Tweet
Im currently serriously considering starting to learn to fly helicopters, with the aim of getting my CPL(H) and eventually making a career out of it.
Its something Ive always wanted to do but I was always scared off by the cost. However Ive decided to bite the bullet and go for it, well maybe pending a bit more info.
Ive been out and spoken to a couple of training schools, and theyve both said similar stuff. Basicly there is work out there you just have to work hard to get it. They have said that places like Canada are in short supply of helicopter pilots and one also mentioned flying off the back of Asian fishing boats spotting fish. They said that pilots are getting hired around the 400 hour mark. I guess I have to take what the training schools are saying with a grain of salt though because at the end of the day they want my money.
However my friends who fly fixed wing are all poo pooing the idea, saying there is bugger all work for low hour helicopter pilots and I should follow them into the world of fixed wing aviation.
Im just wondering if there are any helicopter pilots out there who could give me an honest no bullshit apraisial of the realities of the industry at the moment in terms of job prospects, type of flying, locations, number of hours needed etc.
Im in NZ but am more than prepaired to travel to find work, even if it means living in some of the less desirable places on the planet.
Cheers, David
Its something Ive always wanted to do but I was always scared off by the cost. However Ive decided to bite the bullet and go for it, well maybe pending a bit more info.
Ive been out and spoken to a couple of training schools, and theyve both said similar stuff. Basicly there is work out there you just have to work hard to get it. They have said that places like Canada are in short supply of helicopter pilots and one also mentioned flying off the back of Asian fishing boats spotting fish. They said that pilots are getting hired around the 400 hour mark. I guess I have to take what the training schools are saying with a grain of salt though because at the end of the day they want my money.
However my friends who fly fixed wing are all poo pooing the idea, saying there is bugger all work for low hour helicopter pilots and I should follow them into the world of fixed wing aviation.
Im just wondering if there are any helicopter pilots out there who could give me an honest no bullshit apraisial of the realities of the industry at the moment in terms of job prospects, type of flying, locations, number of hours needed etc.
Im in NZ but am more than prepaired to travel to find work, even if it means living in some of the less desirable places on the planet.
Cheers, David
Comment