Helicopter Jobs

(John) wrote in message . com...
I've been hearing very contradicting statements about helicopeter
jobs.

Some sources say that there just aren't any and the ones that are
there are very low. Say 20-30k a year. However, other sources claim
that pilots are becoming scarce, and that new pilots aren't coming
along quick enough to replace the vietnam era pilots as they are
retiring. Also that starting salaries are around 30-50k depending on
your source. And many sources i've found say the avg. helicopter
salary is 100k.

So what i would like to know is what does the job market look like,
how easy/hard is it to get a job as a comercial helicopter pilot. And
how much do they pay?

If you are a helciopter pilot, why not share your story of what it
took to get where you are, and how much your salary happens to be.

It seems very difficult to find any reliable information about these
jobs.

Thanks,
JOHN
John
I've been a helicopter pilot since 1967 and have NEVER made more than
about 55K. I have over 8000 hours in helicopters and a total of
21,000+. My best money was doing crop dusting and I normally worked
about 8 months of the year. I got my start in fixed wing in the late
50's and have done damned near everything there is for a pilot to do
in general aviation. Sure there is going to be a pilot shortage simply
because no one wants to pay a new pilot much and can't get affordable
insurance for them. A few stick it out and end up with a career in the
cockpit. Some make good money, like 75-100K but they are very rare.
The majority will end up with closer to 50K regardless of what kind of
flying you do. Even now the best I can get is about 55K in spite of my
experience. I'd do it again too. I've been in some amazing places,
done some amazing things, worked with some amazing people, and lived
an amazing life. So much so that people don't believe half of what I
say. So, I don't often say much about it anymore. But when I see an
honest request for straight scoop, I tell it like I have seen it for
45 years.
ATP, SMELS, CFII/RAM, AIGI
Ol Shy & Bashful - FlyinRock

Rocky,
We love your stories.
Please tel us another one.


Regards


hennie Roets

South Africa

Rocky,
We love your stories.
Please tel us another one.


Regards


hennie Roets

South Africa

(Hennie) wrote in message . com...
Rocky,
We love your stories.
Please tel us another one.


Regards


hennie Roets

South Africa

Hennie
Voetsok with the stories!! Passed Kroonstad many times enroute to
Welkom when I worked for Astra Helicopters at Rand in Germiston. That
was a job that allowed me to see South Africa in its entirety. Doing
contract flying for ESCOM and way leaving for the power lines. Got to
see the country top to bottom, coast to coast. Even flew the Radio
HiVeldt traffic watch with Ollie in the earliest days with a Bell 206A
model. Barely enough power to carry him, the radios and me up there at
6000 ft but it was fun.
Even so, the money was only enough to pay the rent and food plus a few
incidentals. Hasn't changed all that much since 1974 has it?
Cheers -Rocky

Rocky,
You are right nothing much has changed except for the color
of my hair and the size of my tummy. Who would ever forget Ollie
and the radio highveld helicopter.

You should know that a pilot sometimes learn a lot just from hangar
talk and that is why we would love to hear some more stories.
Please!!!!!!!!!

Regards

Hennie


Voetsok with the stories!! Passed Kroonstad many times enroute to
Welkom when I worked for Astra Helicopters at Rand in Germiston. That
was a job that allowed me to see South Africa in its entirety. Doing
contract flying for ESCOM and way leaving for the power lines. Got to
see the country top to bottom, coast to coast. Even flew the Radio
HiVeldt traffic watch with Ollie in the earliest days with a Bell 206A
model. Barely enough power to carry him, the radios and me up there at
6000 ft but it was fun.
Even so, the money was only enough to pay the rent and food plus a few
incidentals. Hasn't changed all that much since 1974 has it?
Cheers -Rocky

(Hennie) wrote in message om...
Rocky,
You are right nothing much has changed except for the color
of my hair and the size of my tummy. Who would ever forget Ollie
and the radio highveld helicopter.

You should know that a pilot sometimes learn a lot just from hangar
talk and that is why we would love to hear some more stories.
Please!!!!!!!!!

Regards

Hennie
Hennie
Lets start another topic regarding some of the flying adventures shall we?
Cheers
Rocky


Voetsok with the stories!! Passed Kroonstad many times enroute to
Welkom when I worked for Astra Helicopters at Rand in Germiston. That
was a job that allowed me to see South Africa in its entirety. Doing
contract flying for ESCOM and way leaving for the power lines. Got to
see the country top to bottom, coast to coast. Even flew the Radio
HiVeldt traffic watch with Ollie in the earliest days with a Bell 206A
model. Barely enough power to carry him, the radios and me up there at
6000 ft but it was fun.
Even so, the money was only enough to pay the rent and food plus a few
incidentals. Hasn't changed all that much since 1974 has it?
Cheers -Rocky