Would you become a Professional Pilot again?
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Hello all,
does anyone have a contact for Mike Green (ex FAST) - or does anyone know if he's on this forum. I'm told he may be able to give some cracking advice.
Thanks,
BG
does anyone have a contact for Mike Green (ex FAST) - or does anyone know if he's on this forum. I'm told he may be able to give some cracking advice.
Thanks,
BG
Join Date: Mar 2004
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BANJO. MY ONLY ADVICE IS GO FOR IT! FLYING HELIS IS A LEGAL DRUG, ONCE YOU START YOU CANT STOP!! IVE BEEN TRAINING/PLEASURE FLYING FOR 2 YEARS NOW AND HAVE RACKED UP A MEASLY 80 HOURS ON AROUND 7 DIFFERENT HELIS INCLUDING ROBBOS, SWIEZERS,JETBOXES GAZZELLES AND EC130S HAS COST ME A FORTUNE BUT IVE ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT AND DONT REGRET 1 PENNY.
WHO KNOWS ONE DAY I MIGHT EVEN DO MY FIRST SOLO.
FINANCIALLY THE ADVICE I WOULD GIVE IS DONT PAY FOR THE WHOLE COURSE UP FRONT, AND EVERYONE CAN SLATE ME FOR THIS IF THEY WANT. BUT HELICOPTER SCHOOLS HAVE A HABIT OF DISSAPEARING OVERNIGHT, ALONG WITH YOUR TRAINING MONEY, SO PICK A LARGE OUTFIT THAT ARE BUSY AND YOU KNOW WILL STILL BE THERE 2 YEARS DOWN THE LINE.
I WAS TRAINING WITH FLIGHTWORKS AT COVENTRY AND NOW THEYVE GONE BANKRUPT SO IM GLAD I DIDNT PAY UP FRONT.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU, AND WHEN YOU GET TO HOUR 10 AND YOU CAN HOVER AND SMILE AT THE SAME TIME YOU WILL KNOW IT WAS MONEY WELL SPENT!
PS WHEN YOU TELL THE GIRLS IN THE PUB YOU FLY HELIS ITS BLOODY GREAT
WHO KNOWS ONE DAY I MIGHT EVEN DO MY FIRST SOLO.
FINANCIALLY THE ADVICE I WOULD GIVE IS DONT PAY FOR THE WHOLE COURSE UP FRONT, AND EVERYONE CAN SLATE ME FOR THIS IF THEY WANT. BUT HELICOPTER SCHOOLS HAVE A HABIT OF DISSAPEARING OVERNIGHT, ALONG WITH YOUR TRAINING MONEY, SO PICK A LARGE OUTFIT THAT ARE BUSY AND YOU KNOW WILL STILL BE THERE 2 YEARS DOWN THE LINE.
I WAS TRAINING WITH FLIGHTWORKS AT COVENTRY AND NOW THEYVE GONE BANKRUPT SO IM GLAD I DIDNT PAY UP FRONT.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU, AND WHEN YOU GET TO HOUR 10 AND YOU CAN HOVER AND SMILE AT THE SAME TIME YOU WILL KNOW IT WAS MONEY WELL SPENT!
PS WHEN YOU TELL THE GIRLS IN THE PUB YOU FLY HELIS ITS BLOODY GREAT
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Okay, Fan #1
So I was waxing a little lyrical there, I do know that flying to rigs in IF is not all fun and games, and it was a arrogant to speak for a whole profession. However I stand by what I said in relation to the pilots with whom I spend my time.
I also agree that, especially compared to airline pilots, we are underpaid but that’s true for any industry where there are a large number of people, (obviously not you) with a passion for what they do.
You sound like someone who never had to commute to the slow death of an office job every day and don’t appreciate what you have. I also suspect you didn’t pay for your own training and take your privileged position too lightly.
If you hate it that much, (and judging by your language you do) then get yourself an office job, stop flying and leave a gap for someone else who’ll appreciate it (like Banjo maybe !).
So I was waxing a little lyrical there, I do know that flying to rigs in IF is not all fun and games, and it was a arrogant to speak for a whole profession. However I stand by what I said in relation to the pilots with whom I spend my time.
I also agree that, especially compared to airline pilots, we are underpaid but that’s true for any industry where there are a large number of people, (obviously not you) with a passion for what they do.
You sound like someone who never had to commute to the slow death of an office job every day and don’t appreciate what you have. I also suspect you didn’t pay for your own training and take your privileged position too lightly.
If you hate it that much, (and judging by your language you do) then get yourself an office job, stop flying and leave a gap for someone else who’ll appreciate it (like Banjo maybe !).
To goaround7: Apology accepted. You're a bigger man than I gave you credit for being.
I'm always curious when people make personal judgements about others on the basis of internet posts. I suppose that there are those who assume (like ol' goaround here) that I am bitterly disgusted with flying, that I hate my job, hate my life, hate my wife, hate my dog, etc.
...Simply because I'm not all starry-eyed and ga-ga about flying anymore. More curious is that I detect an attitude in some people that I should therefore quit flying(!) and leave the industry to those who get all squishy and dreamy at the mere thought of rotor blades a-twirlin'. Yeah, that's me: bitter, old PPRUNE FAN#1 who gets up every morning just dreading the fact that he has to go fly a helicopter, and then whining about it later. Yeah. Right. Grow up.
The idea that I did not pay for my own training, that I hate what I do, that I've never held any other jobs, never commuted, or that I do not appreciate what I've got are simply the laughably naive, unfounded speculations of dolts.
Look, I have worked very hard to get where I am in this industry. I take my *JOB* very seriously...extremely seriously! I do not consider it a lark or a hobby, and I would *NOT* do this (work) for free. Make no mistake, people- it is work...dignified, valid, valuable work. And it should be treated as such. I reject the notion that if you have a passion for something then you should accept substandard wages simply so you can pursue that passion. Hypothesis: Rejected!
To anyone who feels differently: perhaps it is YOU who should get out of this industry and leave it to us professionals who know the value of performing a service for remuneration. How's that for an idea!
On the other hand, I love to fly! My passion for flying has never abated. I fly helicopters, I fly airplanes...heck, I'll fly the box the thing came in if need be. When I'm not flying for money, I'm flying my own airplane for pleasure. But friends, flying is not the only thing in life that gives me such pleasure. Nor is it the only thing that makes my life meaningful. It's a big part of what makes me who I am, but it does not define me. I pity those for whom life offers so little else.
Hypothetically, if I won a pot o' gold, I would be a fool to continue flying commercially. I've got all the flight time that I could ever hope for. There is nothing anymore that I want to do with a helicopter that I have not already done. And as risky as it is, there is a huge chance that the only persons enjoying my windfall might be my heirs and survivors. Now wouldn't that be ironic!
No, there is too much more to life, and too much at risk to continue unnecessarily, had I that option. But does that mean I'm disillusioned and angry enough to quit right now? Not hardly!
I know this is long, but let me address one other point. Banjo George wondered:
It's not that simple. In fact, it never is. Most pilots are quite loathe to summarily quit a job when there's a mortgage (or other bills) to consider. It would be reckless!
Too, there is a line between something being "uncomfortable" and something being "unsafe." Believe me, there are mornings when the weather is crappy, when the rain is pounding and the wind is blowing, and the very last thing on earth that I want to do is climb into another g*ddam helicopter and go fly. But you know what? I don't only get to fly on days with clear blue skies, little white puffy clouds and flute music blowing softly in the background. I don't get that choice. For the most part, I fly when the customer tells me to fly.
We all draw lines over which we will not step. In my many years in this industry, I have been pushed right up to that line, but never beyond. Never has an operator asked me to do something that was patently illegal or unsafe. Most won't...at least not directly. They might leave that door open for YOU to walk through, but they won't push you through it.
And so we find ourselves in these rock/hard-place situations, faced with tough "life or death" decisions and choices that are not always easy. In fact, sometimes they are gut-wrenchingly tough. THAT is why they pay us the big bucks. And THAT is why commercial aviation has no room for dilettantes, hobbyists, or the unprofessional.
I'm always curious when people make personal judgements about others on the basis of internet posts. I suppose that there are those who assume (like ol' goaround here) that I am bitterly disgusted with flying, that I hate my job, hate my life, hate my wife, hate my dog, etc.
...Simply because I'm not all starry-eyed and ga-ga about flying anymore. More curious is that I detect an attitude in some people that I should therefore quit flying(!) and leave the industry to those who get all squishy and dreamy at the mere thought of rotor blades a-twirlin'. Yeah, that's me: bitter, old PPRUNE FAN#1 who gets up every morning just dreading the fact that he has to go fly a helicopter, and then whining about it later. Yeah. Right. Grow up.
The idea that I did not pay for my own training, that I hate what I do, that I've never held any other jobs, never commuted, or that I do not appreciate what I've got are simply the laughably naive, unfounded speculations of dolts.
Look, I have worked very hard to get where I am in this industry. I take my *JOB* very seriously...extremely seriously! I do not consider it a lark or a hobby, and I would *NOT* do this (work) for free. Make no mistake, people- it is work...dignified, valid, valuable work. And it should be treated as such. I reject the notion that if you have a passion for something then you should accept substandard wages simply so you can pursue that passion. Hypothesis: Rejected!
To anyone who feels differently: perhaps it is YOU who should get out of this industry and leave it to us professionals who know the value of performing a service for remuneration. How's that for an idea!
On the other hand, I love to fly! My passion for flying has never abated. I fly helicopters, I fly airplanes...heck, I'll fly the box the thing came in if need be. When I'm not flying for money, I'm flying my own airplane for pleasure. But friends, flying is not the only thing in life that gives me such pleasure. Nor is it the only thing that makes my life meaningful. It's a big part of what makes me who I am, but it does not define me. I pity those for whom life offers so little else.
Hypothetically, if I won a pot o' gold, I would be a fool to continue flying commercially. I've got all the flight time that I could ever hope for. There is nothing anymore that I want to do with a helicopter that I have not already done. And as risky as it is, there is a huge chance that the only persons enjoying my windfall might be my heirs and survivors. Now wouldn't that be ironic!
No, there is too much more to life, and too much at risk to continue unnecessarily, had I that option. But does that mean I'm disillusioned and angry enough to quit right now? Not hardly!
I know this is long, but let me address one other point. Banjo George wondered:
Would it be fair to assume however that if anyone was really really unhappy about going up, then the job would just have to be sacrificed if some bean counter was saying 'go up or else ?'
Too, there is a line between something being "uncomfortable" and something being "unsafe." Believe me, there are mornings when the weather is crappy, when the rain is pounding and the wind is blowing, and the very last thing on earth that I want to do is climb into another g*ddam helicopter and go fly. But you know what? I don't only get to fly on days with clear blue skies, little white puffy clouds and flute music blowing softly in the background. I don't get that choice. For the most part, I fly when the customer tells me to fly.
We all draw lines over which we will not step. In my many years in this industry, I have been pushed right up to that line, but never beyond. Never has an operator asked me to do something that was patently illegal or unsafe. Most won't...at least not directly. They might leave that door open for YOU to walk through, but they won't push you through it.
And so we find ourselves in these rock/hard-place situations, faced with tough "life or death" decisions and choices that are not always easy. In fact, sometimes they are gut-wrenchingly tough. THAT is why they pay us the big bucks. And THAT is why commercial aviation has no room for dilettantes, hobbyists, or the unprofessional.
The Original Whirly
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PFF1,
Well, I did think that...because you'd very definitely implied it. But after reading your last post, I don't think it any more.
We don't have anything to go on here, other than people's posts, do we?
I'm always curious when people make personal judgements about others on the basis of internet posts. I suppose that there are those who assume (like ol' goaround here) that I am bitterly disgusted with flying, that I hate my job, hate my life, hate my wife, hate my dog, etc.
We don't have anything to go on here, other than people's posts, do we?
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Oh no, my thread is falling out with each other .........
Well, I have to respect the views of all the posts on this 'cos I know diddley about the industry, and in a way, a bit of disagreement has churned up views that are very useful and incisive.
I think I love to fly 'cos I've always loved every minute of the little flying I've done. As I said before however, I think my goal is to be as professional and SAFE as I can be. Sure it would be nice to stand in the pub with aviator shades and glinting teeth, but that's a bonus really. I'm long enough in the tooth and been round the block enough NOT to be blown away by terms like 'glamour' etc. To me, it will simply be enough of a challenge to pass everything (and pass it WELL I hope) and then get a blooming job.
Regarding money, well I take the points about it being a professional industry etc, and remuneration should be commensurate. Taking a different view however, and a slightly 'lefty' one at that, one could argue that people should be paid more for doing the ****e jobs in life - cleaning bogs, sweeping roads, looking after old folks etc. It's the lucky people who've actually had a 'choice' of career. I know life ain't like that, but it's markets that dictate wages, not ability or experience. If there were only 20 heli pilots in the UK, they'd all get paid shedloads. The supply and demand does NOT favour heli pilots, irrespective of professionalism or training or anything - that's just the way it seems, like it or not.
At my age, I will accept what I'm given in the heli world and just accept the fact that A. It was my choice and B. If I don't like it, I can piss off elsewhere.
Heli pilots per se may be 'underpaid' but compared to other jobs ??????????????
I hope I don't get systematically taken apart for this mail now ....
BG
BTW, thanks Dave for your post - very inspirational and wise words too re. financial status.
In the 10 days or so that this thread has been running, I\'ve already doubled my pre-requisite ideas and questions prior to starting. I\'m re-considering where I\'m going to do the training now as well (which will go down like a lead balloon I\'m sure with HC).
More importantly, everyone bar none has given massive encoragement and that\'s very, very heartening - I really appreciate ALL the contributors taking time out to help a novice - says a lot about the people working in the industry IMHO.
It\'s a minefield starting out but I\'m far better equipped now than I was before - even the little things like ascertaining when a flying lesson \'starts\' (when does the \'hour\' commence). Such a small thing, but 15 mins in every hour over 250 hours is a lot of cash for eg. Little tips like that are priceless. On the subject of which, does anyone know how open to \'haggling\' the schools are ? If I\'m about to splash 15 grand, I want a discount for a block booking (I guess loads of schools read this too).
Any other tips ? Cheers Guys ........................
BG
(PS Thanks too to PPrune)
Well, I have to respect the views of all the posts on this 'cos I know diddley about the industry, and in a way, a bit of disagreement has churned up views that are very useful and incisive.
I think I love to fly 'cos I've always loved every minute of the little flying I've done. As I said before however, I think my goal is to be as professional and SAFE as I can be. Sure it would be nice to stand in the pub with aviator shades and glinting teeth, but that's a bonus really. I'm long enough in the tooth and been round the block enough NOT to be blown away by terms like 'glamour' etc. To me, it will simply be enough of a challenge to pass everything (and pass it WELL I hope) and then get a blooming job.
Regarding money, well I take the points about it being a professional industry etc, and remuneration should be commensurate. Taking a different view however, and a slightly 'lefty' one at that, one could argue that people should be paid more for doing the ****e jobs in life - cleaning bogs, sweeping roads, looking after old folks etc. It's the lucky people who've actually had a 'choice' of career. I know life ain't like that, but it's markets that dictate wages, not ability or experience. If there were only 20 heli pilots in the UK, they'd all get paid shedloads. The supply and demand does NOT favour heli pilots, irrespective of professionalism or training or anything - that's just the way it seems, like it or not.
At my age, I will accept what I'm given in the heli world and just accept the fact that A. It was my choice and B. If I don't like it, I can piss off elsewhere.
Heli pilots per se may be 'underpaid' but compared to other jobs ??????????????
I hope I don't get systematically taken apart for this mail now ....
BG
BTW, thanks Dave for your post - very inspirational and wise words too re. financial status.
In the 10 days or so that this thread has been running, I\'ve already doubled my pre-requisite ideas and questions prior to starting. I\'m re-considering where I\'m going to do the training now as well (which will go down like a lead balloon I\'m sure with HC).
More importantly, everyone bar none has given massive encoragement and that\'s very, very heartening - I really appreciate ALL the contributors taking time out to help a novice - says a lot about the people working in the industry IMHO.
It\'s a minefield starting out but I\'m far better equipped now than I was before - even the little things like ascertaining when a flying lesson \'starts\' (when does the \'hour\' commence). Such a small thing, but 15 mins in every hour over 250 hours is a lot of cash for eg. Little tips like that are priceless. On the subject of which, does anyone know how open to \'haggling\' the schools are ? If I\'m about to splash 15 grand, I want a discount for a block booking (I guess loads of schools read this too).
Any other tips ? Cheers Guys ........................
BG
(PS Thanks too to PPrune)
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Hats off once again to PPRUNE FAN#1, I don't think it is possible to put it any better then he put it.
And if you don't agree with him now, and you do go ahead and loose everything you have just to qualify, come back in a few years and read his posts.
And then see how you will feel about
starry-eyed and ga-ga about flying,
newbies who think you deserve to be paid F'all cause your JOB is classed as "Cool" and seem oblivious to the inherant dangers, and quality of life in some of the absoloute S***holes that you have to live in to get a job think you may love.
And if you don't agree with him now, and you do go ahead and loose everything you have just to qualify, come back in a few years and read his posts.
And then see how you will feel about
starry-eyed and ga-ga about flying,
newbies who think you deserve to be paid F'all cause your JOB is classed as "Cool" and seem oblivious to the inherant dangers, and quality of life in some of the absoloute S***holes that you have to live in to get a job think you may love.
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Didn't entirely understand that rant, but assume it was directed at me ?!?!?!
Ga-Ga and starry eyed ? A tad condescending ?Are all beginners starry eyed and ga-ga 'cos if so, maybe I'm too pragmatic to be a heli pilot/beginner. Presumably all pilots on this forum were also starry eyed and ga-ga at some stage too ?
Being a PM, I'm fully aware of risk analysis etc and have weighed up the pros and cons very carefully. Risks are events that MAY happen, not necessarily WILL. When you weigh them up and the worst case scenario is acceptable, then the risk is ameliorated and thus acceptable. Before you get to that however, you can try to either prevent, reduce, transfer or use contingency.
Regarding making mistakes, well some people say it's the best way to learn. If I make a mistake, I'll try and learn from it, but I won't keep re-reading web forums to beat the **** out of myself for even trying !!!!
Cheers, BG
Ga-Ga and starry eyed ? A tad condescending ?Are all beginners starry eyed and ga-ga 'cos if so, maybe I'm too pragmatic to be a heli pilot/beginner. Presumably all pilots on this forum were also starry eyed and ga-ga at some stage too ?
Being a PM, I'm fully aware of risk analysis etc and have weighed up the pros and cons very carefully. Risks are events that MAY happen, not necessarily WILL. When you weigh them up and the worst case scenario is acceptable, then the risk is ameliorated and thus acceptable. Before you get to that however, you can try to either prevent, reduce, transfer or use contingency.
Regarding making mistakes, well some people say it's the best way to learn. If I make a mistake, I'll try and learn from it, but I won't keep re-reading web forums to beat the **** out of myself for even trying !!!!
Cheers, BG
Hovering AND talking
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but assume it was directed at me ?!?!?!
I'm sure BG and others don't get to their positions in life (socially, financially etc) without have some nouce with respect to risks, mortgages etc. so patronizing comments are not helpful. Sure, point out pitfalls but it would be nice to have some advice on how to avoid such pitfalls rather than "don't come running to me when it all ends in tears".
PPF#1 - I know that you're a soft hearted old chap really and understand the points you make but sometimes they don't always come across as you obviously intend. Watchoutbelow - did you forget to take a happy pill this morning?
Cheers
Whirlygig
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And then see how you will feel about
starry-eyed and ga-ga about flying,
newbies who think you deserve to be paid F'all cause your JOB is classed as "Cool" and seem oblivious to the inherant dangers, and quality of life in some of the absoloute S***holes that you have to live in to get a job think you may love.
starry-eyed and ga-ga about flying,
newbies who think you deserve to be paid F'all cause your JOB is classed as "Cool" and seem oblivious to the inherant dangers, and quality of life in some of the absoloute S***holes that you have to live in to get a job think you may love.
My local dustman has his hands in s***, even if he doesn't work in a s***hole, and he makes peanuts too.
I know people who trained for years in all sorts of fields who don't make anything like what pilots make.
It comes down to supply and demand like everything else. What makes helicopter pilots think they're so special?
Sometimes I really hate this industry!!!
Whirly
(in uncharacteristic rant mode)
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Ga-Ga and starry eyed
Its not aimed directly at you, but looking back I realised I fell into that bracket aswell, fortunately I had no dependants, but have seen A FEW people loose all their savings, and wives etc over training for this industry, then to be left with nothing cause they can't afford to finish all the ratings or meet minimum requirements.
I genuinely hate seing it happen, the thought of quiting your secure job with a pension, selling your house, moving wife and kids to a new country/environment lifestyle so you can live out your dream, may seem romantic, but their is Rarely a silver lining.
Getting a job as a Flight Instructor is not a success story, no matter what way a flight school tries to dress it up.
Getting a job as a F/O in the middle east isn't any better either.
Saying you are familiar with risk analysis so you understand what you are getting yourself in for, is just comparing apples and oranges.
If you are one of those stubborn type people who thinks the song "I did it my way" was written about you, fair enough, role the dice hope it works out, but if you have a moral concience and think of your family's future, if not your own.
I would advise you take on board what people who have been there and done that have to say, and not to dismiss them as grumpy old bitter fools who don't realise how good they have it!
And Whirly what type of Pilots salaries are you referring to?
Most Flight Instructors make $15 an hour, some would be lucky to get 2/3 hours flying a day if the weather is good, while sitting around 12 hours, if weather is bad, tuff crap.
After spending all that money on training, and going through all the hoops, and all the commitment do you not think that deserve a small bit more then a Mcdonalds drive thru service assistant?
The Original Whirly
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Watchoutbelow,
I don't know where you live/work. In the UK, helicopter instructors make £30-£60 per hour, dpending on the school and area. Yes, you may only work for about three or four hours a day on average, it's true. That's around £120/day. Toilet cleaners are on minimum wage - around £4 per hour. Most work about a 35 hour week; that's £140. I rest my case.
I don't know where you live/work. In the UK, helicopter instructors make £30-£60 per hour, dpending on the school and area. Yes, you may only work for about three or four hours a day on average, it's true. That's around £120/day. Toilet cleaners are on minimum wage - around £4 per hour. Most work about a 35 hour week; that's £140. I rest my case.
Well, praise the Lord and let´s count our blessings! - We earn more than toilet cleaners!!
I am, at last, relieved that we've established the benchmark against which our profession is to be judged. For that, Whirly, I thank you.
From Banjo George
You are wrong! It is the the brigades of "starry eyed newbies", willing to pole for free, that do not favour (pro-)heli pilots.
From Whirly
It is you. It is Banjo George. It is every dreamer who opines "you don't really work", who thinks that to be a helicopter pilot is so special. And to that end, you offer to work for free, naively thinking that someone is doing you a favour! Worse still, you have the gaul to pipe up with a "supply and demand" here, and a "make way for us keenies, you bitter & twisted curmudgeons" there. We sincerely thank you for that industry overview.
Once again, the amateur legions rail against what they deem to be an unpalatable post by PPRUNE FAN #1. An easy target, maybe, but imagine yourself the other side of 10,000 hours and now let's hear YOUR replies to the same provocation.
Half a bottle of Rioja ago, I smugly assured myself that I would never post whilst drunk
. Sadly, I am a weak, weak man and fell off the wagon and onto my laptop; defeated by Whirly and her toilet-cleaning sidekick.
Yours, PPRUNE FAN #1 FAN!!!!
I am, at last, relieved that we've established the benchmark against which our profession is to be judged. For that, Whirly, I thank you.
From Banjo George
The supply and demand does NOT favour heli pilots, irrespective of professionalism or training or anything - that's just the way it seems, like it or not.
From Whirly
It comes down to supply and demand like everything else.What makes helicopter pilots think they're so special?
Once again, the amateur legions rail against what they deem to be an unpalatable post by PPRUNE FAN #1. An easy target, maybe, but imagine yourself the other side of 10,000 hours and now let's hear YOUR replies to the same provocation.
Half a bottle of Rioja ago, I smugly assured myself that I would never post whilst drunk
. Sadly, I am a weak, weak man and fell off the wagon and onto my laptop; defeated by Whirly and her toilet-cleaning sidekick.Yours, PPRUNE FAN #1 FAN!!!!
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I wonder if toilet cleaners spend years of training and thousands upon thousands of pounds learning how to clean toilets, and get to see their friends and colleagues die doing there duty for the sacred throne!
The "Will fly for food" crap goes on the hole time, not only high profile places like Boat Pics, or Traffic watch, but also among private owners, getting flown into the races or safety pilots flying left seat.
Their are quite a few people making a lot of money from helicopters, its just a shame that they have fooled us into believing that the most important part of the machine is the cheapest.
The "Will fly for food" crap goes on the hole time, not only high profile places like Boat Pics, or Traffic watch, but also among private owners, getting flown into the races or safety pilots flying left seat.
Their are quite a few people making a lot of money from helicopters, its just a shame that they have fooled us into believing that the most important part of the machine is the cheapest.
PPF#1 is quite correct. You do sound VERY new 'goaround7'.
You make yourself sound that way by a couple of comments like "buy a couple more ratings" WTF would you do that?
It sounds like you are trying to make yourself more employable. It is folly to try and argue with someone who has a lot more experience dealing with life as a pilot.
This is a very very very difficult industry to get into and if you are close to, or over 30 you better think very carefully about choosing to spend a lot of money on a feeling.
Getting a start in this industry is not about 1yr of training, its about the 3-4yrs of poverty, post that delightful time.
Banjo, ask yourself if you have the stamina to compete with a 21yr old who can, and will; hold on, grovel, work for nothing, exist on a shoestring and sleep in his car to eventually end up with a job. If you cannot deal with that then invest the income somewhere else.
Then ask yourself if it is worth your marriage, children, girlfriend, stability of life, retirement and friends.
If you think you are going to be working in a city, investigate the industry some more.
If you think you will have time off in the summer, investigate some more.
If you think that it will be easier to have a resemblence of a normal life at 3000, 5000 or 10000hrs, investigate some more.
If you think you will have a pension and retirement when you are old, investigate the industry.
Another reply had this comment in it:
"And when you get that Job be it flying into Silverstone, filming, pleasureflying, wedding parties pipeline inspection etc.
You know it was worth it and as I said earlier you will not have to work another day."
Sorry, but if that is all the english industry has to offer then I seriously advise you to spend your money in Africa or Canada. Described above is a list of very very boring tasks for a pilot.
Oh the stories we could all tell.....eh guys!!
...perhaps I should start a thread on the subject of "getting a start" stories??
You make yourself sound that way by a couple of comments like "buy a couple more ratings" WTF would you do that?
It sounds like you are trying to make yourself more employable. It is folly to try and argue with someone who has a lot more experience dealing with life as a pilot.
This is a very very very difficult industry to get into and if you are close to, or over 30 you better think very carefully about choosing to spend a lot of money on a feeling.
Getting a start in this industry is not about 1yr of training, its about the 3-4yrs of poverty, post that delightful time.
Banjo, ask yourself if you have the stamina to compete with a 21yr old who can, and will; hold on, grovel, work for nothing, exist on a shoestring and sleep in his car to eventually end up with a job. If you cannot deal with that then invest the income somewhere else.
Then ask yourself if it is worth your marriage, children, girlfriend, stability of life, retirement and friends.
If you think you are going to be working in a city, investigate the industry some more.
If you think you will have time off in the summer, investigate some more.
If you think that it will be easier to have a resemblence of a normal life at 3000, 5000 or 10000hrs, investigate some more.
If you think you will have a pension and retirement when you are old, investigate the industry.
Another reply had this comment in it:
"And when you get that Job be it flying into Silverstone, filming, pleasureflying, wedding parties pipeline inspection etc.
You know it was worth it and as I said earlier you will not have to work another day."
Sorry, but if that is all the english industry has to offer then I seriously advise you to spend your money in Africa or Canada. Described above is a list of very very boring tasks for a pilot.
Oh the stories we could all tell.....eh guys!!
...perhaps I should start a thread on the subject of "getting a start" stories??
Join Date: May 2004
Location: In my skin, strapped to my Helo...
Age: 47
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Banjo
All I can say is GO FOR IT WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT!!!
Helicopter flying is one of the most satisfying careers there is. Imagine being paid for doing your hobby. I have been flying for 8 years and have NEVER looked back. I begged, borrowed and would have stolen if I had to in the persuit of flying helo's. I'm STILL paying for it, but hey, it's worth it, every step of the way.
There are some good schools in SA, so cruise the net and see what you can find. With the current Rand/Pound exchange, you are sure to save some boodle.
Good luck anyway
DD
All I can say is GO FOR IT WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT!!!
Helicopter flying is one of the most satisfying careers there is. Imagine being paid for doing your hobby. I have been flying for 8 years and have NEVER looked back. I begged, borrowed and would have stolen if I had to in the persuit of flying helo's. I'm STILL paying for it, but hey, it's worth it, every step of the way.
There are some good schools in SA, so cruise the net and see what you can find. With the current Rand/Pound exchange, you are sure to save some boodle.
Good luck anyway
DD
Join Date: May 2004
Location: In my skin, strapped to my Helo...
Age: 47
Posts: 153
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Charlie s charlie
I agree with that plan of yours. Sounds quite good. I'm not 100% sure of the work rights in S.A, but know a couple of guys that did either f/w or r/w training here, and actually got work. Regardless, no one can take your hours away, and a licence can be converted at any stage of the game.
Just a couple of helicopter ops in S.A : Training, charter, film work, Fire Fighting, EMS, Game capturing, corporate etc. etc. etc.
The best is, as CSC says, find out about the work rights before starting training abroad.
DD 
I agree with that plan of yours. Sounds quite good. I'm not 100% sure of the work rights in S.A, but know a couple of guys that did either f/w or r/w training here, and actually got work. Regardless, no one can take your hours away, and a licence can be converted at any stage of the game.
Just a couple of helicopter ops in S.A : Training, charter, film work, Fire Fighting, EMS, Game capturing, corporate etc. etc. etc.
The best is, as CSC says, find out about the work rights before starting training abroad.
DD