Fixed wing vs. Rotor - which is better career wise??

HeavyD · Post by **HeavyD** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 11:48 am

Hello everyone. I have seen on a few posts some people prefer working with helicopters while others prefer fixed wing. I would like to know people's opinions pro or con on each reagrding pay, opportunity, conditions, etc.. I am not trying to start a "'copter vs. 'plane" flame war, I am just interested in what people think of the 2 areas and what/why they think one is better than the other. Thanks.

HeavyD · Post by **HeavyD** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 5:05 pm

Anyone?

BusDriver · Post by **BusDriver** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 6:15 pm

It all comes down to personal preference. I hate those flingwing pieces of shit!! For those guy's who can stand them, they will be paid at least industry standard or higher, work long hours, and live in buttfuk nowhere.

My only advice is to try both if you are uncertain, get a feel for it by experience, and make your own opinion!

Pat Richard · Post by **Pat Richard** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 12:06 am

I started out wanting only to work choppers. After being exposed to both Bell and Eurocopter in school, I definetly liked the A-Star, and did'nt care much for Bell. Eurocopter to this day is my favourite machine from a maintenance point of view, fixed or fling. Sikorsky S64 was the worst machine and the worst work experience I've ever had.

Helicopters, I think, are more challenging, maybe even more interesting than fixed wing. The lifestyle associated with them though, sucks. The sayings "The smaller the aircraft, the smaller the shithole it can get into." and " The Marine's of the aviation industry" readily apply to fling wing. A lot of the work is outdoors and at night with all the nicities the envioroment has to offer, spring, summer, fall .

If you like being away from home, or any civilization, for multiple weeks or even months, this is the gig for you. Was'nt for me.

Still think they're cool though......

Pat

HeavyD · Post by **HeavyD** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:50 pm

Was waiting for a reponse from you Pat. I was starting to wonder...

I suppose choppers can get in some real remote areas..never really thought of that aspect. Pat, did you take your training at Northern Lights College? They are supposed to me more helicopter oriented I have heard??

chubbee · Post by **chubbee** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 8:52 am

Another less favourable side of the Rwing thing is the increased likelihood (compared to Fwing) that you will get to know some really neat people that end up dead.

The Helicopter pilots mantra is still...

I fear not Death!
I fear not Death!
Ha-Ha!!

(Sung in a bright tone with a devil may care laugh at the end)

bandaid · Post by **bandaid** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:12 am

From a paramedics point of view I prefer to stay on the ground. If I was to choose which I would rather fly medivacs in I would have to say fixed wing. I have a couple of old friends that fly rotor and I do admire their skill. The only aircraft that I have ever been scared in doing a medivac is a 337, I never flew with that pilot again.

b767jetmec · Post by **b767jetmec** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:35 pm

I started out on Bell 206 and 212`s. Did that for 4 years. Last 16 have been fixed wing. The one and only reason I would prefer rotors to wings is 99.99% of rotors have no ATA 38!