Research

[deanathpc]

I am going to drive you folks absolutely nuts on here!!!

 

O.K. Doing some more soul searching and well maybe a reality check... My goal would be commercial rating with Instrument but the more I read on here the more discouraged I get at times. Let me explain....

 

So building flight hours requires a huge move to someplace where there are jobs. GOM, Grand Canyon etc. I understand this... But what if one is not able to do this? I've researched places closer to me but not much here in Western New York. And Mercy Flight, my ultimate goal, requires 2500 hours just to submit the resume which I totally understand.

 

So is a commercial rating something I should put on hold? I'm already hooked after my demo flight. Maybe stick with private and go from there after seeing how things pan out?

 

Maybe this... How does one start marketing research to see if there is a potential for such a service in my area? We have a ton of agriculture and I know crop dusting is still going on. Niagara Mohawk has a ton of power lines through here. Not much in the way of tourism like say the Grand Canyon. O.K. so I'm trying to justify the cost before actually spending it. Or maybe trying to still convince myself to say the hell with it and spend the money anyway. I know I don't want to be a Paramedic all of my life. My back sure doesn't..

 

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has gone through this. The others in the area seem to be doing o.k. but not sure if the area is saturated. Not to mention the cost of the a/c and then the nightmares i'm reading about insurance etc. I am walking into this knowing it's not cheap! Maybe I am coming to the realization of just how expensive it really is. Or I'm just rambling to help calm my nerves about this huge money spending adventure I want to partake in!

 

Thoughts? Concerns? Or maybe just tell me to shut up for once? Thanks in advance anyway.... If it does help I have a decent sized airport here where one of the Mercy Flight birds are station along with a State Police bird. And last I knew there is a Fixed Wing school there. I've thought about talking with them but not sure how to approach them about some ideas that I have. Or maybe if I should even mention anything to 'em.

 

So many questions and what appears to be so little time...

[rick1128]

There is an outfit in WNY that does pipeline patrol in 300's. They generally hire fairly low time pilots.

[Voluptuary5]

Deanathpc,

 

Another word of caution and something you will need to look into. But you might be surprised to learn that a helicopter PPL may not be worth anything as well even if you just want to fly for fun. Most places won’t let you come in off the street, say you want to rent a helicopter, and let you on your way. If they’ll rent to you at all, they will most likely want you to take at least a flight with one of their CFIs to verify your skills. That’s if they’ll rent to PPLs at all.

 

So, be sure to talk with your local flight school and 1) see if they’ll rent to their own PPLs and 2) what you’ll have to do to stay “current” with them so they will continue to rent to you.

 

And don’t forget option 3. Buy your own helicopter…

 

-V5

[deanathpc]

Deanathpc,

 

Another word of caution and something you will need to look into. But you might be surprised to learn that a helicopter PPL may not be worth anything as well even if you just want to fly for fun. Most places won’t let you come in off the street, say you want to rent a helicopter, and let you on your way. If they’ll rent to you at all, they will most likely want you to take at least a flight with one of their CFIs to verify your skills. That’s if they’ll rent to PPLs at all.

 

So, be sure to talk with your local flight school and 1) see if they’ll rent to their own PPLs and 2) what you’ll have to do to stay “current” with them so they will continue to rent to you.

 

And don’t forget option 3. Buy your own helicopter…

 

-V5

 

Well when I win the lottery I will buy two of 'em so when one is down for maint. I'll still be able to fly!!

 

That's an interesting point. so maybe the place i was toying with my commercial rating who also rents out might be the best option that way it will be a non-issue as they will know me after 100 some odd hours of training.

 

See this is why I did ask.... Never thought of that.. I have so much to learn.... Thanks!

[deanathpc]

There is an outfit in WNY that does pipeline patrol in 300's. They generally hire fairly low time pilots.

 

Any idea of the name? I have not come across them yet. Hmmmm more research time....

[Autorotator]

Any idea of the name? I have not come across them yet. Hmmmm more research time....

Not sure if this is the one Rick is talking about but try this link. Western New York Helicopters

 

--CM

[deanathpc]

Not sure if this is the one Rick is talking about but try this link. Western New York Helicopters

 

--CM

 

Ahh yes.. He is one of the first ones I tried to contact about instruction. Hard man to get a hold of. And the drive time for me was a little long. But maybe I will have to reconsider then... hmmm food for thought i guess. Nothing on his site about employement though but maybe training with him would be a good idea. So many decisions.... How the hell do you guys do this? Or maybe how did you do this?

 

I think I'm in over my head now. Now sure what my correct direction to go in is now.

[Autorotator]

I got a loan through Key Bank that unfortunatly does not give aviation loans anymore. I went full time, didn't work, just focused on my goal, and studied every chance I got. I would wake up in the middle of the night reciting the definition for gyroscopic procession etc.... Anyway, that's how I did it. I didn't feel like it would be as effective for me to work and do the full time school thing.

 

Others will argue that saving and working and doing training when possible or saving enough to bang out each license is the best way to do it, and I agree but, unlike many people on here that have dreamed of flying since as far back as they can remember, my father heard the famous Silverstate commercial ad on the radio, told me about it, we went and checked them out, decided they were not a school I would like to attend, but luckily a great school was even closer to my house, applied for the loan, and went from there. I didn't know I that I should be saving every penny my entire life for my education, and the savings I did have, wouldn't have even put a dent in the entire costs.

 

The best advice I can give you is, make sure this is something you really want to do. Don't get me wrong, this can be a very challenging and rewarding career, and it may sound like you are going to have a blast, and love going to work each day, but it doesn't take very long at all for this to turn into "just another job" but with greater risks and low pay. You absolutely have to be surethis is what you want to do for the rest of your life, otherwise you will be kicking yourself in the near future.

 

I have no intention of discouraging you, there are alot of people here that will tell you the same thing.

 

Good luck on achieving your goal.

 

--CM

[deanathpc]

I got a loan through Key Bank that unfortunatly does not give aviation loans anymore. I went full time, didn't work, just focused on my goal, and studied every chance I got. I would wake up in the middle of the night reciting the definition for gyroscopic procession etc.... Anyway, that's how I did it. I didn't feel like it would be as effective for me to work and do the full time school thing.

 

Others will argue that saving and working and doing training when possible or saving enough to bang out each license is the best way to do it, and I agree but, unlike many people on here that have dreamed of flying since as far back as they can remember, my father heard the famous Silverstate commercial ad on the radio, told me about it, we went and checked them out, decided they were not a school I would like to attend, but luckily a great school was even closer to my house, applied for the loan, and went from there. I didn't know I that I should be saving every penny my entire life for my education, and the savings I did have, wouldn't have even put a dent in the entire costs.

 

The best advice I can give you is, make sure this is something you really want to do. Don't get me wrong, this can be a very challenging and rewarding career, and it may sound like you are going to have a blast, and love going to work each day, but it doesn't take very long at all for this to turn into "just another job" but with greater risks and low pay. You absolutely have to be surethis is what you want to do for the rest of your life, otherwise you will be kicking yourself in the near future.

 

I have no intention of discouraging you, there are alot of people here that will tell you the same thing.

 

Good luck on achieving your goal.

 

--CM

 

I thank you for your response! In regards to low pay I have it beat being a Paramedic. Changing over to this career would be a pay increase if you can believe it! Public service really sucks when it comes to salary unless you are in the management side of it.

 

I am truly doing some soul searching. I am also trying to be pro-active and seeing what is available, or could be, when the time comes for jobs so I don't go into this completely blind. Looks like this is something I should have done before marriage and kids.. Oh well... Hind site is 20/20!

 

I have come to the conclusion that any job turns into just that after awhile. Until that day I can be sitting on a beach in oh say Hawaii maybe while i'm living off of the interest of my huge lottery winnings... lol Dollar and a dream...

 

Thanks again for your input.

[Mike Murphy]

You might look into these guys www.pilotfinance.com The upside of pursuing your commercial, other than you have to have one to earn any money flying, is that the school will probably let you rent their birds to fly on your own while you're pursuing your rating.

[Copterpilot213]

You could always get your CFI and do that until you get 2500+ hours to get hired somewhere close to you.. It would not be an easy road for sure.

 

I have been told over and over that being a professional helicopter pilot you almost always have to be willing to be nomadic. The jobs that you don't have to move for are usually the most sought after jobs and to get to them you have to start at the bottom of the ladder most times.

 

Just food for thought, good luck with whatever you decide on doing!

[deanathpc]

You might look into these guys www.pilotfinance.com The upside of pursuing your commercial, other than you have to have one to earn any money flying, is that the school will probably let you rent their birds to fly on your own while you're pursuing your rating.

 

With my credit and such getting a loan will be hard to do. I would rather not get into anymore debt if I don't have to. Hence why I'm thinking about taking my time and paying as I go to help out in the long run. It's gonna kill me doing it but... I will look into the above anyway just in case. At this point anything will help out....

 

Thanks!

[Goldy]

In regards to low pay I have it beat being a Paramedic.

 

Check out another thread regarding the list of things you can do to save money on training....also, don't let your paramagic license lapse...keep current...might help you when you decide you want to get into EMS pilot..

[deanathpc]

You could always get your CFI and do that until you get 2500+ hours to get hired somewhere close to you.. It would not be an easy road for sure.

 

I have been told over and over that being a professional helicopter pilot you almost always have to be willing to be nomadic. The jobs that you don't have to move for are usually the most sought after jobs and to get to them you have to start at the bottom of the ladder most times.

 

Just food for thought, good luck with whatever you decide on doing!

 

Getting my CFI is my ultimate goal. I think that many hours for a CFI will take years though in my area. Something I have to look into though. So many things to figure out.

 

Now about the moving part.... This is why I was asking how one would attempt to start their own business. And then that way accumulate hours while doing that.

 

Thanks!

[rookie chopper]

With my credit and such getting a loan will be hard to do. I would rather not get into anymore debt if I don't have to. Hence why I'm thinking about taking my time and paying as I go to help out in the long run. It's gonna kill me doing it but... I will look into the above anyway just in case. At this point anything will help out....

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

I have managed to pay as I go. I go once a month and That is really all I can afford right now. I did not want the loan! However if I want to complete this task I might get a loan to complete it sooner. I read this web page every day and I know sacrifice is the only way to get through it. (unless you win thr lotto) I would like to get my CFII, I belive it is the best way to make yourself more marketable. However I am not sure how pilots transition to a turbine helicopter. I am still trying to research that one. I really enjoy learning from all the pilots and students on this site. Good luck!

 

Rookie

[heligirl03]

You transition to turbine by getting your first 1000hr job. GOM, Grand Canyon, Alaska. Don't ever PAY for a turbine transition, your first non-instruction employer will train you to fly their turbine aircraft in the first month. A willingness to start out as a nomad is a key component to this career, not something to be looked over, you WILL have to move and probably several times. Everyone wants to sleep at home at night with their families, that is the ultimate goal but something you have to work your way towards and then wait for the opening to pop up when you are finally qualified. It all takes time and sacrifice. Then again, you can go to grad school for the same cost (if not more), spend 2-6 years there, then come out and have a super office job, make the same (maybe more) money, and still sleep at home every night in the location of your choosing. Just different benefits and different sacrifices. That's how I see it, this is my choice. I'm doing my instrument and commercial now, have the loan with no deferment, train full time, work full time, keep in touch with all my working driver buddies scattered around the country, bust my butt and LOVE FLYING. See you up there.

 

~HG03

[rookie chopper]

You transition to turbine by getting your first 1000hr job. GOM, Grand Canyon, Alaska. Don't ever PAY for a turbine transition, your first non-instruction employer will train you to fly their turbine aircraft in the first month. A willingness to start out as a nomad is a key component to this career, not something to be looked over, you WILL have to move and probably several times. Everyone wants to sleep at home at night with their families, that is the ultimate goal but something you have to work your way towards and then wait for the opening to pop up when you are finally qualified. It all takes time and sacrifice. Then again, you can go to grad school for the same cost (if not more), spend 2-6 years there, then come out and have a super office job, make the same (maybe more) money, and still sleep at home every night in the location of your choosing. Just different benefits and different sacrifices. That's how I see it, this is my choice. I'm doing my instrument and commercial now, have the loan with no deferment, train full time, work full time, keep in touch with all my working driver buddies scattered around the country, bust my butt and LOVE FLYING. See you up there.

 

~HG03

 

HG03,

 

Thanks for the info! I have that desk job and that is what I want to get away from. I do have a question for you though. Where did you get the loan from and what type? Where are you taking your training? I have been struggling with that one due to everyone in Michigan will do it only they want to make it with a high interest rate. It's this great Michigan economy!

 

Thanks

Rookie