100k to train which is best now!!!!

Riddo

Looking for replies from pilots / recruiters who are currently working or recently employed in IRL or U.K. in heli or fixed wing..
Please, I know the situation is **** for employment now so no need to tell me to stay at my present job forever!!!! Don’t need to much negativity cheers..

Quick background: 32 yo mechanical engineer based in Ireland.
I am working now earning 52K euros, and planning to start training to become a pilot in the U.K. and Irl. Calculated to have 35k debt when done in <3yrs.
@ Heli 115,000 euros to get trained. Up to CPL/IR TT 250
@Plank 100,000 euros ready to apply for Ryanair (incl t rating 35k) TT 250

Outcome: **** all jobs at the moment yea, it will take me approx 2.5-3 yrs to be done.
Not sure which to fly, favourite is Heli but not much work in Irl.Most Irish heli's at Grand Canyon now. SAR work possibly, heard there were 5 or so qualified pilots with IR turning up at gate every week to seek work, a lot of ex RAF guys there too lots of competition to get in. Before I can apply need to log hours in North shore.
What is the situation now re N.S. I presume lots of pilots applying there too, chances in 2/3 yrs??? (Saw post re CHC requirements.)

Ryanair main employer in Irl, Aerlingus goosed, lots of pilots from Aerlingus with hrs looking for work- no shortage! O’Leary’s dubious re order for 200 hundred 800N.G's is uncertain...
Don't mind moving abroad for 1-2 yrs will probably have too..
Anyone please?

pclancy

You say you don't mind abroad, would you consider NZ or Austrailia? Cheap to train, decent weather and a there's still a decent employment market down here in NZ/OZ/Asia for pilots.

Flyer1

Have you done much flying yet ?

Nforce

Have you passed the relevant medical examinations?

pclancy

Nforce wrote: »

Have you passed the relevant medical examinations?

Yeah actually. Go pass your medical before you do anything OP!

pickarooney

Last time I checked (10 years ago), South Africa was a relatively cheap placeto get a heli licence, even with flights and accommodation factored in.

diverdriver

You seem to have it worked out except for the dilemma between fixed wing and helicopters. Can't give you any advice on helicopters except what you already appear to know. As always the long term career prospects and money are all in fixed wing. Helicopter flying is more interesting, less well paid, less secure etc etc and quite often heli pilots transfer to fixed wing. You also have the competition from ex mil pilots, as you know. All superbly trained, experienced and with greater hours. Something that isn't really a problem for fixed wing as there are there are proportionally more jobs. Which tell it's own story.

As for going abroad for 1 or 2 years, well try ten or more. A friend who flies helicopters went to the Gulf and hasn't come back. The most likely job for a heli pilot in Ireland is as an Instructor. In fact the truth is that will be probably be your gig for a while until you get experience so budget for that too.

Clearly your heart says helicopter, your head says fixed wing. If you were solely interested in airline flying. I would have said go for it. You have it all worked out. By the time you come out the other end, things will have stabilised and there will be jobs in the airlines.

Helicopters on the other hand? I don't know.

One other factor, you're 32. (No need to answer this online. It's for your own consideration.) Do you have a girlfriend or potential wife? That's a huge complicating factor and will colour your decisions. I might well be bush flying in Africa at the moment if it wasn't for the wife and family. That may restrict your ideas of travel.

To be honest. If I was you. I would probably go helicopters, knowing it's the bigger gamble. Accept the fact that your future is either a relatively stable but not neccessarily safe career flying to oil rigs or SAR, if you're lucky. Or flying ad hoc charters for people with too much money. You can always change to fixed wing later.

Good luck with it.

Riddo

Hi Folks,

First of all I appreciate your replies.
I have taken the IAA medical and passed the class 1, had two trial flights heli and f.w six yrs ago.heli won Had a trial flight with aeroheli ( V.G.) in Northern Ireland today which re affirmed my love for flying and heli's ! Going to take fixed wing trial flight next week.
The reason like most I’m doing this now is to follow my heart/gut feeling so seems like its the helicopter route. My granddad flew Tiger moth’s in the 1950's round louth/monaghan, and my mother has flight time. Some might say it’s in the blood a little.
yrs to finish then apply to the N.Shore and take it from there, Irelands industry has a small network so shouldn't be to bad to get contacts, and have found people in general very helpful which says a lot.
Think it prudent to do PPL here to get use to the flying conditions then hour build here and the U.S or S.A.....re assess then when I get to 155 TT.
I am a single guy now so not bothered about going abroad for 1-2 yrs really, but will focus on working here mainly.
Tis good just to write these things down sometimes, as it makes it much more clear..


Regards,


Ryr

diverdriver

Go for it, like the good engineer you are. You've worked it out. Remember to enjoy it though when the going gets tough. It will be worth it.