I am posting this not to start a flame war, but just to give my story in case anyone is considering leaving helicopters for fixed-wing.

In 1996 I was working a couple of week external load operation out of an airport in the mid-West. While there I got to know quy who ran a charter outfit with Cessna jets. Just before I left told him I had a multi-engine/instrument rating but at best 200 hours total airplane, and kind of would like to fly jets someday. He said, come to work for us. That he would train me.

So I did. Started at the bottom again at age 34 making low co-pilot wage....One of the reasons why I did not like airlines is I like change, diffferent places, etc., and helicopters doing the external load work around the U.S. was doing that.....Well I fell in love with the charter jet world, and began the steady climb. 

Now I have not always worked charter, and did not give up heliopters then. Did have a 14 year stint doing both jets and helos for a rich guy.

Today I am only charter jets in a Gulfstream and love it. I make just over 200k a year, not the highest pay, not the lowest, but like working for these guys. And my schedule is a solid 2 weeks on the road and 2 weeks at home. If I do workover, am paid a daily rate at 1.5

When you hear people say, well charter or private jet is all ways on, no schedule. That might be true at some places, but they cannot keep anyone for long. And some of those where you are on that always on call, except vacation time. It can be with a principal like a friend of mine works for. 200k a year, and gone about 90 days a year. Rest of the time, at home. Has been there about 12 years and you cannot drag him out of it.

Just know for me, leaving full time helo for jets, leading to international jets, was the best choice for me. Never have regrettted it. Have been around the world more times than I can remember. Been to more places than I can often remember, and done adventures there. And met, even got to know a little some of the more famous people in the world.

All helo is great for some, and no slam towards them. I just knew in the long run, it was not for me.

really knows his stuff lol

With respects. I don't think you realize how much charter can be "on". "Always on" in charter can mean riding you right up to the limits in flight time, duty on, rest time, all the time.

Can be way more brutal, and usaully is, than any 91 "always on". 

And 135 charter helo and 135 charter jets are way too different worlds. 

Certified A/C's operate under 14 CFR 91 whether 135, 121. Experimentals  don't. If you don't have a paying pax & flt crew works  for operator it can be a 91 flt i.e. dead heading.

You cannot 91 to a 135 flight, but you can 91 at the end, and been there, more than once. 10 hours across the pond, drop pax. The 5 across to L.A. to be in posistion for a flight later once rest period is over.  

Again, it is not for everybody, but I love it, and if any helo only pilot wants to do it, go for it. Do not listen to naysayers. I know one guy who made the jump at 55 and is still 91 jets at 77 years old.

what is wrong with you bro 

Flew Charter, Tours, Medevac, then went to charter / 91 -

Now Flying Gulfstreams and Falcons internationally.

The pay can't compare nor can the experience, but I do miss flying helicopters as well.

FW is safer, pays better, and more opportunity, but more time spent in the seat and a lot more training to remain current and proficient (okay, maybe not a "LOT" more, but a bit more). 

International Ops took several years to really get the hang of. 

And amazing how you can still be going to places you have never been and learning something new on the international ops.

Not for every helo guy to make the jump, but I'm glad I did. And as I just stated in another post. Do not listen to naysayers if you desire to....I know one guy who did it at 55, and is still flying 91 jets at age 77.

on ya.

I did 700 hours fixed wing including jet but just couldn't hack the long leg boredom.

Personal thing.

Sure wish I would have done it.

There are opportunities for dual rated captains out there. Hover beaches on a Tuesday, cross the Atlantic on a Friday. It's a 007 life, try it. decades deep and still enjoying flying like I just started. 🚁🛩

I pretty much did the same thing as you.  Was working external load on the west coast and was flying a King Air part time.  I really wanted to get into FW but the pay was horrible.  I think a new FO at Comair was making 10k a year.  I finally worked my way into a regional and spent 8 years as FO and Capt for the last 4.  Got hired flying 747's and now Captain on the 777.  Its all international and long days and legs but the pay is pretty good over 300K a year.   15-17 days off a month all in a row and that can be spread into 2 months off in a row with just using two weeks vacation.   Its a pretty sweet job but it can be very fatiguing.   Do I miss flying helicopters?  Not really because I have seen so many friends die from accidents and many accidents were not their fault.  Helicopters are very fun to fly but if I never get in one again I won't be sad.