RotorPilotBob

Hello guys/gals. This is my first post here and wanted to start off by saying hello.

A bit about my situation, I am a commercial helicopter pilot working on my CFI and CFII in helicopter and will be finished up by this fall. My training is covered by the GI bill for handing my ass over to uncle sam for 6 years. After my helicopter training, I will have enough benis left to get dual rated through CFII and maybe even MEI if I really hit it hard.

So the hard part is, deciding if I put my efforts into getting hired as a heli CFI at the end of the semester or would it make more sense to continue my training with airplanes. I do want to fly airplanes as well and I have a feeling that if I get into the industry right now, I will never go back and get the airplane ratings.

As for jobs, as we all know its a craps shoot. My helicopter school is one of the busiest and there are jobs for the right guy. Also, the airplane school that I would go to (unfortunately not the same Co.) is busy and also have jobs for the right guy. Pay is the same, with less instructors at the airplane school (more students and more flight hours) but that can always change.

I know it may sound cheesy, but one of the motivating factors to fly airplanes is to be the CFI that gets my dad current. He is a commercial pilot but has not been current for years. It would be pretty neat to be able to do that with/for him.

I am not the guy who thinks helicopters are better or airplanes are better. I am the guy who loves aviation, and am excited to see where I can get in this industry with zero expectations. I don't WANT to be the airline pilot, I dont want to fly the Erickson Sky Crane... I DO WANT to be the old guy one day with the greatest stories... If you know what i mean. I've got a super supportive wife who loves what I do and is always behind me. We live simple and are always taken care of. I did not chose to fly for money. I do real estate for that. I chose this career because I want to be happy. I really dont want to hear from the guys with their negativity. I go to school with enough of them.

I would love to hear some feedback on if it would be worth it all things considered. Bottom line is the training is free to me, im not hurting financially by being in school etc. Thanks so much in advance and I look forward to hearing from you guys.


Best,

Bob

RotorPilotBob

I realize that this may not be the best place to post a question from a helicopter pilot. But If I posted it on the heli boards, I would have been told I was nuts and called a "roller bagger" or some other clever creation. Anything guys, just looking for opinions.

Best,

Rob

Rotor2prop

If its nothing but time you have to burn I'd just go all the way. Do what you want to do! Once you have enough time and experience you could get on with a company that wants dual rated pilots. There are several EMS and corporate places that want dual rated pilots.

RotorPilotBob

Thanks for the response. I think that is a great way to look at it. Time is not really an issue, and I am in this field for the fun of it. I would hate to look back on things and say "what if".

rickair7777

If (non-CFI) helo jobs are hard to come by, and you have an opportunity, take the job.

You can still work on your FW ratings on your own time, you can even train part time under the GI Bill.

RotorPilotBob

That's also a fantastic idea. I may be leaning this way especially if things look promising for getting picked up.

TransientCW

Bob, apparently im unable to send you a PM as i just joined today. Do you think you would be able to shoot me a quick email [email protected] ........

i was gonna ask you a few questions about your current school and angle on getting dual rated..............

ive got 2 years and 4 days left of active duty, then im off to flight school