Hello all

Quick background: 54 years old, 55 in December. Started flying helicopters in the military way back in 1988. Exited the military in 1997 and have been flying helicopters commercially since. Just over 6000 hours with plenty of PIC time etc. IFR commercial rating with helo APT written done a few months ago. Zero fixed wing time.

Currently flying offshore in support of the oil and gas industry. Low oil prices have caused major downsizing and downgrades in addition to no pay raises in two years with none on the horizon. Downturn expected to last 5+ years and may never fully recover. Making 85K right now and working 14 days on, 14 days off.

It looks like I would qualify for RTP and even better, Sky Warrior for flight training is only 30 minutes from my house. It looks like I could even keep working 14/14 and do my FW time building on my 14 days off.

I've been researching a "day in the life" of a regional pilot etc. and I'm totally OK with being gone, commuting etc. I'm single and kiddos are all grown up. I'll need to work as much as possible anyway to make my mortgage etc.

Realistically, how long would it be before I'm back at the 85K level? Definitely not planning on the majors unless I get really lucky so probably will retire as a regional captain. Good 10 years of flying left if everything goes right.

Also, no GI bill or any military education benefits. Is it possible to make it through all training without any out of pocket?

Thanks for reading.