Helicopter or Fixed Wing?

John Williams

John Williams

Member
I am 16 years old, and I want to begin flight training. I originally wanted to be a fixed wing pilot, as they make significantly more money than helicopter pilots, at least at the airline level. However, I was only able to get the special issuance medical from the FAA. I have read that the major airlines only hire people with "unrestricted" medicals. If this is true, then I may never reach airline-level salaries anyway. In this case, the salary advantage of fixed wing may not apply to me, which is why I'm now considering rotor-craft training.

It is hard for me to say which one I prefer, as I have only been in one helicopter. I am more familiar with airplanes, and the training is a lot cheaper. However, because the training is more expensive, there are fewer helicopter pilots. This means it is probably easier to find a job, especially considering I have medical conditions. Helicopter airlines might be more lenient.

If it weren't for the medical conditions, I would just go for fixed-wing. I can't be sure that major airlines would hire me with this special issuance. It would be nice to have a definitive answer to this, as it's a tad risky to spend thousands on flight training to no avail. Even if they would hire me, it's probably a good idea to try and get the unrestricted medical. I'm not sure if I can, however. So, what should I do?
 
John Williams said:
I am 16 years old, and I want to begin flight training. I originally wanted to be a fixed wing pilot, as they make significantly more money than helicopter pilots, at least at the airline level. However, I was only able to get the special issuance medical from the FAA. I have read that the major airlines only hire people with "unrestricted" medicals. If this is true, then I may never reach airline-level salaries anyway. In this case, the salary advantage of fixed wing may not apply to me, which is why I'm now considering rotor-craft training.

It is hard for me to say which one I prefer, as I have only been in one helicopter. I am more familiar with airplanes, and the training is a lot cheaper. However, because the training is more expensive, there are fewer helicopter pilots. This means it is probably easier to find a job, especially considering I have medical conditions. Helicopter airlines might be more lenient.

If it weren't for the medical conditions, I would just go for fixed-wing. I can't be sure that major airlines would hire me with this special issuance. It would be nice to have a definitive answer to this, as it's a tad risky to spend thousands on flight training to no avail. Even if they would hire me, it's probably a good idea to try and get the unrestricted medical. I'm not sure if I can, however. So, what should I do?
Click to expand...

There are very few jobs available for helicopter pilots right now. And that is likely to continue for a long time. The crash of oil prices has kill the gulf market and there are lots of helicopter pilots out of work.

Go fixed wing.
 
Good on you for looking down the road and trying to make an educated decision. I think you could get more help if you were willing to share some of restricted medical details and get advice from that regard. My two cents, no matter the case is to do whatever you can to keep heading in the general direction of what you want to do without going into debt, if at all possible.
 
John Williams said:
Did they ask what the reason for the special issuance is? And even the major airlines like Delta, United, American etc would hire?
Click to expand...

Nobody has ever asked whether I have a special issuance, or what it's for, only whether I can hold a first class medical or not.

I've worked a part 135 company and two part 121 airlines and it's never come up.
 
John Williams said:
I can't know where I want to go to college until I decide on a career.
Click to expand...

Sure you can. Finding a university where you fit in academically and socially is much more important than the veracity of the degree program, as long as it's accredited.

And I say this having a doctorate in the form of a professional degree.
 
jtrain609 said:
Sure you can. Finding a university where you fit in academically and socially is much more important than the veracity of the degree program, as long as it's accredited.

And I say this having a doctorate in the form of a professional degree.
Click to expand...

You're stil a hack.

:)
 
John Williams said:
I am 16 years old, and I want to begin flight training. I originally wanted to be a fixed wing pilot, as they make significantly more money than helicopter pilots, at least at the airline level. However, I was only able to get the special issuance medical from the FAA. I have read that the major airlines only hire people with "unrestricted" medicals. If this is true, then I may never reach airline-level salaries anyway. In this case, the salary advantage of fixed wing may not apply to me, which is why I'm now considering rotor-craft training.

It is hard for me to say which one I prefer, as I have only been in one helicopter. I am more familiar with airplanes, and the training is a lot cheaper. However, because the training is more expensive, there are fewer helicopter pilots. This means it is probably easier to find a job, especially considering I have medical conditions. Helicopter airlines might be more lenient.

If it weren't for the medical conditions, I would just go for fixed-wing. I can't be sure that major airlines would hire me with this special issuance. It would be nice to have a definitive answer to this, as it's a tad risky to spend thousands on flight training to no avail. Even if they would hire me, it's probably a good idea to try and get the unrestricted medical. I'm not sure if I can, however. So, what should I do?
Click to expand...

Sounds like a special issuance isn't a big deal.

Money talks, walks... go to the fixed wing side of the house... that's where the money and the pilot shortage will be for a while, and as you said, training is cheaper.

Definitely don't miss out on the college experience either...
 
As long as you show up with the appropriate medical card in hand, they won't ask about how you came about it. With the pilot shortage on and only looking to get worse they can't afford to be pickey and choosey like that.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
 
John Williams said:
I can't know where I want to go to college until I decide on a career.
Click to expand...

Sure you can. I would suggest figuring out where you want to go to school, and everything will follow from there. Find a glider club near your school and fly those for a few years, if you want to fly on the side for a bit.
 
According to the FAA, I am "ineligible for medical certification" for the following medical conditions:

Addison's disease - this is a chronic condition that I take medication for daily. As long as I take the medication, I am able to live a normal lifestyle.

Autoimmune Encephalitis - I have this diagnosis for some neuro-psychiatric symptoms I was exhibiting, including OCD (I'm pretty sure everybody has some OCD).
Currently I take daily medication, and I have received monthly IV infusions for the past few years. As the symptoms have continued to improve, I will be weening off the infusions. If I remain stable without the infusions, then I may ween off the daily meds, too. If I am still doing well, then I may ultimately be able to get rid of this diagnosis.

The letter I received from the FAA says that I am "ineligible for medical certification," but that I may be granted "Authorization for special issuance" of the enclosed 3rd class medical certificate. Speaking of which, when the AME examined me, I tested at 20/20 vision, so shouldn't I be able to go all the way up to the 1st class medical?
 
John Williams said:
According to the FAA, I am "ineligible for medical certification" for the following medical conditions:

Addison's disease - this is a chronic condition that I take medication for daily. As long as I take the medication, I am able to live a normal lifestyle.

Autoimmune Encephalitis - I have this diagnosis for some neuro-psychiatric symptoms I was exhibiting, including OCD (I'm pretty sure everybody has some OCD).
Currently I take daily medication, and I have received monthly IV infusions for the past few years. As the symptoms have continued to improve, I will be weening off the infusions. If I remain stable without the infusions, then I may ween off the daily meds, too. If I am still doing well, then I may ultimately be able to get rid of this diagnosis.

The letter I received from the FAA says that I am "ineligible for medical certification," but that I may be granted "Authorization for special issuance" of the enclosed 3rd class medical certificate. Speaking of which, when the AME examined me, I tested at 20/20 vision, so shouldn't I be able to go all the way up to the 1st class medical?
Click to expand...
You're going to need to work with an AME that really knows their stuff I'd imagine. You need to talk to them about your conditions and what is and isn't possible regarding them. At some point you'll need a 1st class medical, so you need to discuss how to go about obtaining one of those.
 
I'd go fixed wing. Easier to get a job and money will probably be good starting out by the time you make it. Also, before you get super serious about this and even spend a dime on school hunting....get a 1st class medical. See if you're even eligible.

Had a kid in my freshman class go all the way to sophomore year and then realized he was ineligible for a first class due to his eyes. He was pretty bummed and already had his private and had to switch majors. Great kid. I just don't understand why people go through the entire thing under a 3rd class then find out the scary news when they're at the point of an airline interview. Just my advice.

Also, I have a restricted medical for my eyes and the airlines didn't seem to care. I'd assume a large number of pilots have the "must wear corrective lenses" on their medicals....
 
tcco94 said:
I'd go fixed wing. Easier to get a job and money will probably be good starting out by the time you make it. Also, before you get super serious about this and even spend a dime on school hunting....get a 1st class medical. See if you're even eligible.

Had a kid in my freshman class go all the way to sophomore year and then realized he was ineligible for a first class due to his eyes. He was pretty bummed and already had his private and had to switch majors. Great kid. I just don't understand why people go through the entire thing under a 3rd class then find out the scary news when they're at the point of an airline interview. Just my advice.

Also, I have a restricted medical for my eyes and the airlines didn't seem to care. I'd assume a large number of pilots have the "must wear corrective lenses" on their medicals....
Click to expand...
Why wouldn't I be able to get the 1st class? The only difference between the 1st and 3rd is increased vision requirements (which I already tested at) and an electrocardiogram. I'm only 16, so the electrocardiogram should be a non event.. and yes, airlines allow corrective lenses. Glasses do not require a special issuance.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top