Helihead Posted September 25, 2007 Posted September 25, 2007 This is a question for everyone but mainly for pilots who started in fixed wing and transitions to Helicopters. I really want to fly helicopters but at the same time could try to get a regional airline job. And with the regional airlines hiring like they have been, do you think it would be better to try and get a regional fixed wing job, work for a year or so and then go on and get your helicopter add-ons and then start flight instructing (in helicopters)? Or should I drop the fixed wing and go strictly helicopters. I know I am the one who has to decide this, but what would you do if you could do it again, or if that is what you did do, would you do it again ?? And do you think this would be better financially? Thank you.
bqmassey Posted September 26, 2007 Posted September 26, 2007 This is a question for everyone but mainly for pilots who started in fixed wing and transitions to Helicopters. I really want to fly helicopters but at the same time could try to get a regional airline job. And with the regional airlines hiring like they have been, do you think it would be better to try and get a regional fixed wing job, work for a year or so and then go on and get your helicopter add-ons and then start flight instructing (in helicopters)? Or should I drop the fixed wing and go strictly helicopters. I know I am the one who has to decide this, but what would you do if you could do it again, or if that is what you did do, would you do it again ?? And do you think this would be better financially? Thank you. It really just comes down to what you want to fly. What do you want to fly? The money in the regionals is terrible at first. Many helicopter flying jobs (after you build up some hours as a CFI) will start out paying twice what a regional first officer pilot start outs making. On the other hand, the maximum earning potential is probably higher in fixed wings... especially corporate.
BillyBob Posted September 26, 2007 Posted September 26, 2007 I have done both. Both have positives and negatives. The GOM (where I was) was run down and depressing. The GOM flying was fun but there is very little over sight out there so you have to be more vigilant of safety issues. That got so tiring. Airline flying is boring after the first year. You will generally stay in better places on overnights in the airlines. Too many differences to list here. What are your draws to the airlines? What are your draws to helicopters? The regionals are lowering their standards because fewer people are applying. Not many people are willing to invest the training costs with little or no return when they do get to the job. Some Websites that will answer the financial questions: Regional Paycharts http://airlinepilotcentral.com/airlines/regional.html Helicopter Paycharts http://brian.hudson.home.mchsi.com/helopay...cales/index.htm A humorous Video you need to watch:
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