Msg ID:
2783709 |
Future? +10/-4
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Author:Curious
5/25/2023 6:45:30 PM
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In light of increased cost of living, stagnant pay, etc. Do you think there is a long term future in being a helicopter pilot? It seems to me, that unless you are already well off or close to retirement, there is no where that seems like someone with 25+ years to retirement could have a career that pays enough to keep up with even a minimal cost of living increase. Thoughts? |
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Msg ID:
2783713 |
Future? +7/-1
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Author:Pops
5/25/2023 7:15:44 PM
Reply to: 2783709
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The HAA industry is on a down hill slide |
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Msg ID:
2784140 |
Future? +1/-0
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Author:Xphier
5/31/2023 5:06:19 PM
Reply to: 2783713
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The late great Robert Suggs Sr. once said he could find helicopter pilots in the gutters of New Orleans to hire at a drop of a dime. Have times changed? |
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Msg ID:
2783714 |
Future? +3/-1
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Author:New IP Guy
5/25/2023 7:18:17 PM
Reply to: 2783709
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Wheels Up is a good example of how to be a millionaire in aviation. Eastern is another. There are many others. |
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Msg ID:
2783716 |
Future? +1/-1
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Author:hey hose
5/25/2023 7:34:06 PM
Reply to: 2783714
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I don't think either of those companies had a single helicopter |
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Msg ID:
2783750 |
Future? +0/-2
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Author:New IP Guy
5/26/2023 6:47:38 AM
Reply to: 2783716
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You should have terminated your sentence after your first 3 words. |
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Msg ID:
2783751 |
Future? +1/-1
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Author:Eastern?
5/26/2023 6:48:53 AM
Reply to: 2783714
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Eastern Airlines LLC?? These NEW at the top just screwed the Co employees by saying move to KMCI W//6k$ moving expense ( joke) OR stay on till we find your replacement, train them then good bye!!! |
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Msg ID:
2783719 |
I make 130k total +4/-13
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Author:Flying a vfr single in HAA
5/25/2023 7:54:24 PM
Reply to: 2783709
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Work a bit of OT and I never have to worry about money, and that's after maxing my 401k and Roth every year. What the heck are you talking about?
Unless you're in a high cost of living city you have the potential to earn more than the majority of the other people in your area. |
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Msg ID:
2783720 |
I make 130k total +7/-3
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Author:who gives a
5/25/2023 8:40:26 PM
Reply to: 2783719
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s**t whether you have potential to earn more money than other people. it's not a contest |
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Msg ID:
2783721 |
Refer to the original question +2/-5
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Author:If you would
5/25/2023 8:53:33 PM
Reply to: 2783720
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If you can earn more than most around you, does that not mean you can make a 25+ year career out of flying helicopters, even with the current inflation and stagnant salaries?
The real problems are going to hit the lower income folks first and then works it's way up the food chain. It's like the old saying you don't have to be fast enough to out run the bear, just need to be faster than the other guy. |
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Msg ID:
2783724 |
Refer to the original question +4/-3
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Author:say wut
5/25/2023 9:10:28 PM
Reply to: 2783721
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so if you're low pay is more than the other guy's low pay, that means you're doing good. lol got it. that's brilliant |
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Msg ID:
2783733 |
If we get to the point where half the population +1/-2
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Author:Can't make it on their salary
5/25/2023 10:11:53 PM
Reply to: 2783724
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Sounds like it's a national problem more than it's a "Can I make a career out of helicopters" problem. |
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Msg ID:
2784343 |
I make 130k total +0/-0
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Author:Wanna
6/3/2023 6:41:05 PM
Reply to: 2783720
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make a bet? |
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Msg ID:
2784344 |
I make 130k total +0/-0
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Author:Wanna
6/3/2023 6:42:44 PM
Reply to: 2783720
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make a bet? |
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Msg ID:
2783722 |
I make 130k total +3/-3
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Author:OP
5/25/2023 8:55:11 PM
Reply to: 2783719
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Pay at most places has not kept up with a nominal 3% COLA. Take your 130k (which doesn't seem great in today's economy, especially if you have to work OT to get that), times 3% increase over 30yrs and your looking at around $300k by retirement. Do you see companies keeping up with that? And that's just maintaining the current quality of life. Sounds like your quality of life is good for you, which is great. However, having been in the industry for 20yrs, I see a lot of pilots asking this question, which is also why a lot have gone to the airlines. I think the helicopter industry is going to be struggling to keep pilots at this rate. |
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Msg ID:
2783725 |
I make 130k total +6/-1
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Author:lol
5/25/2023 9:18:37 PM
Reply to: 2783722
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130k. not that great he says. a person making 130 is making more that 80% of the workers in the US. |
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Msg ID:
2783726 |
I make 130k total +3/-7
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Author:The ONLY
5/25/2023 9:39:58 PM
Reply to: 2783725
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Ones always complaining about their pay are the EMS crowd. When they fly the least, sit on their fat azz almost daily, have a fkd schedule up night and then switching to days throwing off their circadian rhythm, and think they're gods gift to helicopters. just quit already. No one cares, go fly your air whambulance and or go take a nap after finger banging your boyfriend. |
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Msg ID:
2783737 |
I make 130k total +3/-1
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Author:???
5/25/2023 10:28:28 PM
Reply to: 2783726
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Sounds like you have a complex and are angry at your current life situation. Maybe you should see someone about that? |
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Msg ID:
2783727 |
I make 130k total +3/-3
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Author:I made
5/25/2023 9:40:57 PM
Reply to: 2783725
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130k pretty much on the dot last year and I'm comfortable. |
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Msg ID:
2783734 |
I make 130k total +2/-2
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Author:Stupid Me
5/25/2023 10:16:04 PM
Reply to: 2783727
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I've been flying HAA at ___ for 22 years and still don't make close to $30k!! |
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Msg ID:
2783738 |
I make 130k total +0/-4
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Author:Ummm...
5/25/2023 10:31:14 PM
Reply to: 2783725
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But 80% of the population doesn't have the same cost invested in becoming a professional helicopter pilot.... |
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Msg ID:
2783739 |
I make 130k total +5/-2
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Author:the cost is insignificant in the long
5/25/2023 10:36:38 PM
Reply to: 2783738
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run. you pay 30k more than the guy that went to vo tech so that means you deserve to earn double his pay for the rest of you working life. more brilliance. |
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Msg ID:
2783736 |
Peaks and valleys +5/-0
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Author:My friend
5/25/2023 10:28:26 PM
Reply to: 2783722
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I can only speak from my own personal experience but base salaries have done better than 3% a year, and I'm at one of the major HAA operators. Does that mean we got at least 3% every year? No. Sometimes we got 3, sometimes 0, sometimes 6+.
Salaries don't exist in a bubble. If companies can't pay a living wage and attract pilots they will surely make changes, or fold. By the very nature of compounding the numbers get bigger the further on you go. $300k sounds outrageous now, just like $130k for a vfr single probably sounded pretty outlandish 30 years ago in 1993. |
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Msg ID:
2783740 |
Peaks and valleys +0/-1
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Author:Agreed
5/25/2023 10:37:16 PM
Reply to: 2783736
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However, I do see (what seems) like a growing trend of helicopter pilots asking the same question. A lot of the senior pilots I work with have stated they wouldn't be sticking around given the current climate if they were younger. I've never worked HAA so can't speak to that side of the industry. But, yes 30 years ago I don't think many would've said $130k isn't much...lol |
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Msg ID:
2783741 |
Peaks and valleys +3/-1
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Author:I have never heard anybody
5/25/2023 10:41:16 PM
Reply to: 2783740
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ask that question. It sure as eff isn't a trend. A new EMS or GOM pilot is making $80k most places after a couple years of teaching. go try and find better money at 25 with no other skills. |
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Msg ID:
2783821 |
I make 130k total +1/-1
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Author:Name one industry
5/26/2023 10:25:22 PM
Reply to: 2783722
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that has met your beliefs in how pay should continue to the moon. |
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Msg ID:
2783824 |
I make 130k total +0/-2
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Author:all of them
5/26/2023 10:59:16 PM
Reply to: 2783821
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every single one. pay has always gone up bro. not sure how you haven't noticed this. |
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Msg ID:
2783729 |
Future? +3/-1
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Author:15 years in
5/25/2023 9:56:32 PM
Reply to: 2783709
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starting now, I wouldn't do it again |
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Msg ID:
2783742 |
Fixed Wing +3/-3
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Author:ISFWes
5/25/2023 11:00:39 PM
Reply to: 2783709
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Go Fixed Wing
Make a ton of cash
By a helicopter to fly on your days off |
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Msg ID:
2783743 |
Future? +0/-4
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Author:say wut
5/25/2023 11:48:34 PM
Reply to: 2783709
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does every other job out there give you a raise every year that matches inflation? no. those are my thoughts. |
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Msg ID:
2783760 |
Future? +4/-4
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Author:Past
5/26/2023 8:34:29 AM
Reply to: 2783743
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30 years ago I saved up $60K working construction type jobs for flight school. After I got my CFI I made 16K my first year and $22 my second doing instruction and flying a reporter around for traffic watch in a R22.
Got in the B206 flying tours and moved to the GOM making $30-40K. Started in EMS 20 years ago and now make 6 figures at a busy base (4-6 flights in 24 hrs).
House is paid off, three vichles, no debt. All kids finished with college, wife never worker more than part time. Could retire tomorrow as 401K has done very well but will probably fly as long as able since most of my family members have lived to 90yrs.
For a new person looking at heli flying as a career I'd say, take a demo and if it's for you go for it. Make a plan and stick to it. I would do it again, no complaints, very happy with my career. |
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Msg ID:
2783766 |
Future? +0/-4
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Author:Retired
5/26/2023 10:14:48 AM
Reply to: 2783760
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started helicopters,fix wing aircraft in 1967, the. Range from corporat, law enforcement, airlines. , DAC, finially EMS, of all of the past flying RETIRED is the best occupation in aviation. No b- nurses, no time, just a boat,park and fish.
The only complaints is to the forests, like the tree or the bear in the woods no one hears or cares
wise up and life till retirement.
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Msg ID:
2783809 |
Future? +0/-1
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Author:cheap
5/26/2023 6:56:32 PM
Reply to: 2783766
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What is usually the second job for a R22 or R44 CFI after he gets 1000 hours or so instructing? |
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Msg ID:
2783810 |
Future? +4/-1
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Author:1000 hr pilot
5/26/2023 7:07:41 PM
Reply to: 2783809
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There was a time when you needed 3000 hours to get into EMS. Now 1200 is possible. Other beginer jobs use to be traffic watch for a TV station etc, moving bank checks to the main branch, Tours in the Grand Canyon, Alaska, Vegas etc, Tuna fishing flying off a boat, Wireline patrol etc.
For those who say EMS is easy I beg to differ. Planning an IFR flight at 3 am to cross the mountains at 8000ft so you can land at sea level during wind/rain conditions takes effort.
As does landing in new scene LZ every night when getting a brief from some volunteer firefighter who hasn't a clue what to look for ,even though they mean well.
Taking off at max gross weight under NVG's from same LZ when patients weight was under estimated by first responder by 100lbs.
I found utility flying pretty easy, a little too repetitive, but I don't come on here and call all utility pilot dumb asses.
Try and be nice. |
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Msg ID:
2783806 |
Future? +2/-2
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Author:You are correct
5/26/2023 6:27:25 PM
Reply to: 2783709
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The airlines are hiring children with zero experience. This means they will hire anyone. Airline pay is excellent after a few years and the union is legit. Fixed wing is the only chance at a legit career as a pilot. These EMS fools represent the vast majority of the industry. |
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Msg ID:
2783839 |
Potential is much higher in the airline world right now +0/-0
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Author:Airplane Andrew
5/27/2023 8:37:21 AM
Reply to: 2783806
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I went to a recent Delta wing ceremony and there was a 24 year old kid there as part of the new FO class.
Got licensed at age 16, flew his butt off, SkyWest, then Delta.
Kid can't legally rent a car until next year yet legally flies a multi-million dollar jet with possibly you or your families on board now.
If he barely invests on his own accord (I think Delta dumps 18% of your salary into your 401K), with the crazy money he'll make he could easily retire by age 40; worst case would be 45.
Or keep flying for another 10 years and be a millionaire. Just by that job alone. No need to take OT flights (which in his case pay thousands more than per hour/flight/day thanEMS or other helicopter incentive pay). No need for wife to work. No need for side-hustle.
It may not be for you, but the airlines are a GREAT opportunity and these next 5-10 years are your chance to join the ranks.
Research it carefully as it's not all rainbows and gumdrops the first few years, but can be life-changing and STILL very rewarding.
Also, pretty sure EMS will take you back if you get bored on that side or you don't make it.
What's there to lose?
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Msg ID:
2783812 |
Future? +2/-2
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Author:Debbie
5/26/2023 7:38:48 PM
Reply to: 2783709
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Helicopters are dying out. They are getting way too expensive to operate amd eventually the manufacturers will pri e themselves out of business. Airlines are sucking up helicopter pilots like crazy. Way better pay and long term long gevity is a plus. |
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Msg ID:
2783815 |
Future? +1/-2
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Author:HECK NO!!
5/26/2023 9:00:35 PM
Reply to: 2783709
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No way would I spend another 25 years in this industry. If you don't go in the Airlines now, you'll never get into it once they're done hiring. You'll then be stuck and in your 25th year you'll be that old guy who wished he had done different, and everyone will be tired of hearing it. |
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Msg ID:
2783818 |
Future? +0/-2
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Author:uh
5/26/2023 9:26:54 PM
Reply to: 2783815
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the airlines will never be done hiring bro |
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Msg ID:
2783817 |
Future? +1/-1
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Author:No regrets
5/26/2023 9:09:50 PM
Reply to: 2783709
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But after 40 years of flying maybe I'm just use to it. I can retire tomorrow with no issues but I continue because I'm still having fun. It's not for everyone, but it was for me. |
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Msg ID:
2783830 |
Future? +0/-6
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Author:The airlines
5/27/2023 12:35:14 AM
Reply to: 2783817
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Are only taking certain qualified people out of the helicopter industry. The ones that leave, won't be missed as they're usually the IFR and or Ex military doosh types who wouldn't make it very far in the civilian utility market anyways. The helicopter industry doesn't care one but if it loses a few guys to the airlines as there is always the hungry up and coming helicopter pilot to take their slot. |
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Msg ID:
2783842 |
Future? +0/-2
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Author:Interesting
5/27/2023 9:32:37 AM
Reply to: 2783830
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Take |
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Msg ID:
2783848 |
Future? +0/-1
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Author:not certain qualified
5/27/2023 11:03:45 AM
Reply to: 2783830
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any qualified. if you are a utility pilot and leave, we will cry |
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Msg ID:
2783849 |
Future? +0/-1
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Author:the civilian
5/27/2023 11:06:40 AM
Reply to: 2783830
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utility market. as opposed to the military utilty market. say wut |
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Msg ID:
2783841 |
Future? +3/-1
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Author:Black Bart
5/27/2023 9:28:46 AM
Reply to: 2783709
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The Cartel is hiring. |
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Msg ID:
2783843 |
Future? +0/-1
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Author:Wish I knew
5/27/2023 9:40:31 AM
Reply to: 2783841
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How to get on there |
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Msg ID:
2783936 |
Future? +0/-1
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Author:Questionable
5/28/2023 3:05:23 PM
Reply to: 2783709
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Depends on who what where and when.
30 years in civil sector, 25 in EMS, my base just went over $125K.
Beats offshore, I'm close to home, but I'm still working at age 60, almost $1M in savings, haven't really done any exciting travel, kind of a boring life.
I should have gone to the airlines 25 years ago.
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Msg ID:
2784342 |
Future? +0/-0
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Author:It’s definitely
6/3/2023 6:39:51 PM
Reply to: 2783709
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relative to your lifestyle and options. The airlines will always have their problems and competition so even there you'll be subject to developing and possibly exercising contingencies; probably jus a difference in financial scales. |
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