Want to get back into the saddle.....

[Edward]

So I've got the bug again. I haven't flown since 2007, when I decided to park it in one place for my kids when they're young. Now, I'm wanting to get back into flying now...so what is out there and is it still capable after a long hiatus? I know I have to get current and a few hours probably under me so I'm recent. I've got just under 1100 TT and just over 1000PIC mostly in R44's. I was a CFII and the rating is current though I'd need my biannual. My lease is up at the end of June so we can move anywhere. Thoughts on jumping back in?

 

BTW: I'm in the Portland, OR area and wouldn't mind taking PT or On call positions or week on week off. ( I hear cherry drying season is starting) I work at a hospital and I pick my shifts so I am very flexible for timing.

[Retreating Brain Stall]

Don't let the CFI expire, never know if or when you might rely on it for work even if you move on past instructing in your future pursuites.

[Wally]

My experience after 2 non-flying periods is that I wasn't as good as I remembered being, like "I'm not as good as I used to be, and probably never was." A few hours of stick time and you will be comfortable flying. Teaching again took a little longer, and more book time. When I first taught, I was just of the line, lots of recent experience analyzing issues. Merely stirring the stick is easy compared to the thinking part, but it comes back.

So I've got the bug again. I haven't flown since 2007, when I decided to park it in one place for my kids when they're young. Now, I'm wanting to get back into flying now...so what is out there and is it still capable after a long hiatus?

[pilot#476398]

You should've started about a month ago when everyone was hiring! There were a few jobs you would've been perfect for with that R44 time!

[Flying Pig]

 

You should've started about a month ago when everyone was hiring! There were a few jobs you would've been perfect for with that R44 time!

Well based on my calculations, all the Vietnam pilots will start retiring next month.... so it may not he to late

[Edward]

Well based on my calculations, all the Vietnam pilots will start retiring next month.... so it may not he to late

Hahaha... apparently that is what everyone has been telling me

 

Yeah, I haven't let my CFI relapse, its up for renewal again in Aug. My 8710 hasn't changed all that much. The thinking part is what I'm hitting again real hard....it's amazing how the numbers fall off when thinking about FAR's and Minimums, just picked up a FAR/AIM...."Oh I remember what that dotted blue line in a circle means!"

[Flying Pig]

I think once you get your currency back and get a few lines in your logbook, maybe do a couple hours with a CFI specifically on EPs to get maximum exposure you'd be back in the game. Dont pay for time straight and level, get things in your book like stuck pedals, autos etc etc. Most of the recurrency will be sitting at your kitchen table with a frosty beverage reading up on the FARs and POH

[Edward]

I think once you get your currency back and get a few lines in your logbook, maybe do a couple hours with a CFI specifically on EPs to get maximum exposure you'd be back in the game. Dont pay for time straight and level, get things in your book like stuck pedals, autos etc etc. Most of the recurrency will be sitting at your kitchen table with a frosty beverage reading up on the FARs and POH

Thanks for the advice bud. My previous job was a comm spec for a HEMS company, so I know a good bunch of pilots to lean on for leads, but I take your recommendation for a frosty beverage and raise you a glass. Stay safe out there "Flying Pig".

[pilot#476398]

Its not usually a well accepted suggestion on here, but since you're not in need of building time, you may benefit from calling Boatpix for a weekend. For someone in your position it could be a fun (and relatively cheap) way to "blow off the rust", as they say?

[Spike]

Agreed with the Pig Dude…..

However, after you get up to speed, you’ll have to get in line with all of the other thousand hour guys. Therefore, if you have an opportunity to teach again, do it! It’s always better to be employed when seeking more advanced positions.. With that, believing you’ll slide right into a turbine gig is not realistic (if that’s what you’re thinking)….

[ridethisbike]

Agreed with FP and Spike. Instructing was actually the first job that popped in my head for you. With your hours, you'd be pretty competitive for an instructing gig. Go get the rust knocked off with EPs and dust off the ol' CFI book and relearn it all.

[PatrolAce]

If

[PatrolAce]

 

Anyone