New student some great information?

[sheelablagar]

Hello Everyone,

I just started school for becoming a helicopter pilot, I am trying to hear what challenges that other students are facing. I have done some research as to both sides of becoming a low hour pilot, is there any advice that would be more compelling to make a better decision? I have had a desire to fly for life flight(EMS) since I was 6 years old. I know that there will be a long journey to get there, which I am willing to endure, I just would like to hear the roads that other low hour pilots have chosen. I appreciate all the information I can get.

 

Sheelablagar

[Jaybee]

Best bet in this economy is to get qualified in Robinsons for instructing, though I know a few people that took jobs as ground crew and got a shot at flying.

[aeroscout]

Hello Everyone,

I just started school for becoming a helicopter pilot, I am trying to hear what challenges that other students are facing. I have done some research as to both sides of becoming a low hour pilot, is there any advice that would be more compelling to make a better decision? I have had a desire to fly for life flight(EMS) since I was 6 years old. I know that there will be a long journey to get there, which I am willing to endure, I just would like to hear the roads that other low hour pilots have chosen. I appreciate all the information I can get.

 

Sheelablagar

You might not have enough endurance to make it through. But if you can find as much enjoyment in the journey, your endurance may be extended.

[Galadrium]

Have a plan A, a plan B, and a plan C. It is very unlikely that your helicopter pilot journey from training to employment will go as planned. Prepare for the unexpected. If you are easily frustrated or require instant gratification this career choice is NOT for you.

 

This forum is full of people who have just as much passion as you do for flying helicopters and many are unable to find employment after completing their training. Have a good financial plan and avoid going into debt for this. Think outside the box. Best of luck!

[pilot#476398]

I'm on the second/retirment career route. Given the high cost of training and the extreme low entry level wage (not to mention the crap shoot odds at finding work) I don't know how 20 somethings do it?

 

I'm 42, if I don't find a job until I'm 50 its no big deal, I'm not in this "all or nothing"!

 

You want advice? Go to college get a "marketable" degree, then a "real" job. Then get your PPL and fly for fun. When you're in your 40s and the kids are in college, then finish your ratings and go for this wacky industry.

[Azhigher]

It's been my experience that the 20 somethings (Or younger, as was the case for me) do it by financing all of it and crossing their fingers that it'll all work out. Go to a good school that can get you plenty of hours reasonably quickly and won't fire you once you hit a certain amount of hours and you can stick it out there until someone picks you up for a turbine spot. Do that for a bit and it's pretty easy to branch out into other things. It also helps to do it young while your expenses are still next to nothing.

 

Advice: Find a good school and work your ass off from day 1 to be a good cfi candidate.