Helicopter pilot thinking about making the move to fixed wing

[.Heisenberg.]

Hey folks. I'm a 1700 hour helicopter pilot and considering doing the conversion to fixed wing. I'm sure this topic has probably been covered before but hoping to pick a few brains. I'm hoping that after I get laid off from the fire season that EI may help me out with making the conversion to the Commercial Airplane license as it is not a seasonal industry like the rotary industry is. I've already made a lot of sacrifices to start my career in the helicopter industry and I'm wondering if my PIC time on helicopters would count towards the minimum requirements for Air Canada or Westjet or is that a long shot?

[Jimmy2]

Air Canada's job ad specifically says fixed wing time.
WestJet doesn't seem to be hiring pilots right now so I can't check their ad.
WestJet Encore's ad says fixed wing time is preferred so it sounds like they would consider helicopter experience towards their total time requirements.

[Loner]

Smart move.
Don’t think about WJ or big red.
You have a long road ahead.
Once you get your 200+ fixed wing time you’ll have opportunities with 702/703 operators.
Good luck

[Conflicting Traffic]

A large number of the skills you've developed as a helo pilot transfer directly into the fixed-wing world. Maybe not everything in terms of basic stick-and-rudder, but navigation, meteorology, aerodrome ops, decision making, etc. all carry over almost completely. I think many operators recognize this. I've seen at least a couple of job ads that distinguished between the (higher) total time requirement and the (lower) aeroplane time requirement.

Also, TC recognizes the skill transfer. From CAR 421.30 (CPL-A requirements):

(i) Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter
If an applicant holds a Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter, the 200 hours total flight time in aeroplanes required by subparagraph (4)(a)(i) is considered to have been met if the applicant has completed a minimum of 100 hours pilot flight time in aeroplanes, including the 65 hours experience required by subparagraph (4)(a)(ii). In this case, it is not necessary to obtain a Private Pilot Licence — Aeroplane prior to obtaining the Commercial Pilot Licence — Aeroplane.

And from CAR 421.34 (ATPL-A Requirements):

(4) Experience
An applicant shall have met the training requirements for the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane that is not restricted to daylight flying and completed a minimum of 1500 hours total flight time of which a minimum of 900 hours shall have been completed in aeroplanes.

[confusedalot]

Here are a few stories for ya. They are dated though, this stuff occurred in the early to mid 90's.

Chopper pilot converts, gets a dash 8 f/o job at a jazz precursor pretty much right after his conversion, leaves to be a 727 s/o at transat, in the space of a few months, ends up f/o 757, then maybe a year or two later is 757 captain. Goes to singapore at first flying left seat 310, then left seat 777. singapore kicks out a bunch of expats, goes to qatar as 777 captain.

Another one also gets a dash 8 f/o job right away for same feeder, air canada comes to an agreement about hiring feeder guys in the 90's, goes from f/o dash 8 to air canada. Not sure where he is but now, probably captain in a 330, 787, or some such thing.

Another one also gets into same feeder, stays much much longer, as in decades longer. I understand that character to be somewhat interesting to say the least (that's what I hear, and not in a good way), recently goes to air canada under the current pml. Because of spectacular movement, probably a captain in something.

There are a few other cases I know about but I don't quite recall all of the details. Meaning that the rod has been well traveled with nice outcomes.

Your timing could not be better. No guarantees in life of course, but having said that, the odds of success are super stacked in your favor. Can't see how you could go wrong.

[.Heisenberg.]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. Definitely leaning towards making the move with the outlook of your industry in the near future.

[Outlaw58]

Im a chopper convert and got many offers from regionals but nothing from AC or WJ even after getting the ATPL. Took a job with one of the regionals and we'll see where that takes me.

Good luck!

58

[EasyTarget]

Hey Chopper58 - Just out of curiosity, who many hours did you have when you converted and did you have a Group 4 IFR when you switched?

[.Heisenberg.]

Curious to know what experience you had as well Outlaw58 and did you have any fixed wing time other than the 100 hours to convert and do the multi IFR?

[Outlaw58]

Hey Chopper58 - Just out of curiosity, who many hours did you have when you converted and did you have a Group 4 IFR when you switched?

Just shy of 6000, with a Group 4 yes.

58

[Outlaw58]

Curious to know what experience you had as well Outlaw58 and did you have any fixed wing time other than the 100 hours to convert and do the multi IFR?

Yes, I got most of my FW time dropping skydivers in a Caravan.

58

[altiplano]

I know several at AC from Heli backgrounds... mostly out of the military, but a few out of IFR helicopter ops. S61s, S76s, that kind of thing...

I have no doubt there are many others. Obviously all have significant airplane experience also.