career

[C-130avi]

How is the helo industry doing, I have given thought about getting helo rating but not to sure. If I was a single then I really would not care too much about the pay, has long Im flying Im happy. But Im not single I have a family to support and I really dont want to invest all that money and then not be able to fly because the pay sucks or I cant find work. any suggest out there

[Ian J]

Originally Posted by C-130avi

How is the helo industry doing, I have given thought about getting helo rating but not to sure. If I was a single then I really would not care too much about the pay, has long Im flying Im happy. But Im not single I have a family to support and I really dont want to invest all that money and then not be able to fly because the pay sucks or I cant find work. any suggest out there

First off... have you seen our handy-dandy Helo forum here at JC? Might have some answers for ya.

As far as Helo pay: Usually starting pay for a job in the gulf of mexico is 40- 50k; above what say a regional starting job would make. However, the pay usually tops around 70k or so... but it really is job dependent.

Training can cost you up to three times as much as fixed wing training.

Job market: Excellent right now. GOM is reportedly taking lower time guys and there is supposedly a "pilot shortage."

The job: Helo flying is very rewarding, and a lot of fun. Schedules range from 5/2, 7/7, and 14/14. In the GOM, you will be based at the jobsite and most likely will be away from home every other week.

Hope this helps!

[C-130avi]

Im not in anymore, about a month ago I went to a recruiter for army national guard to see if he can get me into flight school and he told me there is nothing he can do for me. So can you please give me some information on how I can get myself in. I really want this

[Ian J]

If you are trying through the Guard... I can't really help you. I don't know anything about how they work, excpet that what you mentioned in the other thread about needing to know someone might be true... I assumed you were talking from an active duty standpoint.

As long as you meet the basic qualifications, you should be able to talk to an active duty army recruiter to go back in straight to WOC school. Are you willing to go back on active duty?

[C-130avi]

If I'm going to fly yes I'm willing to go back active duty

[Ian J]

Then it's easy (the answer, not the process)... go here: http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/

Wealth of info. Click on the Click here to find out how to get started on becoming a Warrant Officer link at the top of the page. Get really smart on all that info before talking to a recruiter. Lots of paperwork and waiting for answers, but it can be done. Good luck.

[C-130avi]

are you at the moment active?

[Ian J]

Yes I am... but I am a commissioned guy... not a Warrant.

[C-130avi]

Thank you Im going to look into that. Hope it works out.

[vertical22]

I'm also trying to narrow it down either Military or Civilian. I'm not to sure..

[Ian J]

It's been said on this site before, but it's worth mentioning again.

When deciding on a military or civilian career... don't join the military just to fly. Join because of a dedication to duty to the service and the country. If you join for the wrong reasons, you could end up very unhappy.

That being said, welcome to JC vertical22! Background info?