9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A Helicopter PILOT

Hey! In this video I talk about the 9 things I wish I knew before becoming a helicopter pilot. The life of a pilot and aviation in general is not clear when you are first starting out. Especially for helicopter pilots as there is a lack of information about the whole process and what it looks like. Including income, finances, training, and the work balance. This video is an insight into all of it!

Follow me on Instagram!

Email-

[Steeyuv]

I have wanted to fly helicopters since I was age 3 and it took me 60 years to get the private licence. And it was still really really tough. Good for you if you can make a living doing it.

[valente]

I’m 24 and Currently a truck driver but I’ve been thinking about transferring to aviation a helicopter pilot to be exact. This video made me go after it.

[Briard]

Well I have been there about 32 years ago where you are now...I’m glad you are so motivated but be aware that you need to be very flexible and ready to move around the US and work for different operators/owners..2000hrs is just a benchmark but if you don’t have a fair amount of turbine PIC time/ external load, and real experience across the board and be Forest Service carded..you are not getting the great paying jobs out there.! it’s a very tough and challenging job market..80% of candidates will fail to succeed...my advice you need to specialize and be extraordinary good at what you do and stay in touch with potential employers(chief pilots) who need your expertise/know how..e.g. camera pilot or external load etc.
For me active helo flying is over...been there done that...survived it with no crash or incident ..lost many great friends along the way...that’s the reality. Good luck...

Remember....there are old pilots and bold pilots.... but never old and bold pilots.

[lilykipsoi]

For someone beginning the process this is the most encouraging video I've watched I mark this day as a start of great and adventurous journey thanks man

[martinamartin]

Thank you for your positivity! I'm 35 and new to the aviation world but this is a dream job for me and I'm feeling like following that dream

[piplup]

I know this is an older video but it actually gave me a lot of hope that if I'm average or a bit below average I can still do this. It's not that I'm not bright but I'm just a bit anxious and want to do things right and not make a fool of myself, I'm trying to learn to be better with myself and it actually gives me a bit of hope that I'll just have to try and really just give a fair shake and try it and with time it will come. I been going back and forth on whether to learn fixed wing or this, I'm not trying to make a ton of money just enough to be able to enjoy the moments I care for most with my family like going to Legoland or disneyland and stuff like that. I'm super introverted though so I don't know if I'll actually go through anything but it's fun to dream of.

[miguellara]

Dam bro, I’m honestly was literally just 50/50 wit it but u giving this what to expect is literally what I needed, I’m going to do it

[VictoryAviation]

This is a fantastic video, especially point # 1. I got all the way to fixed wing commercial and then decided to switch to rotary. Now I’m at the point of heli instrument. The 2000hr mark required for helicopters to do anything in the big boy world is baffling to me considering the fixed wing side allows you to fly hundreds of people at 1500 hrs or even 1000 hrs with a R-ATP.

I crossed over to the dark side for aerial cinematography. What were your goals when you started? Have your goals changed?

[TheWorldsnotenough]

Haha, yes. There is an etiquette to telling ppl your job is probably one of the best jobs to have.
It’s dangerous, you have to be able to multitask on a level that most can’t comprehend and it increases the chances of death exponentially if you can’t…you are responsible for the lives of your precious cargo and the lives of onlookers out side whom your flying over or buzzing. The aircraft it self is highly priced.
Hearing conversationalist giving communication training, they’ve said to start with a small amount of self deprecating humor. Then follow up with what you really do.

[Mr_Segsy]

Elite Video, Super informative for someone that is looking at getting into the world of flying. A lovely contrast to the negativity thats out there on forums. Thanks!

[kellywatts]

Great segment
Your bang on Devin, I have my PPL and I loved every minute of it
Now I want to return and complete my CPL & instructor rating
Cheers Kelly from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[allthingsgilmour]

Did my ppl, fir, and just a check ride away from my commercial and then as they say, life happens. Now I’m 46 and looking to finish what I started, never too late if it’s your dream!

[tone]

if you want it bad enough you will do it i am going to get mine just privet license anything worthwhile is tough
just like when i got my CDL license but it did it or when i became a SCUBA diver and a rescue diver.

[nickserrano]

thank you sir for this video, much appreciated

[Brennamae]

Thanks man, I needed this <3. Im really looking forward to my heli flight training. Working as a drone pilot, my boss keeps stomping on my plans saying that the helicopter industry is dying and drones will be taking over the jobs. Not likely drones will be giving people tours anytime soon lol

[michealrobinson]

I’m 33, and thinking about becoming a pilot.. But this is definitely helpful!

[janmcfarren]

You have such upbeat and positive energy. Love it!

[Imagineon]

SO helpful! Low-key, straight up info. Thank you!

[danielcarlson]

For every 1/2 hour of flight, is 1 hr of maintenance, and for every $1K in a fixed-wing, is $10K in a helo.

[janzemlicka]

Hey Devin, your video is really inspiring and motivating! Im now wondering of becoming a heli pilot and this video said, Yes do it