Anyone that is still lurking in these forums that once did HEMS and now flys commercial, how was the transition for a personal standpoint? Been considering but also im a decent helicopter pilot with many years of experience not sure I would ever feel as comfortable in something with wings. 

Don't recommend full FW transition until economy settles. Ecoconomy affects FW jobs greatly, EMS is stable. Been in this for a long time and seen it several times now. 

Do get the ratings and prepare for the transition, but be wary that the economy could (or not) crash causing layoffs (again).

Tough decision for sure. Better pay in the long run but more travel in the short run. Live out of suitcase but no 3am calls either...so.

The above poster is correct.Go ahead and get your ratings.Be ready(comfortable) for IMC flying and possibly single piot IFR if the job requires it.Turbo prop flying will pick the speed up but when you get into jets things are happening fast and that is the probably the most demanding transition for a helicopter guy.Just my 2 cents worth,YMMV.I did a little FW ems but went to the airlines as soon as I could.

How was the transition to being away from home so much?  My biggest problem is spending 15-20 days a month living in crummy hotels

Retired now but recommend the dual RW/FW ATP.  The flexibility you get is worth the effort.l

 they told him captain in 6 months he says. sure bro

Decided to switch from EMS (back when no NVGs provided for mountainous terrain at night) to FW. Fractional and for an airline.

Fractional was week on week off not including commute and pilots carried out a lot of duties like stocking aircraft with alcohol, cleaning the lav, loading bags onto a/c, etc. Pressure was immense. Had multiple in-flight emergencies including engine failure on take-off.

Airline schedule sucked with low seniority and was hard on my family plus didn't pay that well. My spouse picked up the lion's share of work at home and I didn't see my young children as much as I'd like.

EMS today has safety protocols that ensure rest and safety (NVGs, etc.) and I enjoy the week on week off schedule.   

"pilots carried out a lot of duties like stocking aircraft with alcohol, cleaning the lav, loading bags onto a/c, etc. Pressure was immense. Had multiple in-flight emergencies including engine failure on take-off."

lol "multiple" in flight emergencies

I completely believe the Stocking the aircraft, cleaning and loading bags. Any "pilot" or ramprat that spends any time at an airport can watch those guys work their tails off sometimes for those ungrateful rich F $#^s

Multiple emergencies? I don't believe so much. When did you last work 1928?

in the FBO most of the time. I sure as hell have never seen them doing any stocking or cleaning. You people are idiots.

Are you guys making per day for this fractional jet gig after a few years?

I fly FW contract work during my off hitch and make good money doing it. The clients are hit and miss though.  Some are super friendsly and helpful and others literally treat you like you are the hired help that you are.

I've loaded bags, cleaned lavs and waited around more times than I can count. I have also been treated like a sky God.  I could make a little more working OT at my HEMS job but the diversity is nice. 

The multiple in-flight emergencies are absolutely true.

The fractional airline was Avantair which was eventually shut down by the FAA when they uncovered a hangar filled with Piaggio aircraft that were in various forms of disassembly because parts were being cannibalized to keep other aircraft running. Mechanics covered it all up to keep aircraft in the air.

In the end, I think only five aircraft were functional and none of the fractional owners knew what was going on but they weren't getting the flights they paid for. I personally experienced two engine failures including one on take-off. An elevator fell off the tail during take-off from Camarillo, CA, the pilot landed in San Diego without noticing, flew to Palm Springs where the First Officer noticed the missing elevator which was later located on the runway in Camarillo. That was the beginning of a domino effect that eventually led to FAA inspectors discovering the hangar of aircraft carcasses.

https://fractionallaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/BCA-Avantair-Failure-2014-05.pdf

Have to work harder and spend a lot more time away from home, but the pay is better with future pay looking a lot brighter.  It is different, but still just flying.  Just a bit of transition between being experienced and being new

it was not too bad but the schedule was the worst part for me and my family... I used to live close to my ems base so I was home every day at some point. When flying for the airlines I would be gone for up to 2 weeks at a time ( cargo ) and 4-6 days at a time ( passangers ).  I decided to leave in 2020 for other ventures and I havent looked back at all... I do still miss helo flying tho...