From Airlines to Rotary
 

Hi Everyone,

Firstly I hope you are all keeping well (relatively speaking) during these strange times we find ourselves in.

Basically, I am toying with idea of trying to transition from Airline to Heli Flying and I would like some advice,

Right now I am left seat 737 but probably like most, I am looking at possible future opportunities.

I have some pretty specific questions and it would really help me if I could get in touch with primarily:

1)Anyone who has completed a similar transition,
2) Someone in SAR in Ireland
3)Anybody who has attended the former Bristow (USATS) training facility, or any school really that they believe is similar and they can recommend.

You know yourselves I could go on and on but I think would be best to touch base with people first. It might be pie in the sky but sure nothing ventured......

DM messages would be great,

I would very much appreciate any help and this is usually the part I would offer to buy the beers but as a good citizen practicing social distancing I can only offer an I.O.U right now!

I wish everyone the best and Happy Easter!

Oblivion welcome.

I reckon it’ll start quick enough so il get in early and ask, why would you want to change?! In the long run the airlines are far safer than coming in the rotary direction.

From what I know from friends in the FW world, airlines have far better T&C that you’ll find in rotary. I heard an example of a FW captain on 50% pay at home currently earning more than a 100% offshore P1 salary. But ultimately it depends on what you want.

I'm not sure if USATS do EASA courses any longer like BA did. I’m sure someone will answer that for sure. In terms of ICG work. From what I see and hear there are 2 routes in. From CHC O&G with a S92 TR or from the Irish Air Corp. Positions are few and far between.

LZ

Prob because the FW is up sheet creek without the much needed paddle. Some estimating at least 10 years for things to get back to the recent flying rate.

Even over that timescale you would still be better off staying with the airlines.

LZ

The mainstay of rotary wing salaries has been the offshore oil industry. That is collapsing because of the price of oil and also politics define that the demand will progressively reduce. Throw in a few tight budgets post lockdown for charter operators customers and you will find that helicopter pilots will be in the same state as their plank pilots.

Stick with your day job.

Your FW hours will count for sod all and you will be in the same place as a self-starter - very expensive and, in the current market, pointless.

Take Severance Pay and get a Law Degree or learn a trade like plumbing.

Had I done thus in my earlier years in the RW Industry I would be far better off than I am now for sure.

You won't get a start in SAR as a beginner, they prefer people with a lot of experience and self- control.

Stay a plank driver.

Some will survive in niche parts of the industry - EMS for eg. O&G for a little while. Airlines, in the format/size that eventually returns....
Generally, the majority of the aviation industry is on it’s way to it’s place in history.

It’s going to look very different, in a very short period of time. I think.

Changing now will mean that when things get back to some sort of normality, you will competing for a job against some very experienced and fully qualified helicopter pilots who found themselves out of a job due to the layoff. So, a big risk.

Okay Guys/Gals,

Thanks to everyone for the input. I received some PM'S also, cheers.

Best of luck to everyone!

SAS Wash your mouth out Sir with a good single malt. Even a helicopter pilot can never understand plumbing! As for Lawyering......blood sucking parasites.

Plumber
 

But the ride wouldn’t have been such fun SAS.....

Last week I coodn't even spel hellyclopper pilet, and now I are one!

And I couldnt spell pick

But hey apparently people losing their livelihoods is a joking matter