Expert: D. Norkus - 11/17/2004

Question
Hi, I am curious about becomming a helicopter pilot. I am wondering how I can justify the cost of the training, what I mean is, is there a very good chance at making any money at it?what is teh average pay? should I start my own business with flight tours? Thats all I can think of outside of emergency jobs. I am a women,BTW.
britt Jones

Answer
Britt

This question is a bit outside my area of expertise. However my friend Elizabeth quit her job last year and decided to become a helicopter pilot. She is now working the front desk where she got her license and is occasionally doing some small jobs flying for them. Is she making good money? No, not yet. She struggles financially. Maybe in a few years she will but not as a new pilot. I have no idea what "average" helicopter pilot pay is as that is a different sector of the industry. I am in the airlines and have no experience with helicopters and fly fixed wing only.

I suggest you contact my pal Elizabeth and ask her directly what you want to know. Seeing as she just made this career change, she should be a wealth of knowledge for you.

Email: LizzyCopter@cox.net

As far as starting a tour business, I can say that is probably not a realistic option. The expense of leasing a helicopter aside, as a new pilot you would not be able to get insurance to fly such an operation. (On demand charter is a FAA "Part 135" operation and as such a special operating certificate is required for the business- no small task.) Elizabeth has over 200 hours now and is still not insurable to do many kinds of flights for her company. She cannot fly the 4 pax helo until she has enough hours to qualify for the insurance. Hence if anyone did want to go up for a ride, she can only use a small 2 seat Robinson R-22. Please write her with your questions as she can tell you what to expect.

You might also check into the Whirly Girls- a female helicopter pilots organization. They should be able to provide some information/advice too. They also have a few flight scholarships to help women pursuing their helicopter license:

www.whirlygirls.org

Hope this can help
Dottie