Question for real world Pilots

[Selino631]

If you want to fly helicopters as a career and nothing else will satisfy of course work three jobs as I did and save enough for flight training, work towards a CPL and then instructor ratings, eventually after instructing for a couple years you might just then be employable. One of most expensive aspects  of helicopter flying is turbine time experience.

well i can use the GI Bill (basically a grant of money given to Veterans from the Government to be used toward school)  I'll be able to get all of my ratings from Private to CFII for free.

[Gixer]

In that case go for it, but I would suggest spending a lot of time researching aviation as a career (especially in regards to financial return, work conditions,  risk etc) before committing the time and money even if it's a grant.

Personally if I was to start over, had the opportunity of a grant I wouldn't put it towards flying time but look to gain a degree which would provide more career options. Aviation Computer Science, Aviation Engineering or Aviation Tech. 

imho I think the future for high paying careers in aviation is with drones, the demand for actual pilots is only going to become less. Even in civilian area already seeing an increase in the type of jobs drones are doing in replace of helicopters.


<S>...-Gixer

[Puma44]

I expect to retire in Las Vegas near the end of 2015, but depending on job situation and what the AF offers I could potentially stay in until May 2018.  But probably out around Nov 2015.  If I had my shzt together I'd find a local guy with a citabria or something equally simple and capable of mild aerobatics, find another couple of chair pilots with mil instructional backgrounds, and open a little school for upset and mild aerobatic training.  I have 1500 hrs in the T-37 and T-6, so I'm GOOD at taking noobs and showing them spins, rolls, loops, etc.  I'd obviously have to do it the FAA way in order for it to count as true upset training, but I figure I could get a few hours a month that way, paid for by whoever wants a fighter pilot and military IP to show them a few things in relative safety.

But, I'm behind at life at the moment so I might not ever put that plan into motion.  But it would be a fun way to keep current and make some coin on the side.  Way back in 1989, the local upset/spin instructor charged $100/hr on top of the rental expenses.  No idea what its worth now but I only need to charge enough to make it pay for itself (insurance, books/training, checkrides, etc).   

Eagl, in the not to distant future, ALL airline pilots will have to have a minimum of 1500 hours and an ATP.  You've got the time and with your experience wouldn't have much trouble knocking out an ATP.

A lot of the regional/commuter outfits are going to hit the wall with this new requirement, so I've been told.  So, if your ultimate goal is an airline job, the bow wave shortage of "qualified" pilots may come along at the right time.  Also, doing upset training would be great fun, but won't count for much with the majors.  They tend to like pilots with current commercial airline (commuter/regional) and/or military time.  After retirement, I landed a job flying the mighty Beech 1900 for a commuter and got my currency re-established that way.  My current company requires at least two of the last five years of commercial and/or military flying to be considered for interview.  There have also been rumblings about a global shortage of qualified airline candidates in the next 8 to 10 years.  Hope this is helpful with your future considerations. 

[eagl]

Thanks Puma.  The idea of doing upset training would simply be a way to keep from having a very large gap in my logbook, not building time to meet requirements.  I already have 2 yearlong gaps due to medical problems (resolved), and now I'm stuck in RPA land for about 3.5 years.  I'm mostly trying to keep my options open since I really don't yet know what I'll try to do when my mil retirement comes along.  A lot will depend on the current national security environment, and whether or not any of my past experience is worth anything at the time.  If I was to get out NOW, I have several places I might potentially be hired.  A few years from now, who knows.

[Puma44]

Yep Eagl, as you know so well, it's all about timing.