Helo Transition

[Coffee]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if cross training in helos and trying that market was truely a viable option. I have heard that unless your ex-mil with a ton of helo time you might as well stick to fix wing. I have also looked into the number of present flight schools out there looking for flight instructors and have NOT come up with a lot. Am I looking in the wrong direction or is my reaseach valid in saying it really does not pay to try helos. I'm sitting at 3K,ATP, and flying a 414 when demand allows. Any ideas or comments welcome.

 

[wil]

What's your goal? My crashpad mate's Dad flys air ambulence in AZ. He says that it is a tough job and the pay is not very good. They have King Airs as well but I don't know what the pay difference between the helos and fixed wing is. From the research I have done for a civilian guy the most cost effective route is fixed wing. All the best- Wil

 

[Coffee]

Air Ambulance

I am actually an Air Ambulance driver too and was thinking of ways of making a move up to a company that could afford to employ me on a full time bases. I really enjoy working, and I am frustated as most are at the present state of the economy and the aviation industry. In absorbing all the information from all the guys I have talked today and yesturday it would seem that unless you have a ton of money or time in a helo to begin with it makes more sence to keep on with whatever your doing to keep yourself current.

 

[wil]

One other thought. When I got my CFI I thought of looking into a school where I could work on my rotorwing rating in exchange for fixed wing instruction. But the old question of how will I support myself came up! I hope you find a way to make it work! I know I would love that kind of work! Fly safe-
BTW, I knew a guy that flew for Charlotte Medical center in N.C. He flew citations and said it was a good outfit. Might be worth a call-

 

[Birdstrike]

Runway? We Don't Need No Stinking Runway

First off, let me commend you on your decision to seriously consider helicopters. Like every other aspect of flying, it has its own unique attraction and IMO nothing compares with picking it up to a hover. Doing it for a living may be a problem right now.

Last time I checked, entry-level GOM (Gulf Mex) jobs with a leading company like Petroleum Helicopters (PHI) required 1000 hrs PIC. Starting pay has greatly improved thanks to budding unionism and is now about $45K to start.

Here's their link:

http://www.phihelico.com/Human_Resources.html

I'm sure that some Robinson R-22 Instructors with that time have found work, but it's tough because they're competing with miltary guys with all turbine time. A lot of those military guys would rather be with ACA, Comair, or ASA but since that's not happening right now, they're staying in the Gulf or in air amb keeping you out of a potential job. It all flows downhill sometimes.

By all means, pursue the ratings if that interests you but 1000 hours is the threshold before good things can start happening. Unless you instruct or join the military, there's not many known reasonable ways to accumulate that kind of time. But hey, there's exceptions to everything and you may figure out a different route. Good Luck!

Check out the just helo's bulletin board at:

http://www.justhelicopters.com/talkshop/

 

[Coffee]

Military Solution for old guys?

I guess I should of looked into that option when I was still a pup.
I dought that any military service would be interested in me since I'm now 30years of age, even if I could out fly there newbies. But I guess they are more interested in reaction times than experience. That is not a dig against any military pilot. I have the up most respect for anyone going into combat but I do think we would have a more solid force if the average fighter had an ATP's understanding or equivalent under his aviation "belt".