What does everyone do in the winter?

[Yeezy]

In a few months time it will be getting cold again and contracts start ending. Do most pilots stay employed during the winter or are they let go? What do you do with your time if you are let go until next season starts?

[wcobra]

Ice Fish, Cross-Country Ski, work on the 'Rod, you know...fun stuff!

[Pool pilot]

16 hours ago, Yeezy said:

In a few months time it will be getting cold again and contracts start ending. Do most pilots stay employed during the winter or are they let go? What do you do with your time if you are let go until next season starts?

I leave the aviation industry as I am a member of the Teamsters 155 union in the movie industry.

This year may be difficult with the writers strike but I normally work 5 to 6 months and make better money than most full time pilots in a year who are freezing their fingers off using winter covers.

Or.... I take the winter off and try snow bird world.

[Longline]

On 8/9/2023 at 10:29 AM, Pool pilot said:

I leave the aviation industry as I am a member of the Teamsters 155 union in the movie industry.

This year may be difficult with the writers strike but I normally work 5 to 6 months and make better money than most full time pilots in a year who are freezing their fingers off using winter covers.

Or.... I take the winter off and try snow bird world.

You make more money by being in a Union......how can that be????

[Winnie]

I work where I can push the helicopter back in the hangar at the end of the mission. Usually able to get inside to warm up as well... good days!

[Pool pilot]

1 hour ago, Winnie said:

I work where I can push the helicopter back in the hangar at the end of the mission. Usually able to get inside to warm up as well... good days!

I don't get cold enough to worry about having to get warmed up. Also I don't need to shovel snow to get out to work or freeze my testicles off waiting for customers. I just turn the van on and heat it up.

You are more than welcome to keep the winter weather for yourself as I stay warm and add to my pension.

Please don't take this as me knocking your job down. I did it for years myself.  I just have had enough of it.

[mcguire]

Got a job in PNG almost two years ago. Weather is always too warm rather than too cold but for me it's preferable to the winter covers.

To speak to the seasonality, 28 on 28 off all year, flat amount of pay every month.

It's been pretty nice.

[CSC1]

Winter is flying isn't bad.  Shorter days, no bugs, more landing options. Customers don't mind cutting the day short for weather when the alternative is spending the night out and freezing to death. 

[NordicHeli]

On 8/12/2023 at 4:48 PM, Winnie said:

I work where I can push the helicopter back in the hangar at the end of the mission. Usually able to get inside to warm up as well... good days!

you push the helicopter in?? And when do you work? Most time is on vacation and having a good time filling the bank account young man LOL

How is golf? 

[Winnie]

Well I push it with a tractor... 

Golf is awesome!