Hello All,

Many moons ago I had originally aspired to join the industry as a rotary wing pilot and engineer. Since that time life, family and stable employment have drastically changed things for me.

I have been working full time as an M1 fixed wing engineer since 2000. Is there any chance to move to rotary wing? Is it worth the change? I realize my years of experience wont count for much especially as the last 12 years have been piston engine and I would basically be an apprentice again. However, the draw of rotary wing still appeals to me.

Any advice or experiences are greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

It is a tough nut to crack I have been trying for over 4 years even with a type course and no luck.
I have over 20 years fixed wing experience from single piston, high performance piston twins, single turboprops, twin turboprops even the dh planes that get the fuel to the helos and lots of time maintaining aircraft in very remote places Just like the choppers do.
In my opinion I think they are all fags they only like there own kind.

rolly117 wrote:It is a tough nut to crack I have been trying for over 4 years even with a type course and no luck.

How many of your vast 20 years was spent working on rotary wing aircraft?

none!

Most helicopter folks have no or very little experience working on piston engines. There are many operators using Robinson helicopters and most of those are piston powered. So piston experience is VERY beneficial working on R22 and R44's. The Robinson factory maintenance course is excellent and also very affordable.

I tried to do that many years ago. It seemed at the time, most operators were only interested in green apprentices with no evil fixed-wing habits that they could pay peanuts, or endorsed and experienced guys. I got a job offer from Canadian Helicopters though with most of my experience working on beavers/otters. But I turned them down and stayed fixed wing because I realized I didn't feel like going back to the bush after working so many years to try and get out of it.