Career

[Jmanuel0926]

I been asked for the third time this week, which industry is better?. Fix wing (Regional) or helo. I have several freinds that are planning to get their ratings but just don't know which route to take.. According to them they really dont care what they are flying, has long as they are up in the air. They want to make it a career so they don't want to make the wrong choice... Any feedback will help.... Thank You

[skydog]

First off, don't confuse industry with profession. There is the airline industry, which uses airplanes to make money, and there is the piloting profession, which can be used in a number of different industries.

Secondly, any industry that uses aircraft to make money is going to come with three things: average pay, no job security, and a lousy work schedule. That is the nature of transportation. Industries that employ pilots, but do not attempt to make money by flying aircraft, will likely pay better, but there will still be little job security, and the schedule will not be great.

FInally, your friends need to decide if they want to fly, or if they want to travel. Airline flying means constant travel, meaning living out of a suitcase, and a different hotel each night. Non-airline flying may require some travel, but you are far more likely to be home at night and on weekends. If they want to fly, then I would recommend either helicopters and/or flight instruction. You actually get to pilot the aircraft, instead of just monitoring systems.