Expert: David A. NewMyer - 7/4/2007

Question
Hi. I am currently enlisted in the US Navy and I was wondering when I get out would a career in aviation be more fulfilling in helicopter piloting or commercial piloting. which one would pay more? Is there any difference besides the obvious? My ideal career would be to fly for American Airline and on the side work for the UNHCR for half the other year. Both of that would fulfill my need and want to provide comfortably for my family while at the same time do what I feel is my dream of flying and helping others in need. Please feel free to contact me at anytime. I greatly appreciate you taking your time out to answer question to anyone who ask of it. God bless.

V/R,
Andrew Nguyen

Answer
Hi, Andrew:

Thanks for your question.  I will try to assist.

First of all, as far as flying helicopters vs. fixed wing aircraft, from the numbers of aircraft viewpoint, fixed wing aircraft and related jobs are far more prevalent.  Also, in the case of helicopter pilots, there is still a bias to hire military trained helo pilots because there are a still a fair number of them available versus the number of civilian jobs out there.....but, there is still a market for civil helicopter pilots, it is just smaller than the market for fixed wing pilots.  Also, to get the basic rating (Private) for fixed wing is $7000 to $9000 while the same in the helicopter is at least $12,000....and the number of places that offer civil helicopter training are more scarce.  As far as which would pay more....right off the bat out of flight school, you will likely make a bit more flying helos.  But, long term, if you fly your dream job at American, it is likely you will make more there....about $200,000 a year for 20 year captains.  Helo pilots make half that, on average...

One thing to think about in terms of an airline job with American or any large carrier is that, to get there, you will have to "pay dues" by flying with smaller airlines that pay a lot less.....that will last five to ten years while you build your experience to 500 to 1000 hours of pilot in command time (in other words, flying as a captain for a regional airline or similar) in turbine aircraft.  You will need at least that to get an interview with American since it is so competitive right now.

As far as working for American at the same time you work for UNHCR, that might be tough given the schedule you would work for American.....until later in the career with them when you can bid lots of time off.  Yes, schedules are good with bigger airlines, but, they are getting more productivity oriented, which means you are having to fly more to earn the big bucks.....which would cut into your time working for UNHCR.

You might also look into working for companies that provide humanitarian relief or fly cargo into areas of need.  Companies like Polar Air Cargo, for example....or, even UPS and FEDEX.   They pay very well, and have great time off.

I hope that this is of help.

Best wishes to you,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu