hybrid Posted February 21, 2014 Report Share Posted February 21, 2014 I believe the number was one in 15 (years ago), and the average time a person stayed in the industry was 5 years after they succeeded in finding a flying job. The late Dick Wood had a summary on the Valley Helicopters site when he ran the school out of Merritt. I have tried to find what he wrote several times, but can't seem to find it. It was a must read for anyone who wants to pursue a flying career. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freck Posted February 21, 2014 Report Share Posted February 21, 2014 I think you're mistaking Brutaly negative with brutal honesty. I sure hope the people PM,ing you were'nt flight schools. If so I was told the line of the big shortage of pilots because all the baby boomers are blah blah blah. Now 10 years in still no shortage and still no big demand for 100 pilots. You almost sound like my wife when she asks me if these jeans make me look fat. I should have just lied to you as well. Its your dime so what you do with it is none of my concern.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R0T0R Posted February 21, 2014 Report Share Posted February 21, 2014 I recommend that anyone that has a passion for rotary aviation to go for it. I agree that the don't do it attitude is negative because you did it and are obviously still in the industry enough to follow this forum. I venture to say that most if the negative comments come from the common industry line (if you want to make a million in the aviation industry start with 2 million). If you decide to go for it you will hear it till you retire so get used to it. I had a hard slog to get flying and I don't regret a second of it. As for a flight school, do your research and pick one. I do agree to save your money on the turbine time and use the cash to fund your job search and the time you will spend either unemployed or at a reduced wage. Once again, good luck and keep us posted. R 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freck Posted February 21, 2014 Report Share Posted February 21, 2014 Oh OK the guy asks a question and we give our perspective and we are negative!?! But you've succeeded (so have I) so go for it! When did you start ROTOR? Was it after 08? I don't regret doing it either but the reallity of the prospects of employment are grimm. If you say anything else you are delusional. The guy says he will relocate (WITH IN REASON) No you will relocate where we want you to or we will find someone who will. Don't get me wrong I love my job as well but if someone asks me about job prospects I'm going to be honest and not tell him especially with a wife and 2 kids that the chances are good if you put your heart and soul into it cause its BS. I love when people ask an opinion and don't like the answer its automatically wrong or negative. My opinion is don't do it! Take it or leave it. Could honestly care less what you do. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helilog56 Posted February 21, 2014 Report Share Posted February 21, 2014 Gunny....follow your dreams. The biggest regret would be to go through life always questioning why you did not try. Maturity and life experience goes a long ways with a lot of us in this industry. It entirely your responsibility to market yourself according to your strengths. As advised, do your homework for your training school of choice. keep us posted on how your doing. Cheers, H56 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skidz Posted February 21, 2014 Report Share Posted February 21, 2014 Gunny, Age shouldn't be a factor so much as your personal situation is. If your family life is important to you, think twice..no, three times before embarking on this journey. Job prospects are very grim at the moment, even for experienced drivers. I know that potential hardship and the challenge of overcoming obstacles can be a motivating factor for some, but if I'd known just how hard it would be (especially on my wife and kids), I probably would not have started flying at the ripe old age of 37 myself... If you really want to fly helicopters and can afford to spend the money with no absolute need to work in this game afterwards, I say go for it. You'll have fun learning to fly. But make sure you have a plan B, because unless the economy turns around, it may be a long time before you get any kind of work in this business, never mind a flying job... As far as training aircraft go, I agree with the others that doing it all on a turbine is not the best way to go. As an alternate, you might want to look at doing your ab initio in an R44. There are entry level jobs for pilots with R44 time, and with 100 hours on type, they can insure you from the get-go. Whatever you decide, best of luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DGP Posted February 21, 2014 Report Share Posted February 21, 2014 Keep in touch,we are all hoping for the best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedgeeza Posted February 21, 2014 Report Share Posted February 21, 2014 Sounds to me like you'd made up your mind before posting. I started flying 25 years ago, fixed-wing ATPL, floats, Instructor, Instrument Instructor, aerobatic Instructor, JAA, FAA & CAA licences, both fixed and rotary. I've seen a few changes. I've seen people come and go. The ones that go "that way", some of them good friends, seem to pray on my mind more and more the older I get. The main issues I've seen over the last six or seven years is operators holding off before hiring. ****, the owner of one company makes no secret that both he and his son hate pilots! Nobody here has suggested that you don't have what it takes to pass the exams, flight tests and become a pilot. That's the easy bit. I hope to be able to retire from flying in six years time, I'll be fifty and you'll just be getting into your stride, if you're extremely lucky. I admire your spirit. But at that time of my life, I don't think I'd have it in me. Sincerely, I wish you the best of luck. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DGP Posted February 21, 2014 Report Share Posted February 21, 2014 I'm just getting into my stride and I've been at it for 42 years 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedgeeza Posted February 22, 2014 Report Share Posted February 22, 2014 I'm just getting into my stride and I've been at it for 42 years You've been doing it wrong then! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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