Originally Posted by Clearedhot28

I'm looking to switch from helos to the airlines too as the OP is. I flew helos for the Marines so I have a little under 125 hours on fixed wings, 1800 hours total, Commercial W/Instruments on ASEL, Rotory, and CFII on the helo side. I'm planning on using the GI bill to get my multi engine rating and fixed wing hour requirements in the next several months

I'm currently flying Helo's commercially and I was planning on going into EMS helos, but since the regional's have raised their salary's switching over to fixed wing looks like a better salary and QOL.

I live in Charlotte, NC and commute to work now out of state so I'm used to being away from the wife and kids for a little bit of time. I've talked to Envoy and Endevor requirters and both said I was the the kind of military helo guy they are looking for and encouraged me to apply. I'm going to brush up on instrument knowledge, get the MEL rating, and fixed wing hours before applying in the spring or summer.

Glad to hear there are others like myself out there that have made the switch successfully.

Originally Posted by pagey

You live in CLT and are going to commute for envoy or endeavor? Why not go to PSA and live in base?

Originally Posted by StickPig

He said he's not mil. The rotor transition is covered in another place.

Having done both 121 airplanes and the rotary world, a few thoughts...

Fixed wing...

1. Not as much fun, but you're also not simply "waiting" for a catastrophic failure of something that leads to an autorotation taking you plummeting like a rock to almost serious injury or impending death.
2. Job market. You can almost pick anything (121, 135, 91) or any sector and it's relatively easy now to find something that will pay your bills and almost always lead to better paying and higher QOL rewards. Most employment within the fixed wing community leads to the next better job, and with vast options.
3. Employers in almost any sector will keep their airplane departments before their helicopters. The cost per flight hour is absolutely atrocious in the rotor world.
4. Travel. Definitely more opportunities to see the world on someone else's dime. That's huge for me.

Rotary...

1. Fun as hell. There is nothing like flying a few hundred feet off the deck at 120 knots. I'm still searching for that feeling. You also are hands on (some guys take this as a con), but nothing replaces being hands and feet in control of a few thousand pounds of machinery, making it do what you want.
2. The jobs that ARE out there, almost always get filled by networking, especially the high paying corporate gigs. But landing them can set you up to fly some of the most exquisite airframes ever built.


As far as longevity is concerned, I believe the fixed wing community has the most positive outlook in terms of money and QOL. If you can find a job doing both, dual qualified pilots tend to make more money, and you get to experience the pleasure of both worlds.

Just my 0.02c.

Best of luck to you!

Originally Posted by RocknFnRoll

Just wondering why you're making the transition? Is flying for an airline something that you've always wanted to do?

I'm only curious because I'm considering transitioning from FW to rotor's. I'm currently at 700 total time, I'm 1,000 hr R-ATP eligible, and I've probably just been reading the forums too much lately because I'm now hesitant about the 121 life after working towards it these past few years.

Right now I fly for a traffic watch op where I'm the only airplane in a fleet of copter's. Working closely with them is what created the desire to transition. I'd potentially be trying to pursue the police helicopter route.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Originally Posted by JoPilot

EXACTLY

There is a lot less 6-figure helicopter jobs out there, and the potential pilots per vacancy is TERRIBLE.

Having my Heli operation going steady and well-managed has enabled me to pursue my original dream of flying airliners.

It's a no-brainer.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by fiftyone

JoPilot



I definitely understand the love of flying, especially if you are dual rated and have access to both categories. With that in mind, do you actually want to go work for someone when you own a business? I agree it is usually better to let someone else pay for your FW time and give you a paycheck. I know it is not cheap to purchase and operate an aircraft, but could you not add a FW option to your current business model?

Originally Posted by gazoo34

I am a military helicopter pilot that retired in 2013 and flew for "Depressjet." It was the worst experience of my life. The pay was below minimum wage the commute was terrible and the chance of getting a flight violation or letter from the FAA was extremely high. I have decided that staying home and having a great QOL for a couple years and watching the regional industry die a slow agonizing death is better than flying for them.
I learned that my 1400 hours of helicopter time is subtracted from my total time on both AirlineApps and PilotCredentials therefore even with an ATP and 160 hours in the 737 I can't get through the computer filters and have my resume in front of United American Southwest Delta and American.

Good luck but I think I would get the fixed wing ATP and than go back to flying helos with the traffic guys and enjoy the QOL you currently have.

Originally Posted by Choppersnplanes

I didn't realize the pay for traffic watch was much better. I made $50 a day when I did it. I was losing my mind while flying up and down the same road 6 hours a day. Year one pay at a regional is now more than most year one EMS jobs. It's funny just different perspectives pilots have. I fly EMS now and can't stand the schedule and QOL. I'm one of the lucky ones because I live an hour from my base, and I very rarely see my family on the weeks I work. I would consider my self gone at least 17 days a month, and I live where I work.

Originally Posted by TurbineDriver

Just curious what is average pay at an EMS job?(both new guy and senior guy) What are the schedules like? Thx!