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Originally Posted by ChinookDriver  Ugh... that question depends largely on who you talk to. I can give you 2nd hand info I've heard from some pilots in the industry. They seem to think the gulf of mexico helo operations are expanding, and there is a need for more more pilots. Others (though fewer) have told me the opposite. Wish I had a better answer, but I'm not in the civilian helo industry. (Yet... I mean, maybe yet.  ) |
I keep tabs on hiring for both fixed wing and RW pilots, and there is a shortage of QUALIFIED helicopter pilots.
The entry level jobs as CFI normally, for insurance and FAR requirements, require time in R-22s as this is what most schools use. These jobs seem to be tougher to find than the other jobs which require more experience.
The next step up is spotting tuna and other fish for fishing fleets.
Next is flying helicopter tours.
Flying oil rigs in the Gulf and EMS are next. Some of the EMS jobs can pay very well, but the requirements are hard to meet unless you have NVG time.
Other jobs include traffic/news helicopters, corporate, logging, fire fighting.
Corporate is normally at the top of the heap.
As an example, one job site has 18 RW positions that were posted just yesterday (12 Jan). Most of these, however, are NOT entry level positions.