Helo or Fixed Wing?

aviatorrbt

aviatorrbt

New Member
Hey everyone,
I am trying to decide whether to go with the helicopter route of aviation or the fixed wing. What do you all think? I believe I would be happier with helicopters, but I do not have any true time in the cockpit of a helicopter. I have my fixed wing PPL and like that a lot also. Anyways, I just wanted to know how the business aspects are from your standpoints. Would I be able to get a job just as easily as if I was to start CFIing as fixed wing? I am just totally in the dark! Any input is great!
 
Hard question dude. I took a demo flight in the helo and knew that was it. A good demo will include auto's. This way there are no suprises during training. You have to look at what you want to do for a living. Forget the money part of it. Fixed wing is better in the long run as far as that goes. Ask yourself if you want to go places or do things. That is the thing I had to figure out. Airplanes take you places and helos do things. Once you figure out which fits you then go from there.
It is a good time to get started the Gulf of Mexico is booming and other areas are expanding in record numbers.
Shane
 
Flying helicopters is a complete blast - it's an entirely different form of aviation all together. Shane has it right on with the going places vs. doing things. Pay; starts of okay, gets to acceptable, and tops out. Fixed wing starts like crap but moves on to better than acceptable (eventually).

Definitely get an intro flight and see how you like it.
 
I always had a rule that if guys were within 90 days of a set of orders that I would not loan them jack. It more than likley would end up at CIF with there name on it if you know what I mean. Good job on getting out, I know thats a hard choice to make.
Shane
 
Ian J said:
Flying helicopters is a complete blast - it's an entirely different form of aviation all together. Shane has it right on with the going places vs. doing things. Pay; starts of okay, gets to acceptable, and tops out. Fixed wing starts like crap but moves on to better than acceptable (eventually).

Definitely get an intro flight and see how you like it.
Click to expand...

What you all mean by 'going places' verses 'doing things'? I understand that fixed wing flight is continuously A to B... that's where the going places comes from. But what about doing things? I guess I am just unfamiliar with this concept.
 
Ian J said:
Flying helicopters is a complete blast - it's an entirely different form of aviation all together. Shane has it right on with the going places vs. doing things. Pay; starts of okay, gets to acceptable, and tops out. Fixed wing starts like crap but moves on to better than acceptable (eventually).

Definitely get an intro flight and see how you like it.
Click to expand...
 
Ian J said:
Definitely get an intro flight and see how you like it.
Click to expand...

Yea I know. I talked to a guy today at work who flew in with his R44. He is a CFI and is willing to take me up for a 'demo flight.' It is going to be nice because he said I could fly it within 15 minutes because of my prior flight experience. We got to talking about cost and he said I could pick the price for the flight. What do you guys think? I have no idea about helicopter prices. I don't want to underpay or overpay of course! Thanks.
 
An hour of 44 time is about $450. What I mean about doing things is that helos are used for EMS, fighting fires, placing air conditioners, news. Stuff like that; kind of a tool if you would.
Shane
 
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