wannabe1305

I am posting this in this forum because I figured some of the most experianced pilots would be in here. Also, I didnt know what forum would be the best for it. This is an email I got from my dad. I want to make a career out of flying helicopters. I have grown up flying fixed-wing, but I think that I would enjoy flying helicopters a lot more.

THE LETTER:

" I still think you are wanting to spend thousands of dollars for a helicopter rating that will not provide a living for many years. Not much helicopter stuff going on, and what is going on goes to people with probably 3000+ hours. At $600/hr, (cost for R44), that a lot of money. Especially when you could be making money in probably the next 200 hour in a much cheaper fixed wing. Build total time up, ad the get a rorary wing rating. At least you would be more compative. Don't fly for the airlines or regionals. I wouldn't right now. They are stagnet. Still aviation jobs teaching and charter. You do have an advantage with CFM.

Any flight school you go to will promiss you aqnything to get what they can out of you. I have 40 years in aviation and know what I am talking about. I also have access to several hundred years experience or more from contacts in the FAA and industry. They agree. I would not have had any rotary wing unless the Army had paid for it. I could not have supported my family with rotary wing until I had at least 500 hrs helicopter to put with many thousands of hour flying. Think about it."

Love,
Dad

THis is an email I just got from my dad, Im not going behind him and trying to prove anything to him, just trying to do my research. I want to make a career of flying helicopters. Currently I have about 70hrs fixed-wing(need solo cross country and checkride for my private, but got deployed before I could do them), I even pretty much have a charter job lined up with a growing company flying Jetstream 31s. I just think I would enjoy a career as a helicopter pilot so much more. I have no desire to be an airline pilot. I would be soooooo bored, and everything is not about money to me(even though the starting pay at a regional is like $20,000 per year, so really not much money to be had lol.) I am trying everything I can to research every aspect of the industry. All I get is two different answers from every person I talk to as far as what the smart choice would be. I just need some guidance, and a little help. I would enjoy flying helicopters more, but is it really a stupid idea right now? How true is what my dad has said. I realize that there is truth in it, but even a good job in fixed wing like FED EX require like 4 internal recomendations, and your dad has to be the president of the US lol. So what does everyone here thing about this?

Jshutt64

Bottom line-

There are precious few jobs available for helicopter pilots.

If you want to be one, find some way of learning to do it through the armed forces. I'm not sure how you go about doing that, but what I do know is that you'll be spending thousands and thousands of dollars for a rotorcraft rating if you go civilian and there will be practically no job even when you get it.

I don't want to stomp on your dream here, but that's the reality right now.

If you really love to fly, I suggest you stay with fixed wing. You don't have to be an airline pilot. Do CFI for awhile, fly corporate or charter, do something fun. I mean, you're still probably going to get shafted, but much less so than if you decide to be a helicopter pilot.

Just my two cents.

I do believe this is in the wrong section, by the way.

USMCFLYR

Well.....most of Marine aviation is helicopters so I have had a few conversations with some ofmy pals that fly them for the military. I asked them one time about getting a job on the outside world. I said "it must be great for there to be SO many different jobs out in the civilian world flying helicopters" His response was to me - "there are many people looking for each of those jobs and most are coming out of the military with a lots of hours behind them"

Now I don't know anymore about the TRUE situation than you do; but it opened my eyes that finding that job with a new agency, air ambulance, oil rig flying, or police department wasn't going to be an easy thing to do.

Best of luck if you pursue this route without a military background. I'm interested in this charter job you mentioned too that is lined up before you even have a PPL. They must be willing to wait for quite some time.

USMCFLYR

wheresmyplane

I think the Army has a program where you can enter as a warrant officer and learn to fly helicopters for them. You have to score high enough on your ASVAB and a general aviation knowledge test. They advertise it as a high school to cockpit program or something like that - Google it and you should find all the info you need. An ex army guy at my current job recommended it to me, and it sounds like a pretty good deal. There is a 6 year commitment, and obviously they're training you to send you to Iraq/Afghanistan/Iran/Etc. On the plus side, Uncle Sam will pay for your training, and the army's not suddenly going to close up shop.

seafeye

Not that you could find a job right now but in 2012 you will be able to take your pick once again. Just be ready by then. 1000hrs, 100 multi. Get your CFI if you want to land that first job.

FlyingPirate

How do think we are going to pay for Obamacare?

Scout

Your Dad's right on the mark. If you really want to fly helicopters, the Army is your best shot. You can do it as a Warrant Officer or as a Commissioned Officer if you qualify. It's not easy to get into either program but if you’re medically qualified, score high enough on the Flight Aptitude test, and are persistent you have a good shot. The Army has more aircraft than all the other branches put together; all but about 350 are Helicopters. If you Dad got his rotorwing training there then he can give you some insight there. The training is the best....hands down. The instructors are the most experienced rotorwing pilots in the world. All of the Army's aircraft are glass cockpits (even FW) with only a few exceptions, night vision goggle training is state of art with the very best equipment, and you will get experience that you will never get in civilian flying, although some of it will be in a combat zone. Your Dad can also fill you in on the Army....it's not all about flying, your still in the Army and mainstream Army isn’t all about aviation. The other branches also have great rotorwing programs, but I'm a little biased since I spent 26 years in the active Army. So choose carefully and good luck!

FlyJSH

An air ambulance company I worked for required 2500TT in helicopters and 200 to 500 Turbine helicopter (depending on time in 206 or 407 time).

I think your dad is pretty much spot on.

IC ALL

If you are that dead set on helicopters, I'd do it via the military. I'd totally agree with what your dad says with respect to cost/benefit ratio of going the civilian route with helicopters.

wannabe1305

Thanks for the replies everyone! I guess I should have put more info in there this morning. I am currently 22 years old, I am overseas in Iraq serving with Army Aviation. I am in the Army National Guard. When I joined I was under the impression that I was going high school to flight school program. Turns out the Army says I am colorblind. I do have a current 1st class medical from the FAA though, that was the first thing I did after the Army told me that. I passed the FAA colorblind test, I have also retaken the Army colorblind test millions of times, still no luck. So whatever I do has to be through civilian side. It isnt that I would mind flying for the airlines, but it just seems so much like a "bus" driver to me(no offense anyone). So I am still trying real hard to figure out what to do for school when I get back. My dad is both a helicopter and fixed wing pilot, and now works for the FAA, he acually used to fly for the same unit I am in now. I have had a lot of fun in both airplanes and helicopters, I just think the helicopter mission fits me better as a person. Like I said, I wouldnt be disapointed if I had to fly for the airlines, I just prefer helicopters. But if I will not be able to find a job that will pay well or find a job at all then I need to do fixed wing. Any help you guys can provide me would be great!! Thanks!!!!!!