Too lazy to work...too fearful to steal....that kinda slims down the choices. One must pay the rent, child support and alimony, and eat.

Quoting someone comfortable in his own skin-
"I yam what I yam, and that's all what I yam."
Specific to the question: Some people paint; or write; or build ships in a bottle. I fly helicopters.

I like a challenge, but I'm not competitive. I don't care if somebody else can tiddle a wink more skillfully than I. How one tiddles the wink is another question, entirely- I'd find that fascinating.

I'll spend hours, days, or months on something I'm interested in learning how to do, or doing better. Chess, motorcycles, philosophy, astral navigation, photography- Average life expectancy of all hobbies other than flying- 6 months of fanatic interest. But flying has been a passion since childhood. The helicopter aspect was accidental- high school, flight school and Viet Nam. Like a lot of kids, I was afraid I'd miss the shooting. There ought to be a law- but I digress.

I've been gainfully employed at various periods in my life, and nearly always missed flying intensely. The only "job" I've ever had that was as fulfilling as flying- operating immense and expensive machines, making bits of other immense and expensive machines. That's done less expensively in third world countries now, or I might still be doing it. The money was pretty good, and it was dirty, loud and computerized- far more satisfying than sales.

What do you mean: "To define your life"?

If I understood the question maybe I could answer it.

To enrich my bank account and my pension fund.

Chopperman.

Like SASless and Chopperman - To pay the mortgage and enhance the pension. I would quit tomorrow if I could (and I nearly can!) :ok:

If you can retire soony (letsby) from flying commercial helos, then you are either 59, or financially secure by other means!!

I see myself as a machine operator working in 3 dimensions :ouch:

Defenetly defining my life. Money is just a bonus, just to make a living out of flying. But, I know, i'm young and stupid... with a big mouth... that costed me 25% of my first salary, lost to a tehnician that was on the right place at the right time :D

I know an electrician who used to be a commercial pilot. Earns more, own boss and weather isn't a factor!!!

I think I know what you're asking, Freddie. At the start many have it as their sole goal to become a ######. Whether it's helicopter pilot, doctor, lawyer, baker, astronaut, etc. doesn't matter. They have a goal and reaching that goal is all that is pursued. Their pursuit is defining their life.

Others will have met enough goals or have balanced their lives sufficiently that the career or at least the attainment of their goal, is just another facet of their life that gives them added depth. Their pursuit is enriching their life.

You're implying that helicopter pilots must first define their life with the goal of hovering solo (or whatever milestone you choose as defining helicopter pilot) and thereafter will follow a "normal transition" to find that being a helicopter pilot is now enriching their life.

I think that happens often but is a narrow view of what would be seen across the industry as a whole. One could view the life enricher as someone who has a complex life and is not fully focused in being a helicopter pilot. The life definer gives 100% to helicopter pilotage and is perhaps the one you want in the front seat.

In the end, I don't think it matters. Whatever your reasons for being here, when flying give all that you have.

What is your motivation to fly?
 

Cause I wanted too and now i cant do anything else.

why not...........?

CPL(H) Career Info Wanted
 

I've applied to do my combined FAA/JAA CPL(H) course at Helicopter Adventures Inc in Florida. Just wondering if anyone could give me some information about the current CPL(H) worldwide job market situation and whether or not my age (early 40s) is likely to severely restrict my employment opportunities. A bit late to go for a career change I know but working as a heli pilot would be a long time ambition come true.

Grateful for any remarks and advice.

Cheers,
Geoff.

Geoff, i am also in my early 40,s taking the modular route,
i have got mainly positive feedback from within the industry,
tho you must look towards having 1500 hrs before many ops
will even interview you. i would budget for FI also, cause its the
best chance for building the hours you need to get that first cpl
job.once you have the hours and class 1 medical so what if you,re
wrong side of 40!!

Here's a good place to start guys.

Click this link.

hi, i trained at HAI and found with the two year J1 visa thingy and a instructor rating you could find a job and get those hours, i moved up to canada ( conversion was fairly easy ) and found work, but they do like at least 1000 hours to get your foot in the door, i am now planning on going back to England but not alot of advice.
I agree with getting the IFR rating ( i wish i had done the mountain course as well ) as HAI tend to do it in the R22 so you can get some time there and its only a hop over to the robinson factory which always looks good on the old CV.

Hope this helps,PM me if you think i might be able to help you.

Cheers Lee...

Geoff

I'm off to HAi soon too. When are you going?

I had the same question about hours - plus a load of others. You can structure the course to get you the required 50 min hours in the R22. You'll probably need a minimum of 200 hours to get an instructor job, which you'll probably have if you take the CFII route.

Leee

Did you need another visa to get into Canada? I'd be interested to hear how that worked out...

Cheers

Col

Hi, yep you need a visa in canada, I moved here with my girlfriend ( who moved with the company she works for ) and they recognised comman-law spouse so her company sorted mine out, i was really lucky.
but i see lots of other ( to quote some folks i have worked with) "bloody forigniers who come over and steal our bloody jobs"
so its possible.

Cheers Lee...

Job Market for an ATPL (H)
 

Having realised that there's little point in trying to get an ATPL (A) followed by a job I was wondering what the prospects are like for commercial rotary wing pilots in terms of gaining sponsorship and or getting a reasonable job (not instructing).

Thanks in advance

Rupert

Mr selfish you beat me to it !:ok:

Sorry, I should know better. I've always been interested in rotary wing flying but as you can imagine the cost has always been an option.

On a side note, Mr Selfish, I found your user name quite amusing considering the nature of your post.