Helecoptor VS Fixed wing???

Question

Hi everyone,

My husband is looking for information and advice on helecoptor vs fixed wing pilots. He wants career comparisons, pay information, schooling information, as well as any suggestions about possibly being duel rated. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and information!

Answer 1

That's a really tough question to tackle in a couple of paragraphs. Drop me an email at flyerjosh-at-yahoo and I'll be happy to arrange a time when we can chat over the phone about the industry, the benefits/pitfalls of both career tracks, and other considerations.

I have lots of fixed wing experience and some limited rotor wing experience, plus I've held aviation jobs in corporate aviation, the airlines, and flight training, as well as airline recruiting. I also have a degree in Aeronautics, and try to keep up on current trends and flight training issues.

~Josh

Answer 2

There's more of a market for fixed wing pilots vs copter pilots, depending on what area of the country you're in - chopper pilots tend to get more work near coastal areas (like LA and So California) while you'll get more work for cropdusting & stuff like that in the Midwest.

The cheapest way to get licensed is through the military, but this is a long committment & it can be very hard to qualify.

I've heard good things about the Spartan School of Aviation, which I think is in Wisconsin, and about half of all commercial pilots come from aviation schools (the other half being military).

Dual ratings are probably nice to have but I doubt they'll translate into a better career. The best paying gigs are in commercial jets, but the airlines are in a lot of financial trouble and probably will be for a while, and aren't hiring much.

Commercial pilots at the bigger airlines make anywhere from $70-250,000 per year. Pilots for NetJets make pretty good money; harbor pilots can do well also.

I'm not sure what the chopper pilots make - I'd assume it varies greatly by region and what or whom your flying for (radio station, local sheriffs, air ambulance, etc).

But a lot of your career (like with any other job) will depend on your connections, relationships, ability to network, etc.

Good Luck!