Original Message

I still enjoy HAA after 25 years. I live 15 miles from the base and get to sleep with the wife everyday. My base pay is $115k and $150k is easy with a little OT, especially with the OT bonus the company has been offering these last few years.

I tried off-shore, utility and the lifestyle didn't work for me. Did News briefly to build time and it was fun.

After 25 years in HAA I have well over $1mil in my retirement. No mortgage, own 4 vehicle, healthy (no back pain or hearing problems yet). I work our three times a week, even while working and wear ear plugs on each flight. I put 2 kids through college and will retire at 60 years of age.

I got my fixed wing rating early in my career and had no desire to go to the airlines as the first few years of jumping around wasn't attractive.

So HAA is perfect for me. If I had gone to the airlines the wife probably would have divorced me.

And FYI, my wife and I didn't have much when we started out. She got qualified in a job she likes and while she was a stay at home Mom for many years, her salary is close to mine only these last few years. 

My advice to new helicopter pilots is too always live within your means. Take the free 401K money from your company and add to it when you can. We had friends who made more than us and lived it up only to be paying off their deaths now.

So if you invest $100 a week in your retirement you will have well over $1mil by age 65. $400 per month is a car payment, try keeping your car for 10 years and you will be better off in the long run.

YMMV.