WWHelicopters, Anyone know them?

[wiggsfly]

Well, I'm really considering transitioning to helicopters. I am a current fixed wing CFI-I and although the planes are fun my dream has always been air-evac or something similar with helicopters. I thought it was out of my reach until I talked to these guys the other day. I took a discovery flight and now I'm HOOKED. My question is, does anyone have any insight into their operation? They seem relatively well established, but after almost 4 years as a CFI myself I do know that looks could be deceiving. Also, what about the helo job market? Is it worth it to add another $10G to my already $45G in student loans? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[weekendwarrior]

The helo job market is doing well. Here in Arizona, there are 2 large helo schools, Quantum and Silverstate. They ALWAYS flying. My understanding is the CFI's get picked up pretty quick. Most go do tours at the grand canyon, or fly offshore. After flight school I considered it, but the CFI was going to cost me $12,000, and I already have a commercial rotorcraft license from the military. To teach in the R22, SFAR 73 says you have to have 50 hours in it.

 

[ShadowFlight]

Are you talking about WW Helicopters in East Troy, WI? If so, they are pretty much the only helo school in the Milwaukee area. I think Gateway Tech College in Kenosha offers helo training too.

Don't know much about WW other than they've had a few incidents/accidents over the past few years. Their pricing is what one would expect in this part of the world (i.e. Per hour rates high because the aircraft don't fly as much as those in warmer climates). WW does offer flight in a Bell 47 and the dreaded R22. I'm a Hughes/Schweizer disciple to the end and none exist in Milwaukee.

If you think making a living flying airplanes is tough, flying helicopters is tougher. I knew two high-time helo drivers (both were former instructors) who told me, point-blank, that if they could do it all over again they'd fly airplanes instead (or not fly professionally at all). I started my career in helos and decided on airplanes when I couldn't find a helo CFI job back in '92 when the economy was bad. I miss flying helos and think, every once in awhile, of what it would be like to do some CFI work in a helo.

Do some research on other places such as Helicopter Adventures, etc. They might be a better fit. Also check out www.justhelicopters.com.

Good luck.

Peace

SF

 

[wiggsfly]

Thank for the info. I actually was talking about the operation over there in East Troy. Frankly they seemed a little unprofessional to me as I noticed a few things just as a pilot that I considered unsafe (i.e. no radio calls). What I did find interesting though is the fact that they are R22s. This almost seemed to be to my advantage as at the end of the training I could instruct almost anywhere. I also liked their priced around here, including the instructor wanted to trade helo instruction for fixed wing and instrument instruction.

As for the industry, what I've noticed is that it would seem if I went the helicopter route at this point I might be able to make a little more money faster, but I wouldn't top out with as high a salary as I would if I stayed fixed wing (I might hit the $30K mark a few years quicker but I can almost guarantee I would never hit 6 figures). On the other hand though if I could make it to and EMS outfit perhaps I could continue to fly fixed wing charter and work on building time with both of them together. Any truth to that? Anyone tried it?

 

[weekendwarrior]

That's very true. From what I've heard (only heard, not facts) is that helo jobs top out about $70K. Contrary to the other post, here in Arizona, the helo guys are getting hired left and right. Alot of the vietnam era helo pilots (they sent A BUNCH through flight school in the 60's and 70's) are retiring.

Having both ratings would be nice if you get furloughed, but the problem is the total time. The jobs I've heard about in the helo industry don't care about fixed wing time. They want 750-1000 HELO time. I've got 250 hours helo, all turbine (bell 206, OH-58, AH64) and even with my fixed wing ratings and time, no helicopter job other than a CFI will touch me. I think it would be a path you would have to stick to. Plan on teaching for 1000 hours in a helo.