i'm at a crossroads. I just got my CFI Helicopter and I am also a fixed wing pilot with around 500 hrs with 32 hrs multi engine. I'm a "kid" by most people's standards at 27. 

I love the idea of utility flying like on the powerlines. But most people I talk to say to go to the airlines. Help me decide! 

Also some people say to go to HAA since it is better for family and more of a "grown up" job. 

Thanks. 

I have been flying helicopters for 20 years. I have done offshore, some powerline work and now EMS since 2016. EMS is, by far, the easiest except for the nights. If I had to do it over again? Airplanes, no question. Here's the thing: everything turns into a job. You will have a better lifestyle, make WAY more money and be able to retire earlier with an airplane career. Some will say airline flying is boring, but endless hospital transfers and getting up at 3AM is no fun. Do your gravy flying during the day, stay at a nice hotel that night, repeat for a few days and head home. 

I started flying (via the US Army program) in 1982.  Strictly helicopters, never went the fixed wing route.  I was one of the lucky few who was able to eventually get a really good paying job overseas and finally was able to retire a couple of yes ago.  That required my getting an ATP rating though!  Luckily I spent time at an operator who had a couple of FAA Examiners on staff and allowed me to take the ATP ride as part of my annual recurrent training, which saved nme a lot of $$$.

If I had it to do over again, I'd get my fixed wing ratings and work toward a private jet job.  All the guys I know who went that route were/are happy and loved the job/lifestyle.

That's just me, others may think differently.

Good luck!

Well, if you really like flying pick the job that will keep you in the air. I have never done HAA but I don’t think you will get much time doing it. 

he really liked flying

Just do what you want to do and forget all the experts who will tell you what's "better." Each segment of aviation has good and bad points. But whatever you decide, just make sure you put money away for retirement. Live within your means, does any pilot really need a $70k pickup truck?

 A $70K pickup is dirt Cheap price by todays standards. Not sure where you're living but some of us have purchased alot of land thru our career and need our trucks to pull trailers and haul equiptment. maybe you city boys won't understand but that's the difference. 

everyone on here has their own take on this career. Depending on what side the aisle you're on, you will give that advice. 

liberals tend to do EMS which is why they drive a Prius and suck out their boyfriends farts for breakfast Thru a silly straw.

Your brain is fried eggs with soy. Ems vs any other flying isn't about how you vote. Reject. 

I'm retired now 10 years.  Dual rated ATP and decided to stick with rotory wing, although I was able to alternate between both fixed and rotory wing.  I spent most of my career international so made lots of $$.

one needs a $70k pick-up, BUT if you can afford it/want it  buy it! It's your $$$

somebody says a pilot doesn't need to spend 70 large on a pick up truck

maga boy loses his sh*t

Yes I do need my $70k pickup, to haul my $50k 5th wheel with my $40k Razor in it.  Suck it murse! Go back to your mountain bike and granola.

here I thought you were a rancher cowboy instead of a glamping poser lol

So only cowboys and ranchers are allowed to have expensive trucks? Also people that can afford to camp comfortably are "posers"? You're either too broke to afford cool stuff or you are one of the overlanding nerds that drives around town in a stock tacoma with every accessory they could possibly find strapped to the roof and sides but doesnt actually take it offroad.

big manly cowboy is really glamping yuppy. that's funny.

Mom Mall Crawler is what he uses his "4x4" for!!!  Razor = Nice, have Sportsman 500HO, may move onto a Sportsman 570HO hear they're the schitt vs 850!! 2018 Toyota 4Runner TRD W/mods! Waiting for nect gen to come out IF thye don't bring FJ back that is.

Can you rejects get back on track and give me some career advice? Thanks 

Bye the way OP, good job of pulling the conversation back on point !! 

FW if you have a good opertunity. Corp RW is nice if you can get it. EF HAA.

The airlines have their problems but they will always be there.  The airlines have always been and will always be a civilian airforce.  People wonder why they are always subsidized by government.  In the event of a real war or a worldwide conflict (which we now have the potential) they will always be the prime movers so therefore they will always be kept at the ready and paid for with civilian usage and tax payer dollars.  Helicopters not so much. 

I was fortunate to fly corporate for 25 years, both FW/RW.  But that was after 10 years of utility.  MHO only. Helicopters are more fun but more work and less pay.  Airlines will benefit you more as you get older and work toward retirement and you will have much more money.  There are dues that have to be paid by both (not union).  I do wish I had the airlines opportunity when I was younger, that is available to you younger pilots today.       

 ARE currently under DOD contracts that move troops everyday. My Co is currently doing it all over the world.

Go to the airlines for the $$.  Have fun with helicopters on your days off.  I know two airlines pilots that do this.  They are of course getting paid for the part-time helicopter flying on their days off but they do it more because they like flying helicopters.  The airline job pays the bills with $$$ left over.

 for anyone who can do this!! +%100!!!

In 10 years you can be earning $250, be respected as a white collar professional pilot and have a great quality of life (provided you don't try to commUte). On the other hand, you can grow your beard, possibly be expected to wash your helicopter, refuel your helicopter, be expected to load cargo and after the end of the day feel like a grease monkey in your jump suit for, if you're lucky $100k. Don't wait, the longer you do the harder it will be to make the change.

Thanks for the replies guys. 

Helicopter industry sucks::. I'm stuck in it. If you have the opportunities to leave, jump on it. 

im too old and just wallowing in the slop that is the help industry.  It's literally lik a marriage,, the longer you stay in, the harder it is to get out! 

element of decision making most important is always what life style, both personally and professionally, you wish to lead.  That will at least help you decide your personal side of things.

sentence of nothingness

When I was 27 I thought flying Helicopters was really cool fun and exciting.  Now at 60 I am flying jets all over the world.  If I had a crystal ball when I was 27 I would have gone fixed wing all the way.    I lost Millions of $$$ by not flying airplanes from the start.   Look at the recent airline contracts for United, Delta and American and look how much they make.  An 8 year FO can make more than 300K a year.  Money isnt everything but 30 years from now you will wish you had gone the airplane way.    Its safer and pays A LOT more.  Example, I recently did one overtime day and got paid $8000 for it.