I think this article should be mandatory reading for all those contemplating the huge move into this game, prior to spending one single dollar. Some very true words which you will never hear in the pilot lounge at the local flight school...;
http://aviatormag.com.au/wp/the-harsh-reality-of-helicopters/
Mandatory reading for newcomers...
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- Gold Wings
- Posts: 114
- Joined: Sep 2008
Mandatory reading for newcomers...
Where there is no vision - the people shall perish.
- CYHeli
- 4th Dan
- Posts: 1825
- Joined: Jun 2006
Re: Mandatory reading for newcomers...
It is interesting that the author (Brenton) states in a comment at the end that he first wrote the article ten years ago. Nothing has changed.
For those who wish to pursue a career in aviation, remember that it is a marathon, not a sprint and as a good friend told me once, persistence beats resistance. The more you try, the luckier you will be.
For those who wish to pursue a career in aviation, remember that it is a marathon, not a sprint and as a good friend told me once, persistence beats resistance. The more you try, the luckier you will be.
What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.
- FerrariFlyer
- 4th Dan
- Posts: 1543
- Joined: Aug 2006
Re: Mandatory reading for newcomers...
There are a lot of 'industry truths' in that very well written article. Of course, this first-hand account would provide a great insight into the rotary world for any wannabe pilot as it presents everything in a warts and all summary. However, responsibly for one's own career outcomes ultimately rests solely with the individual and this includes researching things before you commit your money and efforts.
We mustn't forget that an aviation career is not the only difficult vocation in which to gain entry.
An example is a former friend I knew a few years back who studied medicine and after 6-7 years at uni overseas he came to Australia for better work prospects. Initially he started working as a registrar in a small regional hospital on $60-70,000 working rotating day and night shifts. He did this for 3 years before moving into a larger hospital into a similar role in A&E making $75-80,000. He then returned to part time study to specialise for a few years and now after 14-15 years in medicine, a massive study debt, multiple moves he's making good money in the vicinity of $200,000 ish in a capital city.
How similar is the above for your average fixed-wing driver?
For your average newbie contemplating a helicopter career ask as many questions you can of people already in the industry. If you still like what you hear after asking the questions then go for it.
We mustn't forget that an aviation career is not the only difficult vocation in which to gain entry.
An example is a former friend I knew a few years back who studied medicine and after 6-7 years at uni overseas he came to Australia for better work prospects. Initially he started working as a registrar in a small regional hospital on $60-70,000 working rotating day and night shifts. He did this for 3 years before moving into a larger hospital into a similar role in A&E making $75-80,000. He then returned to part time study to specialise for a few years and now after 14-15 years in medicine, a massive study debt, multiple moves he's making good money in the vicinity of $200,000 ish in a capital city.
How similar is the above for your average fixed-wing driver?
For your average newbie contemplating a helicopter career ask as many questions you can of people already in the industry. If you still like what you hear after asking the questions then go for it.
- jetfule
- Sensei
- Posts: 30
- Joined: Oct 2005
Re: Mandatory reading for newcomers...
Great article
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- Gold Wings
- Posts: 113
- Joined: Jan 2014
Re: Mandatory reading for newcomers...
I agree, the secret to starting this dogged road is youth and mobility.....and money.
If you don't have the youth you probably have the money, but if you have the money you probably don't have have the mobility.
There are exceptions and we all know them, but go for your dreams. I have a good job but the commute is killing me, I also have a beautiful family and they're sacrosanct, so it comes down to perspective.
They is so much more to life than flying. Enjoy what you love, endure what you have to.
If you don't have the youth you probably have the money, but if you have the money you probably don't have have the mobility.
There are exceptions and we all know them, but go for your dreams. I have a good job but the commute is killing me, I also have a beautiful family and they're sacrosanct, so it comes down to perspective.
They is so much more to life than flying. Enjoy what you love, endure what you have to.
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- Gold Wings
- Posts: 102
- Joined: Sep 2015
Re: Mandatory reading for newcomers...
They is so much more to life than flying
Like wot?
Like wot?
- hand in pants
- 4th Dan
- Posts: 1615
- Joined: Sep 2006
Re: Mandatory reading for newcomers...
Birdy, I've always said I don't love flying, I love my wife and enjoy flying.
for those that want to do it, do it, don't sit back and make excuses because if that's what you are doing, you're not that interested in it.
To do any good at it you need to really want to do it, not at any cost, but at some cost. I know blokes that have lost wives and girl friends for it but they are doing what they set out to do. If you have a wife and family, might be too late for some, okay for others. Some are lucky that they have a missus who will wear the time away, the late nights, the early starts, the days of no work and will take the ups and downs (no pun intended). Put in the hard yards early on and it gets better. We're not doctors or lawyers, we fly helicopters. Will start off on poop money, but hey, who doesn't, just remember that the licence is issued for you to gain experience.
for those that want to do it, do it, don't sit back and make excuses because if that's what you are doing, you're not that interested in it.
To do any good at it you need to really want to do it, not at any cost, but at some cost. I know blokes that have lost wives and girl friends for it but they are doing what they set out to do. If you have a wife and family, might be too late for some, okay for others. Some are lucky that they have a missus who will wear the time away, the late nights, the early starts, the days of no work and will take the ups and downs (no pun intended). Put in the hard yards early on and it gets better. We're not doctors or lawyers, we fly helicopters. Will start off on poop money, but hey, who doesn't, just remember that the licence is issued for you to gain experience.
Hand in Pants, I'm thinking, my god, that IS huge!!!!!!!!
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- Gold Wings
- Posts: 102
- Joined: Sep 2015
Re: Mandatory reading for newcomers...
All true HIP.
I love my wife too, have for 20 odd years, with the occasional momentary want to strangle, and im sure its mutual, but we are human.
Id like to know what lable you could put on ones attraction to flight?
Guess itd depend on your reason you fly.
Recreationaly, occupation, no other alternative.....
Im just greatfull i had the urge very young, saw the obvious advantages of being above the ground in my line of work, and living at a time when rotory flight is avalelable.
I love my wife too, have for 20 odd years, with the occasional momentary want to strangle, and im sure its mutual, but we are human.
Id like to know what lable you could put on ones attraction to flight?
Guess itd depend on your reason you fly.
Recreationaly, occupation, no other alternative.....
Im just greatfull i had the urge very young, saw the obvious advantages of being above the ground in my line of work, and living at a time when rotory flight is avalelable.
- hand in pants
- 4th Dan
- Posts: 1615
- Joined: Sep 2006
Re: Mandatory reading for newcomers...
Mate, don't know about a label, but I enjoy doing it because it's something that not a lot of people can do. Oh I know a lot of people can do it, but in the scheme of things we are few and far between.
And much like you, I had the urge earlyish, I was 35 to change jobs for something I had looked and with wonder as a youngster and thought, "that looks like it would be the most fun". And it is............................
And much like you, I had the urge earlyish, I was 35 to change jobs for something I had looked and with wonder as a youngster and thought, "that looks like it would be the most fun". And it is............................
Hand in Pants, I'm thinking, my god, that IS huge!!!!!!!!
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- Gold Wings
- Posts: 102
- Joined: Sep 2015
Re: Mandatory reading for newcomers...
I think that startn out on the back of a horse before i was old enough to walk, helps me appreciate just how lucky i am to be alive now.
I have no regrets about the old days, cept the horses.
Reckon the only lable from me would be, appreciation.
Life is what you make it, so get your a** into gear n do it.
I have no regrets about the old days, cept the horses.
Reckon the only lable from me would be, appreciation.
Life is what you make it, so get your a** into gear n do it.
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