Going back to helicopters
 

I have found that the airlines are not a fit for me and I am going to go back to flying helicopters. Has anyone considered the same? If you have any info on who is hiring (non-CFI work), please post the information in this forum.

Thanks.

Interesting to hear your going back. Mind sharing details to why? I’m just getting ready to make the jump from helicopters.

Who’d you work for while in the fixedwing world?

What’s your resume look like hours wise and what kind of work you looking for?

Buddy of mine flew helos in Marine Corps, then helo EMS after retirement. Recently went to SKW, didn’t like it, now he’s back flying EMS. What ever makes you happy.

I'm with Envoy. The training is rough and doesn't prepare you as well for the line as it could if they would make a few changes. All my friends who went to skywest have said the training there is very good. Mostly for me, there is no job satisfaction and the schedule doesn't work as well as I thought it would, especially since I commute. If you are into the jet-setting lifestyle, go for it. It's mostly the older guys transitioning that have a hard time settling in.

I have about 1500 rotorwing hours which is enough for some contracting jobs, and I'm ok with that. Do you know of any companies looking for helo pilots, preferable west of the Mississippi.

How much rotor time? Seems like you could get on with a 135 tour company flying the grand canyon to build some time.

Helo brother
 

Grumpy,
If you're not happy you're not happy. The life style is certainly difficult to adjust to, especially if you commute. Seniority and living at your domicile certainly helps. I commuted for 18 years before moving to my domicile. IMHO I would get a taste of seniority or perhaps switching to another employer before going back to helicopters. I will tell you that my first year a UAL working for $28 per hour as an engineer made me question what I was doing.



Since you asked... Look at USAJOBs, offshore to oil rigs (PHI etc.), state agencies such as Arizona Highway Patrol, Boarder Patrol, or power companies like Salt River Project. The air ambulance jobs are very rewarding but can be transient based on profitability (or an accident). You can also look into a Army contract instructing gig at Ft Rucker. There are really cool helicopters jobs out there but most of them only pay peanuts. If it were me I would lean towards a Federal/State job.



Good luck!

Me too!
 

Hey Grumpy!

Same for me- Regional airlines not a good fit, and I thought training was lacking (at a MO HQ'd regional). I'm a former Blackhawk guy at 1400TT and I've not found much available in RW, except for Robinsons which do not appeal to me in any way. I'm considering a pilot job at a 135 operation - sounds less stressful and more team-oriented from the outside.

What's the latest on your pilot career since your original post?

PHI just filed chapter 11. Feast or famine, this blasted industry, helos very much included.

It's mainly self study, as far as my experience went. And the real learning started in IOE.

Take a look at these guys- Careers | PJ Helicopters

Not sure if you'd be willing to move to N. California, but they have a large turbine fleet including some UtilityHawks. I believe they have the exclusive contract to fly PG&E's UtilityHawks as well. You'd probably be a shoo-in.