gone the HAI student and instructor route.
It's not easy, it's certainly not a holiday - years of sheer hard work with little reward and no guarantees but with a bullish attitude and determination (and a little luck) it is possible to get there.
What is amazing is the number of people that turn out for training in beach shorts, a t-shirt and a hangover and then expect to get a job at the end of it. Unless you are very mature this is not a good thing to do as a university substitute.
My advice for getting jobs is to act like a professional from day one of your training; dress like one, act like one and study like one. People will treat you as a professional and before you know it the job offers will come.
Start building up contacts from now. Get on the phone, visit operators and write to them. When a job comes up you must be known to them already. Start talking to both schools that employ instructors and for the jobs after that. Be as wide ranging as you can in companies, types of companies and locations. www.helicopter.li is a good place to start for contact companies. It is never too early to start looking for jobs and building contacts. I am always amazed at the positive reaction I receive from the people I have called.
The longer you can work in the states the easier it will be to build up hours. If you have a way to get a green card then apply now. If you can (Brits can't) then apply for the green card lottery asap. Find a pretty American girl and marry her! You can maximise your J1 visa working time by getting as much experience as you can before applying for it (ie get a private first). Beware though - if you already have a CPL then you can't apply for the J1. You will maximise your working time by concentrating on FAA ratings while in the US. This may mean doing the JAA by a modular route (doing the exams in the uk seperate to the flying). You will need a CFII to have a good chance of getting a job in the states so budget for it. You can only legaly work as an instructor on the J1 - to work the GOM/ Alaska/ Grand Canyon (all of which are possible once you have 1000 odd hours) you will need a different visa.
Be aware that many North Sea operators are expecting you to get your own IR now so if you can budget for that from the start then it will improve your chances immeasurably.
Expect it to take twice as long and double any estimates of living costs. Living like a student from the start (rice and chicken is cheap!) will help here.
Long ramble I know but hope this helps. Any more questions then PM me.
Good luck!
Splodge
Glad you made it Splodge.
I have never tried to discourage anyone from becoming either a pilot or an engineer.
I have, however, made darn sure they know the pros and cons of the business.
After that I will help them all I can.
I was fortunate enough in the late 80s to be able to hire some 100 hr pilots and get them started in the business - straight to the bush in a 206. I still sometime hear from or of some of them.
This business has been very good to me over the years and I have had a great time and met some wonderfull people.
I know what you are saying - I have had one fellow show up for a job interview in shorts, sandals ( with black socks ) and a t - shirt.
He also brought along the girl friend so she could ride along during the expected evaluation flight. Not surprisingly he flew a lot like he was dressed. The girl friend stayed on the ground and after that flight I think he did too.
I do question the ethics of the people who trained him.
I have never tried to discourage anyone from becoming either a pilot or an engineer.
I have, however, made darn sure they know the pros and cons of the business.
After that I will help them all I can.
I was fortunate enough in the late 80s to be able to hire some 100 hr pilots and get them started in the business - straight to the bush in a 206. I still sometime hear from or of some of them.
This business has been very good to me over the years and I have had a great time and met some wonderfull people.
I know what you are saying - I have had one fellow show up for a job interview in shorts, sandals ( with black socks ) and a t - shirt.
He also brought along the girl friend so she could ride along during the expected evaluation flight. Not surprisingly he flew a lot like he was dressed. The girl friend stayed on the ground and after that flight I think he did too.
I do question the ethics of the people who trained him.
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Albatros - obviously misjudged you. Hats off to you for sponsoring new pilots in that way. I wish I had the chance to fly in the bush.
I agree with you that it is important that everyone knows the full pros and cons.
It is however too easy to attack an area of the industry which includes a lot of very dedicated people without whom many of us wouldn't be where we are today.
I agree with you that it is important that everyone knows the full pros and cons.
It is however too easy to attack an area of the industry which includes a lot of very dedicated people without whom many of us wouldn't be where we are today.
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Just an observation...
Whenever Helicopter Adventures gets a mention in this forum, it always amuses me at the posts from those who seem to have some chip on their shoulder! If you didn't get hired, rather than blame the school, why not take a look in the mirror and ask yourself, why didn't I get hired?
Albatross, why do you have so much distrust of Ferret's post? OK, grammatically it wasn't the best, but dishonest I don't think so. After the introduction, he clearly says that HAI does not promise jobs. What more do you want? Also, I don't understand your dig regarding his mention of the school notice board either! And your dig about the HAI connections in Europe couldn't be further from the truth.
Bigglesbutler
What is this?! Of course they pick and choose their staff....isn't that their right? I'd be more worried about a school that didn't pick and choose their staff.
Folks, I have said this before and I'll say it again.
Too many people think that a job at HAI is a given right. IT IS NOT. You have to work for it, and deserve the job. Even if you work hard, there are many other pilots looking for that same position too. You have to stand out above the rest. The best way is to be absolutely sound on your ground knowledge, humble in your flying, dress well, and be respectful. Splodge has some good advice above too. You have to be the sort of pilot / person that the boss is looking for. That's life in the industry I'm afraid.
Next, remember that HAI are a business, so treat them like one. They will take your money. That's what businesses do isn't it. They provide your training, and take your money!
Another misconception is that going to the school WILL lead to a job after HAI. Sorry, but again, it's down the student, not the school. HAI is pretty well connected all over the world and of course, would like to see as many of its students going on to bigger and better. But the competition in the industry is something the school can't control. If the companies aren't hiring then there won't be enough jobs...simple as that.
I too have seen many people end up without a job. Most of them I could predict would come to nothing in the helicopter world, either due to pilot proficiency or personality. Of the others, many run out of money. Many just give up (they thought it would be an easy). Some have family commitments etc..etc..etc...How can you blame the school here?
Lastly, overbudget and plan...but don't just have Plan 'A'. Have Plan 'B' and Plan 'C' too.
cl12pv2s
Whenever Helicopter Adventures gets a mention in this forum, it always amuses me at the posts from those who seem to have some chip on their shoulder! If you didn't get hired, rather than blame the school, why not take a look in the mirror and ask yourself, why didn't I get hired?
Albatross, why do you have so much distrust of Ferret's post? OK, grammatically it wasn't the best, but dishonest I don't think so. After the introduction, he clearly says that HAI does not promise jobs. What more do you want? Also, I don't understand your dig regarding his mention of the school notice board either! And your dig about the HAI connections in Europe couldn't be further from the truth.
Bigglesbutler
I have to agree with Ablatros a bit, HAI do pick and choose their staff.
Folks, I have said this before and I'll say it again.
Too many people think that a job at HAI is a given right. IT IS NOT. You have to work for it, and deserve the job. Even if you work hard, there are many other pilots looking for that same position too. You have to stand out above the rest. The best way is to be absolutely sound on your ground knowledge, humble in your flying, dress well, and be respectful. Splodge has some good advice above too. You have to be the sort of pilot / person that the boss is looking for. That's life in the industry I'm afraid.
Next, remember that HAI are a business, so treat them like one. They will take your money. That's what businesses do isn't it. They provide your training, and take your money!
Another misconception is that going to the school WILL lead to a job after HAI. Sorry, but again, it's down the student, not the school. HAI is pretty well connected all over the world and of course, would like to see as many of its students going on to bigger and better. But the competition in the industry is something the school can't control. If the companies aren't hiring then there won't be enough jobs...simple as that.
I too have seen many people end up without a job. Most of them I could predict would come to nothing in the helicopter world, either due to pilot proficiency or personality. Of the others, many run out of money. Many just give up (they thought it would be an easy). Some have family commitments etc..etc..etc...How can you blame the school here?
Lastly, overbudget and plan...but don't just have Plan 'A'. Have Plan 'B' and Plan 'C' too.
cl12pv2s
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I'm amazed there is some much emphasis on getting hired by HAI after training with them. You don't go to University and expect to end up as a lecturer there. Go to HAI as it is a very good school in my opinion but don't expect to get a job with them.
Some many graduates do very well by leaving and getting a broader range of experience at other flight schools. More often than not they get flying turbine hours sooner then an HAI instructor would. Training at HAI is a good start to your career but working there is not important.
I was at HAI and now fly N.Sea and there is no doubt in my mind they are a very good, professional school.
It's absolute fact about the approach to training mentioned here already. If you're going to invest thousands of dollars/pounds in a career then why doss about like a bum and expect to get hired and have money thrown at you. BE PROFESSIONAL.
The most important thing is how you conduct yourself and how much you can apply yourself to the task. The school will help you get there but it's your attitude that counts. Expect to work hard, particularly if you want the UK license to return home to work.
Good luck and don't be put off if you want to do this. Lots of people thought I was crazy to spend everything I had on flying helicopters. They are the same people who now moan about how little I go to work, how many holidays I get and how much I get paid to do a job they would do for free. I guess life isn't fair.
Some many graduates do very well by leaving and getting a broader range of experience at other flight schools. More often than not they get flying turbine hours sooner then an HAI instructor would. Training at HAI is a good start to your career but working there is not important.
I was at HAI and now fly N.Sea and there is no doubt in my mind they are a very good, professional school.
It's absolute fact about the approach to training mentioned here already. If you're going to invest thousands of dollars/pounds in a career then why doss about like a bum and expect to get hired and have money thrown at you. BE PROFESSIONAL.
The most important thing is how you conduct yourself and how much you can apply yourself to the task. The school will help you get there but it's your attitude that counts. Expect to work hard, particularly if you want the UK license to return home to work.
Good luck and don't be put off if you want to do this. Lots of people thought I was crazy to spend everything I had on flying helicopters. They are the same people who now moan about how little I go to work, how many holidays I get and how much I get paid to do a job they would do for free. I guess life isn't fair.
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Im going to try and keep this short as I dont want to get into an argument.
Splodge, the only thing I would say about this
Is that they PREFER you to have the IR, as it saves them money. They will still train the right cadidate.
cl12pv2s
Your assuming I didnt, wasnt etc etc. I was in the CAA ground school so knew the subjects fairly well seeing as I only resat one exam, missed the mark by 2%. I was dressed in black and whites with neatly pressed shirts every day. And I learnt a lot from all my flying instructors, I am not a cocky student. It was also hinted to me that once they moved to FL they would be looking for staff, I did the move, spent more money flying and renting their aircraft but still left anyway.
I agree they MUST choose the right staff, but there is also a lot of politics in such a large school. Maybe I would have been better in a homely type school as Albatross says. Anyway I am where I want to be now so it worked out best for me. My point was they dont always take on all their students, and despite qualifications they choose who they want.
Oh and BTW there was ANOTHER CAA student just after me that had the same. And he was older, MUCH more mature than me. I admit I was a bit young mentally at the time, but thats natural.
Anyway I dont wish to argue about this, as ever unless you were there at the time its hard to understand the whole picture. HAI is a GREAT school, and I cannot say enough good things about the JAA Instructors.
Splodge, the only thing I would say about this
Be aware that many North Sea operators are expecting you to get your own IR now so if you can budget for that from the start then it will improve your chances immeasurably.
cl12pv2s
Too many people think that a job at HAI is a given right. IT IS NOT. You have to work for it, and deserve the job. Even if you work hard, there are many other pilots looking for that same position too. You have to stand out above the rest. The best way is to be absolutely sound on your ground knowledge, humble in your flying, dress well, and be respectful. Splodge has some good advice above too. You have to be the sort of pilot / person that the boss is looking for. That's life in the industry I'm afraid.
I agree they MUST choose the right staff, but there is also a lot of politics in such a large school. Maybe I would have been better in a homely type school as Albatross says. Anyway I am where I want to be now so it worked out best for me. My point was they dont always take on all their students, and despite qualifications they choose who they want.
Oh and BTW there was ANOTHER CAA student just after me that had the same. And he was older, MUCH more mature than me. I admit I was a bit young mentally at the time, but thats natural.
Anyway I dont wish to argue about this, as ever unless you were there at the time its hard to understand the whole picture. HAI is a GREAT school, and I cannot say enough good things about the JAA Instructors.
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Thanks for all the replies guys- this is the kind of discussion i was trying to generate.
If i ever get the chance to go to HAI then there's no way i'd give less than 100% the whole time. Whether that be on the ground or in the air.
I'd also be interested to hear your opinions on whether or not the n sea job market will still be good for pilots in 5 years time or so? Obviously with this recent boom its different and there's not even enough rigs to meet demand, but it has to slow down sometime and when it does will that be the end? Ive got a year left of uni, then a couple of years saving before i even get close to HAI, and would just like to know if there will still be jobs then.
PM going your way Governor.
Thanks again guys.
If i ever get the chance to go to HAI then there's no way i'd give less than 100% the whole time. Whether that be on the ground or in the air.
I'd also be interested to hear your opinions on whether or not the n sea job market will still be good for pilots in 5 years time or so? Obviously with this recent boom its different and there's not even enough rigs to meet demand, but it has to slow down sometime and when it does will that be the end? Ive got a year left of uni, then a couple of years saving before i even get close to HAI, and would just like to know if there will still be jobs then.
PM going your way Governor.
Thanks again guys.
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In five years time we could be all working for NASA because they found oil on the moon or working gutting fish on the docks! I would be happy to know what will be going on in six months!
A lot of getting any job is down to timing. This is a huge factor in the North American helicopter market. There are a lot of seasonal jobs in Alaska and Canada that run through the summer six months. If you can time your requirement for a job when everyone else is vacating theirs (to go off working the wilderness and glacier hopping) then you will be in for a better chance. This has always been the case in HAI and I'm sure a lot of other schools where you had a huge turnover of staff in March/ April every year
A lot of getting any job is down to timing. This is a huge factor in the North American helicopter market. There are a lot of seasonal jobs in Alaska and Canada that run through the summer six months. If you can time your requirement for a job when everyone else is vacating theirs (to go off working the wilderness and glacier hopping) then you will be in for a better chance. This has always been the case in HAI and I'm sure a lot of other schools where you had a huge turnover of staff in March/ April every year
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At CHC here in Ireland:
On SAR there are a total of 33 permanent pilots of which 12 ( 4 commanders and another 3 on command courses) are ex HAI plus one more in Cork on a Dauphin contract.
Its an excellent school. Now if any of you HAI instructors are reading this please keep UP the standards. The schools ongoing reputation is vital to my CV. When a co. gets one bad egg from a school it can have knock on effects for those that come after.
On SAR there are a total of 33 permanent pilots of which 12 ( 4 commanders and another 3 on command courses) are ex HAI plus one more in Cork on a Dauphin contract.
Its an excellent school. Now if any of you HAI instructors are reading this please keep UP the standards. The schools ongoing reputation is vital to my CV. When a co. gets one bad egg from a school it can have knock on effects for those that come after.