A piece of string
 

Hello folks this is my first post to your venerable page. Could some of the experienced north sea drivers tell me how long, generally, it takes to get from first job to captain, I and my bank manager would like to know before she lends me lots of cash.

It's the bit from licence to first job that's the imponderable!

Assuming you get a job, a lot depends on how many hours the comapny flies as a whole. If they don't do a lot, you will be waiting a long time....

Phil

So when you complete your CPL(H) you end up with around 150 hrs.
How many job adverts have you come across that are looking for an experienced pilot with a 150 hrs or so!!
So how are you going to fill the gap between 150 hrs and let say between 500-1000 hrs when some employers consider you somewhat employable.

Some might tell you (who have all the right connections)it won't be problem.
Some who have been in the forces might say the same, as they end up with enough hrs when they come out.
Some will tell you to get a fixed wing licence as it pays better if your in it for the money.
Some will tell you what I told you before, that it is going to be a long road.

If rotary flying is what you really want to do, then you have to be prepared to sit it out get all the qualifications you possibly can get and the hope you get to be in the right place at the right time.
And don't forget you have to have supporting and understanding people (ie family- wife etc.) around you to do that as well.

Safe flying

___________
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. <img src="wink.gif" border="0">
___________
Edited for spelling <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

[ 20 January 2002: Message edited by: Off road ]</p>

Thanks for your thoughts guys, the intention is to obtain atpl(h)ir,me ratings, then start hounding the offshore operators for a first job in the left seat, I have already dismissed gaining a fixed wing licence and then converting, rotary's are absolutely where I am going to be.I think I am in a good position as there are no major personal commitments to hold me back,although age could be a factor. Its always difficult to discuss how things work inside an industry to a new-comer,maybe one or two chaps could breifly relive there experiences! Or point me in the direction of web site/literature that would expand my knowledge. It would seem like a fundamental question to be asked by a third party ie how long does all this take. Thanks again for even bothering with (still)outsider <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

PS
Off Road, your "some might tell you comments" were absolutely spot on, you clearly have masterfull knowledge.

I]Dont let go of this[/I]

5 years