Would you become a Professional Pilot again?
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Thanks for all the replies. Glad to hear I seem to be on the right track. The trouble I've found is that I just don't know how to guage advice I receive from training academies. (They're after my money after all...)
Whirlybird: Yep, I agree on the medical. I'm doing that later this month and aren't committing myself financially in any way until I (hopefully) get that.
Cheers,
Si
Whirlybird: Yep, I agree on the medical. I'm doing that later this month and aren't committing myself financially in any way until I (hopefully) get that.
Cheers,
Si
Simon: what a breath of fresh air. You seem to have gone to considerable lengths to check out the industry before you apply. This alone will stand you in good stead.
You will be 36-37 by the time you offer your body to science
If you want a future in commercial helos then, there is an above average risk that you could end up doing mediocre work, like the odd part time charter, joy rides, etc. These pay mediocre salaries and the future would be hit and miss to say the least.
IF you are prepared for this (financially and emotionally) then there will be no bad surprises in store.
Alternatively, you are entering the bottom end of the industry for better quality jobs (with those quals). And judging by the level of research you have already completed, you seem to have the aptitude to get yourself ahead of most!
With no dependents, no financial difficulties.....go for it BIG TIME.
Happy New Year.
You will be 36-37 by the time you offer your body to science
If you want a future in commercial helos then, there is an above average risk that you could end up doing mediocre work, like the odd part time charter, joy rides, etc. These pay mediocre salaries and the future would be hit and miss to say the least.
IF you are prepared for this (financially and emotionally) then there will be no bad surprises in store.
Alternatively, you are entering the bottom end of the industry for better quality jobs (with those quals). And judging by the level of research you have already completed, you seem to have the aptitude to get yourself ahead of most!
With no dependents, no financial difficulties.....go for it BIG TIME.
Happy New Year.
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FlyingSquirrel
As a wannabie ive been considering giving up my day job to take up helicopter flying as a career, is it really as difficult to find work afterwards as you seem to think, i may have to reconsider.
To all new qualified cpls can you fill us in on
How long did it take?
Full time or part time ?
where did you train ?
how much does it cost ?
who or where to avoid (pms will do on this one)
!
i am specifically interested in the uk , but i am sure others would appreciate answers for their areas.
thanx
gyralupa
As a wannabie ive been considering giving up my day job to take up helicopter flying as a career, is it really as difficult to find work afterwards as you seem to think, i may have to reconsider.
To all new qualified cpls can you fill us in on
How long did it take?
Full time or part time ?
where did you train ?
how much does it cost ?
who or where to avoid (pms will do on this one)
!i am specifically interested in the uk , but i am sure others would appreciate answers for their areas.
thanx
gyralupa
Heliport, for christs sake please blend these fifty seven different wannabee helo driver threads into one. On their own they take up too much bandwidth
If another 'newbie' asks the same damn question WITHOUT USING THE SEARCH BUTTON...
I'm going to pi** in his petrol tank
If another 'newbie' asks the same damn question WITHOUT USING THE SEARCH BUTTON...
I'm going to pi** in his petrol tank
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T C
well as a fellow newbie, and that is in every sense, finding pprune has proven to be very useful, but as the newbie title would suggest we do not all know about the search facility, and as such sometimes like to ask a question that we feel is specific to us alone. There are quite a few people on pprune that have slated me for the posts i have put forward and to some replys that I have entered into.
IF YOU DONT LIKE THE QUESTION BEING ASKED DONT READ IT AND DONT WASTE YOUR TIME AND OURS BUY BEING RUDE AND UNHELPFUL.
I would like to think that in years to come when i make it in this industry that i can be as helpful and informative to others as some have been to me.
So T C when you see a post asking for newbie advice as a thread, do us all a favour and dont bother to look at it.
well as a fellow newbie, and that is in every sense, finding pprune has proven to be very useful, but as the newbie title would suggest we do not all know about the search facility, and as such sometimes like to ask a question that we feel is specific to us alone. There are quite a few people on pprune that have slated me for the posts i have put forward and to some replys that I have entered into.
IF YOU DONT LIKE THE QUESTION BEING ASKED DONT READ IT AND DONT WASTE YOUR TIME AND OURS BUY BEING RUDE AND UNHELPFUL.
I would like to think that in years to come when i make it in this industry that i can be as helpful and informative to others as some have been to me.
So T C when you see a post asking for newbie advice as a thread, do us all a favour and dont bother to look at it.
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something to think about -- what can you offer your employer that others cannot ?? (don't limit you hunt to commercial operators only, there are many corporate outfits)
can you (or are you willing to) help out with other duties in the office or corporate world, mail room, computers, accounting, any other stuff from you previous life (or in my case lives)
it is just not a matter of LOOKING for jobs, but selling your talent or talents anyway you can !!
flying might not be a full time job in this situation, but you would avoid the tedium (sp?) of hangar flying.
can you (or are you willing to) help out with other duties in the office or corporate world, mail room, computers, accounting, any other stuff from you previous life (or in my case lives)
it is just not a matter of LOOKING for jobs, but selling your talent or talents anyway you can !!
flying might not be a full time job in this situation, but you would avoid the tedium (sp?) of hangar flying.
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You've got to understand that TC is a professional ass-kicker. He'll never make the Diplomatic Service, but his hip-shooting is mostly accurate. When he misses, he misses big style. But on this occasion, he's right : use the search facility BEFORE asking questions.
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I read many forums, covering many unrelated topics, and every one has a search box. Every one. Without exception. And without exception, newbies asking the same question that has been asked and answered hundreds of times, are scathed by the regulars.
If you're going to ask a question in a new forum, it always pays to search for your question, read the FAQs, and to read the archived threads before asking. This isn't limited to this forum, or to aviation forums in general. It's universal.
But no one does it. Just as no one seems to be able to use a general search engine such as Google. You can find just about anything you want to know by using Google, but it takes a little work, and some intelligence about using search terms. Practice helps a lot.
If you're going to ask a question in a new forum, it always pays to search for your question, read the FAQs, and to read the archived threads before asking. This isn't limited to this forum, or to aviation forums in general. It's universal.
But no one does it. Just as no one seems to be able to use a general search engine such as Google. You can find just about anything you want to know by using Google, but it takes a little work, and some intelligence about using search terms. Practice helps a lot.
Simon,
I can assure you that HAI will give you good advice and are not trying to just take your money. The philosophy was that they did not need to ruin their reputation to get just one student. Think about it --- it makes sense. You have thought it through well. Feel free to send me personal mail--- I was the chief instructor at HAI for 8 years, I can probably answer any questions you may have, and yes, I too was once in your situation, from the same part of the world too!!!!!
Aloha
Gordy
I can assure you that HAI will give you good advice and are not trying to just take your money. The philosophy was that they did not need to ruin their reputation to get just one student. Think about it --- it makes sense. You have thought it through well. Feel free to send me personal mail--- I was the chief instructor at HAI for 8 years, I can probably answer any questions you may have, and yes, I too was once in your situation, from the same part of the world too!!!!!
Aloha
Gordy
Join Date: Jun 2004
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a bloke was asking me all sorts of questions about flying...
it went....
yeah i'd like to be a helicopter pilot and i've got $40k where do i start?
- How long have you wanted to fly?
I'm just looking for something other than roofing...
- so what would your ideal job be?
I have always wanted to be a fireman
- have you applied to the fire dept?
no
- well do that first and for sake don't give anyone that $40k
hopefully he'll be a fireman before too long...
it went....
yeah i'd like to be a helicopter pilot and i've got $40k where do i start?
- How long have you wanted to fly?
I'm just looking for something other than roofing...
- so what would your ideal job be?
I have always wanted to be a fireman
- have you applied to the fire dept?
no
- well do that first and for
sake don't give anyone that $40khopefully he'll be a fireman before too long...
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Check these links:
Training FAQ
Another naive wannabee asks advice (good example of how to do your own your research before asking questions) and CPL(H) - a Big Mistake :
Link here
And: Use the Search function - it works!
This thread now closed.
Heliport
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again, another newbie in the same postion as Simon and as despondant as some may sound, it is and has always been the only thing I want to do...worth the risk in my book and as Whirlygig says - I'm not getting into any debt with the risks involved..I also have researched most country offerings and the differences between hours required and the transition to coming back to JAA in the UK, and the only place that seems to fit is HAI..
So...question to Steve76 about working in Auz/Africa/CA..as I don't have the cash to do the instructor rating in the UK,what are the realistic chances of getting work abroad after JAA (UK) CPL anywhere/any role no hinderance, or is it pretty much a requirement to have the extra hours instructing gives, no matter where ?
I'm a coupla years younger than Simon so can save the extra pennies if required and put this on the back burner till I've got the lot - but you know how it is...after a year of looking at various angles - rarin' to get going..
Thanks for any advice...
Bluestack
So...question to Steve76 about working in Auz/Africa/CA..as I don't have the cash to do the instructor rating in the UK,what are the realistic chances of getting work abroad after JAA (UK) CPL anywhere/any role no hinderance, or is it pretty much a requirement to have the extra hours instructing gives, no matter where ?
I'm a coupla years younger than Simon so can save the extra pennies if required and put this on the back burner till I've got the lot - but you know how it is...after a year of looking at various angles - rarin' to get going..
Thanks for any advice...
Bluestack
Simon,
Just one thing, if you are going to go initially by the FAA system then there is no such thing as a "turbine Rating" (a/c <12,000 lbs). You can however get a turbine transition , which can vary in length from approx 3-10 hours depending on a/c and when the owner/operator/check pilot thinks you are up to speed.
Good Luck!
Flug
Just one thing, if you are going to go initially by the FAA system then there is no such thing as a "turbine Rating" (a/c <12,000 lbs). You can however get a turbine transition , which can vary in length from approx 3-10 hours depending on a/c and when the owner/operator/check pilot thinks you are up to speed.
Good Luck!
Flug
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There have been a lot of good points made on this thread. I would like to add the following. If you have no wife, no children and plenty of money then go for it and completely dedicate your life to it, no half measures and you might end up doing the odd job here and there for small amounts of cash. Eventually you might be able to make a living out of it. Eventually! but it might be time to retire by the time you do.
There is one thing that has not been covered in the threads which actually might be the one deciding factor in whether you make it or not and that is politics. There is so much rediculous politics in this small industry.
You have to ask youself this question; would you put up with the following if you were thinking logically and without the rose tinted spectacles that most wannabees seem to wear?
Would you take a job or enter an industry where
1. There is no risk to the employer. He only pays you when you fly, if you fly. You have to work weekends for no additional pay.
2. Consequently there is no job security. If someone else better walks throught he door there is no loyalty, you are out.
3. In what other industry would you work all hours for nothing. Yes you might spend the whole weekend cleaning the hangar while it rains outside for nothing.
4. there is no pension, no benefits.
5. Flying is the best thing ever but with all the crap that goes with it I am surprised that anyone continues to fly.
My advice, stick with the money, do it as a hobby or you will only end up bitter and dissapointed.
It's a mugs game.
There is one thing that has not been covered in the threads which actually might be the one deciding factor in whether you make it or not and that is politics. There is so much rediculous politics in this small industry.
You have to ask youself this question; would you put up with the following if you were thinking logically and without the rose tinted spectacles that most wannabees seem to wear?
Would you take a job or enter an industry where
1. There is no risk to the employer. He only pays you when you fly, if you fly. You have to work weekends for no additional pay.
2. Consequently there is no job security. If someone else better walks throught he door there is no loyalty, you are out.
3. In what other industry would you work all hours for nothing. Yes you might spend the whole weekend cleaning the hangar while it rains outside for nothing.
4. there is no pension, no benefits.
5. Flying is the best thing ever but with all the crap that goes with it I am surprised that anyone continues to fly.
My advice, stick with the money, do it as a hobby or you will only end up bitter and dissapointed.
It's a mugs game.
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idle downtime..
In response to hencloud's comments: (and I was going to ask it anyway), but typically what do employers expect their instructors to do during downtime when there's no bookings? I know everyone tends to help out cleaning and in the office, etc. but is this expected 100% of downtime or just a courtesy people do if they want to keep their jobs? Do many schools allow their pilot's to work elsewhere, i.e. at other schools if they've no bookings at their own? (I know of one that doesn't, just wondering if it's a rule. But they pay a retaining salary anyway, so probably are allowed to.)
Are all employers really that mercenary? Does it get better as you gain experience or do the 5000 hour guys get treated as badly too?
Si
Are all employers really that mercenary? Does it get better as you gain experience or do the 5000 hour guys get treated as badly too?
Si
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I earned my PPL (H) back in 1997. My ambition was clear and my goal was to achieve a career as a helicopter pilot. I desperately wanted to turn my flying into a career cos I loved flying, I really loved aviation as a system. It very much fascinated me, and what else could I become that would put me in the middle of this fantastic system. However before continuing with the next stage of my training (CPL) I was offered employment within my other profession at the CAA. I got involved in very exciting projects within the aviation industry and had a fantastic opportunity working closely with operators, legislators, providers within the industry. Before I knew what happened time flew by and now eight years after achieving my PPL (H) I find myself working as a management consultant with descent salary, being well respected in my firm as well as with my clients (primarily CAA and other aviation related industries).
Still today, I think about flying almost everyday. Of course I keep my PPL (H) current and fly as often as I can (>12 hrs year) - which is too few hours unfortunately. I keep thinking and dreaming about flying especially when I drive home after work.
I’m not too old (30), I got the funds to do the full course but I’m not going too. Not because I don’t love flying, believe me I really do - but simply cos the incentives are too low for me to do anything other than what I do today.
I do enjoy doing what I do (consulting), I do like the people I work with, I enjoy being well paid (eih - who doesn’t!) - I don’t want to trade my current career away - I just want to fly helicopters more than I do now and preferably in a professional fashion. (Keep in mind me only being a simple PPL)
I do have a family, wife and two small kids which I care of tremendously. This is also something I will not be willing to jeopardise by pursuing any dream of mine. My helicopter pilot friend keeps telling me that I should be more selfish and go for it, but I can’t – my love to my family is by far much greater than my love for a dream.
By now, I have come to terms and accepted the fact that that I’m not going to become a professional helicopter pilot. This fact doesn’t make me less happy, It doesn’t sober me anymore. The only thing that’s really changed is that I now miss my dream of becoming a pro pilot.
Simon10
Still today, I think about flying almost everyday. Of course I keep my PPL (H) current and fly as often as I can (>12 hrs year) - which is too few hours unfortunately. I keep thinking and dreaming about flying especially when I drive home after work.
I’m not too old (30), I got the funds to do the full course but I’m not going too. Not because I don’t love flying, believe me I really do - but simply cos the incentives are too low for me to do anything other than what I do today.
I do enjoy doing what I do (consulting), I do like the people I work with, I enjoy being well paid (eih - who doesn’t!) - I don’t want to trade my current career away - I just want to fly helicopters more than I do now and preferably in a professional fashion. (Keep in mind me only being a simple PPL)
I do have a family, wife and two small kids which I care of tremendously. This is also something I will not be willing to jeopardise by pursuing any dream of mine. My helicopter pilot friend keeps telling me that I should be more selfish and go for it, but I can’t – my love to my family is by far much greater than my love for a dream.
By now, I have come to terms and accepted the fact that that I’m not going to become a professional helicopter pilot. This fact doesn’t make me less happy, It doesn’t sober me anymore. The only thing that’s really changed is that I now miss my dream of becoming a pro pilot.
Simon10
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Simon,
We all face decisions like yours, and I admire your candor! Here is a guy who said it a bit earlier:
"He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief."
-Francis Bacon
We all face decisions like yours, and I admire your candor! Here is a guy who said it a bit earlier:
"He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief."
-Francis Bacon