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Original Message To my helicopter brethren, AkA "Vertolot-chiks" (English phonetic spelling, in Russian ) Flying helicopters is one of the best flying experiences a young pilot can have. I made my bones in the Army, UH1s and later Blackhawks. As a civilian, Super Puma, variety of Bell products, BK117, even the MI-17, and a demo hour in an S-92 Nothing compares to a Sikorsky, but I digress. Along the way I got a Fixed wing add on, ATP, CFI/ CFII. Now 15,000 hours about half and half FW/ RW. Someone on here (years ago) made the comment that a helicopter pilot was "overqualified" after logging 2500 hours. He was correct in some respects. The pay doesn't reflect experience in the helicopter industry. So if you can get a job flying helicopters, youre "qualified" the rest is overkill. I used to follow this site religiously, but lost interest in flying helicopters for a living. These days I'm a 64 year old Check Airman for a major Part 135 Fixed Wing operation. Flying 700-800 hours a year. I really enjoy this job, but everytime I see a S-76C++ at Bridgeport (BDR) or landing in the Hamptons (HTO) , I wish I could climb outta my starched wing and do at least one more trip around the pattern before I retire. Cant do it. The pay cut would be high six figures. Not to mention the schedule and other benefits. I'll admit, I'm still a in it "for the buck" which also comes at a price. The price is, putting on those "golden handcuffs" -- and making too much money to quit and maybe take the lower stress lower paying jobs.. Like flying a seasonal Caravan on floats ( fishing trips) in Alaska, perhaps. Or "Earning money while sleeping " (EMS) in a quiet little VFR program somewhere. The point is, happiness isn't defined strictly by money. Good luck to you guys, and fly safe! --Shooting Shark |