zippiesdrainage Posted November 12, 2015 Report Share Posted November 12, 2015 I've always attempted to be a reasonable optimistic voice in these forums for the benefits of other pilots and those interested in getting into the industry. I've been posting here since I started flying as a student way back in 2009. I realize I'm a youngster compared to some of the grumpy dinosaurs that post in here occasionally and a veteran compared to others. Getting started is difficult, wedging yourself into the industry is difficult. Throughout a career in aviation you will eventually find yourself in many uncomfortable situations. Some will be weather, some will be dealing with unruly passengers or coworkers who rub you the wrong way. You will be presented by numerous situations where you will want to give up. Don't. Since I started training I've wanted to eventually get into EMS and follow in the family tradition of service to the community. A few days ago I was offered a position as an EMS pilot and I am ecstatic. I've worked hard and been through many trials in the past 6 years but it's all been worth it. I am living proof that the system works and you can reach your goals if you work hard and keep smiling. Don't give up. It's tough, but I promise you can do it. I bounced around, always far from home for the vast majority of my career. I've flown in the mountains, I've flown in the city, I've been hundreds of miles from civilization and I've flown in the middle of the busiest airspace in the US and come out safely on the other side. There have been lows where I thought I wouldn't make it. There were times when I worried that I had made a mistake. Be true to yourself and never give up. If you work hard, get along with everyone and fly safe and you can make it. I'm living proof. It's a long road 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiteshadow Posted November 12, 2015 Report Share Posted November 12, 2015 Nice post, and congrats on the job! I truly believe in everything you have said as well. Work hard, keep your head up and keep looking for the next opportunity. I just stand back and shake my head at so many others at my low level in the industry who do nothing towards their next goal, as if they think the employers will be seeking them out! I was even ridiculed for attending Helisuccess by people who can't even name major operators. I just smiled and kept moving, knowing that they are now less competition for me. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomPPL Posted November 12, 2015 Report Share Posted November 12, 2015 Great post, thanks for taking the time to do it. I deal with a specialist services industry and see this type of stuff every day, not anything to do with helicopters but the human nature is exactly the same - it seems to me like the OP could have written about any industry out there and the end result would have been the same. I suppose my point is that it doesn't matter what the job is, its the attitude that counts. Having that extra little spark that makes a person do as best as they possibly can and believe in themselves is key to any success. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spike Posted November 12, 2015 Report Share Posted November 12, 2015 Zippy…. Congrats on the new job and thank you for the inspiration. Hopefully, I don’t fall into the “grumpy dinosaurs” category you referred to but, I can say without a doubt, your story is just like mine and, many others. That is, the path is there, you just need to believe in it…. Correct? Even so, keep up the good work and now that you have attained your goals, continue to give-back and provide the same inspiration to others as you did here today……. Just remember, it’s not about you, me or anyone else. It’s about the question at hand and helping others……. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ridethisbike Posted November 13, 2015 Report Share Posted November 13, 2015 Congrats on the job, man! Don't forget the little guy while you're out there deciding if you'd make the flight to pick up a box of rocks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KChristian Posted November 15, 2015 Report Share Posted November 15, 2015 Hey I just wanted to say thank you! My goal has always been EMS as well. And as I've been taking the steps towards finally making this dream a reality, it's nice to hear a success story thrown in with all the doom and gloom. Do you mind outlining your particular path? (How long in flight time and real time you were at each point in your career, etc...) I know it could be different for me, but it's nice to see how others have done it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scyther Posted November 15, 2015 Report Share Posted November 15, 2015 Congratulations mate! Hope to follow in your footsteps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radam Posted November 17, 2015 Report Share Posted November 17, 2015 Nice post! I agree 100% I read a lot of posts on the various forums where people are either discouraged or unhappy with their respective career fields. So many of them sound like cry babies that expect things to just be handed to them because they have "checked the boxes". Thankfully I was trained by, worked with, and trained people that fall into the other category and actually understand that if they keep working and put in the effort things will work out for them. I left a nice, cushy, well paying (non flying) career to make the change in my early 30's and after 3 years of training and working as an instructor I was able to get my opportunity to do what I had set out to do from the start. I am still training and learning all the time, but I love Ag flying and wouldn't want to do any other type of flying for the foreseeable future. I had to stop flying (I was lucky in that it was only for a very short time) for a few months and learn the ground side of thing, but it was well worth it to have my dream job. I haven't had to move or travel for work and I get to go home every night. I still catch myself grinning at the fact that things have worked out exactly how I had wanted them too. I attribute it to the fact that I never gave up, never lost focus, stayed humble and never got discouraged by what others have done or said. Good or bad, life is what you make of it.... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r22butters Posted November 17, 2015 Report Share Posted November 17, 2015 Nice post! I agree 100% I read a lot of posts on the various forums where people are either discouraged or unhappy with their respective career fields. So many of them sound like cry babies that expect things to just be handed to them because they have "checked the boxes". Thankfully I was trained by, worked with, and trained people that fall into the other category and actually understand that if they keep working and put in the effort things will work out for them. I left a nice, cushy, well paying (non flying) career to make the change in my early 30's and after 3 years of training and working as an instructor I was able to get my opportunity to do what I had set out to do from the start. I am still training and learning all the time, but I love Ag flying and wouldn't want to do any other type of flying for the foreseeable future. I had to stop flying (I was lucky in that it was only for a very short time) for a few months and learn the ground side of thing, but it was well worth it to have my dream job. I haven't had to move or travel for work and I get to go home every night. I still catch myself grinning at the fact that things have worked out exactly how I had wanted them too. I attribute it to the fact that I never gave up, never lost focus, stayed humble and never got discouraged by what others have done or said. Good or bad, life is what you make of it.... Thank you sir for being such a gracious winner! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vortamock Posted November 18, 2015 Report Share Posted November 18, 2015 Congratulations OP! I hope to be able to say that some day. I realize no two people get there the same way, but I'd be interested to hear about your path as well if you get time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RagMan Posted November 19, 2015 Report Share Posted November 19, 2015 Happy flying with your new job! Goes to show if you pay your dues, put in the effort, bust your butt, and have a good attitude, you can achieve anything in your career. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCBOATER Posted November 24, 2015 Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 Congratulations!You earned it.....so enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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