Is it worth the struggle to become a Helicopter Pilot? When I was 9yrs, I feel in love with Helicopters. A dream, a wish, a hope that would never happen. In 2001, joined the Marine Corps. But as fate would have it, no Helicopter Pilot. 2017 rolls around, and by mistake I find Helicopter Online Ground on TH-cam. I said to myself “Whats this Bull Shit” (Sorry Kenny and Gary). I watched and got hooked, but still no Helicopter Pilot. I told myself I could afford it, found several schemes offering AS and BA Degrees in Aviation, specializing in Helicopter. But still I couldn’t afford it. So I said screw it, and actually stopped watch TH-cam videos. Then one day, HOGS video notification popped up. There is Kenny promoting his book, which i purchased off Amazon. After reading it I asked myself the following questions: 1). How much money do I spend drinking on the weekends? $100-$200 2). How much money do I waste buying crap on Ebay? Various from $200-$500 3). How much could I save towards becoming a Helicopter Pilot if I eliminated the above (2) questions. I found a local school, became a member of HOGS and received my Student Pilot’s License 3 days ago. Is it worth it.... If you are asking yourself the question, you know it is. You are just wanting others to valid what you feel. YES, GO FOR IT!!! Its worth every penny.
Last night I took a 22 up and celebrated my 16th anniversary of when I became a pilot, so no, I have no regrets on becoming a "pilot",...and yes after all these years I still love that little R22!
Hi Kenny, unbelievable struggle you experienced. I dreamt already my whole life of flying Helicopters. 15 years ago I took one hour of the fixed-wing lesson but that wasn't really that exciting so it ended after one lesson. Also due to my other hobbies, creating many successful companies in the last 25 years, I didn't find the time (or real focus) to do it. In August 2016 I finally signed up for a trial lesson after my wife bought me that lesson for my birthday. This was her second attempt. The first helicopter flying trail lesson expedited after a few years laying around, really a shame. Probably, as many of you experienced, after this first lesson I think 'I will never learn this'. It's so difficult but to be honest, it's like a drug. After flying this incredible machine you become instantly addicted! The first 5 lessons I had to change my t-shirt before heading home which in my case was a 2-hour drive. The feeling of your first solo is amazing. Just before Christmas, I took my final and the result was overwhelming. 16 months it took me to do all the theoretic and practical tests. your training platform was very beneficial in repeating over and over again by watching your video's as sort of repetition what learned from my instructors. To be honest, if I knew before how much effort it took I don't know if I had started but now heaving my private licence it motivates me to go far beyond this first step and go for the next rating. In my case a turbine helicopter, after that IFR and perhaps a CPL just for fun. Learning helicopter flying is great and to become one of the few privileged is truly the effort worthwhile :-) Warm greeting from The Netherlands!
After my first lesson in a R22 I was addicted, but, then life got in the way. I let myself get distracted, but, thinking of flying few times a month. I wanted to become commerical pilot, but, the cost was astronomical. Looked at the military, said "No. you have too many medical issues" I fell into a slump. Family problems along with other issues, went to the doctor was diagnosed with clinical depression. This was before I knew the consequences of getting diagnosed with clinical depression. Now, Im realizing I should have found a way to start a business or return to college, then, maybe, I could have made enough money to fly without worrying about cost
You can go into the Army and fly helicopters for free right out of high school. Embry Riddle will give you 2 years of equivalent credit towards a 4 year aviation degree. The time you accumulate in helos in the Army will count towards your fixed wing ATP. Not so hard and you will have a blast. The GI bill will pay for the rest of your college or you can use tuition assistance. You will get twin engine turbine time that is tough to come by in the civilian world.
I have been flying helicopters since 1993 and at age 50 I was burnt out and started to hate my life as a Pilot and so decided to retire from flying ( EMS 15 years) and get a job in IT. That was a year and a half ago... well long story short,, I am back flying EMS and loving it as much as I did my first day in a helicopter. I am glad I quit when I did as it made me realize how much flying really meant to me.. We have all heard that the grass seems greener etc,,,, well It truly does look greener but very rarely is. :) That being said, if you are not an aviator and are tired of your current career path, well then aviation may be the one thing that will lead you to greener pastures.
Yep things change over time! We all want to get away from instructing early on. Now years later, I have way more fun out in the pattern teachings emergencies in a $150,000 trainer, versus flying a 6 million dollar aircraft for a company that is constantly up your rear!
I hardly ever fly any more. I'm a civilian private pilot, never built a ton of hours, spend every extra penny on training over about 10 years, sometimes flying only 0.3 hours at a time - actually to the point I was getting scolded for it. That was over 10 years ago now and I've only logged a few hours since (in some amazing helicopters). I have no idea how much time / money I spent, but I don't have a single regret about any of it. If you're on a volcano and there's a perfectly good chopper sitting there, you can still save the day for as many passengers as you can *safely* fit onboard... haha, yeah, it's great to have the rating and the option to fly if you want to. Best accomplishment of my life and the proudest moment was getting that license. Also, the aviation community is absolutely amazing. Military and civilian - all a great group of guys and gals
It is def worth it! I mow my grass now within 15 minutes instead of 2 hours. Only keeping the helicopter stable flying upside down needs a bit of practice but after that you have the best lawnmower around.
I watch your videos everytime i'm on the internet. You're such an inspiration buddy...You inspire me alot...Being a Helicopter Pilot has always been my passion and goal...and I believe that no matter what it takes I will make it... Receive greetings from Nairobi, Kenya!
Here is the link for Advanced Pilot that includes Instrument, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor: www.helicopterground.com/advanced-pilot-courses-monthly
I just wanna know how secure the future of being a heli pilot would be... in this age of everything being automated. Helicopters seems pretty expensive and inefficient to fly. Look at what uberair is doing. Makes me wonder if a normally heli pilot can even fly those or is it a new whole new education? Maybe heli pilots can get some shorter, fathered in and transferee into these new aircrafts. Other than uberair tho how long will it be till someone like Elon musk just completely reinvents them? Self flying helicopters and shit. Idk.
I took the High School GED (Graduate Equivalency Diploma). I worked to pay for flying lessons. My friend graduated High School, the guidance counselor sent him on another path. I am happy, he is not.
Is it worth the struggle to become a Helicopter Pilot? When I was 9yrs, I feel in love with Helicopters. A dream, a wish, a hope that would never happen. In 2001, joined the Marine Corps. But as fate would have it, no Helicopter Pilot. 2017 rolls around, and by mistake I find Helicopter Online Ground on TH-cam. I said to myself “Whats this Bull Shit” (Sorry Kenny and Gary). I watched and got hooked, but still no Helicopter Pilot. I told myself I could afford it, found several schemes offering AS and BA Degrees in Aviation, specializing in Helicopter. But still I couldn’t afford it. So I said screw it, and actually stopped watch TH-cam videos. Then one day, HOGS video notification popped up. There is Kenny promoting his book, which i purchased off Amazon. After reading it I asked myself the following questions:
1). How much money do I spend drinking on the weekends? $100-$200
2). How much money do I waste buying crap on Ebay? Various from $200-$500
3). How much could I save towards becoming a Helicopter Pilot if I eliminated the above (2) questions.
I found a local school, became a member of HOGS and received my Student Pilot’s License 3 days ago.
Is it worth it.... If you are asking yourself the question, you know it is. You are just wanting others to valid what you feel. YES, GO FOR IT!!! Its worth every penny.
Clarence Watson wow amazing feedback!
Great story mate cheers.
Thank You!
@@shayjohnson5830 Kenny and the HOGS Team are the Real Deal. What you see online is what you get in person; Down to earth, no BS, and tons of wisdom.
Thanks for being so honest. Very cool video.
Kelvin Duckett thank you!!!
Last night I took a 22 up and celebrated my 16th anniversary of when I became a pilot, so no, I have no regrets on becoming a "pilot",...and yes after all these years I still love that little R22!
Joseph Vanni awesome!!!
Hi Kenny, unbelievable struggle you experienced.
I dreamt already my whole life of flying Helicopters. 15 years ago I took one hour of the fixed-wing lesson but that wasn't really that exciting so it ended after one lesson. Also due to my other hobbies, creating many successful companies in the last 25 years, I didn't find the time (or real focus) to do it. In August 2016 I finally signed up for a trial lesson after my wife bought me that lesson for my birthday. This was her second attempt. The first helicopter flying trail lesson expedited after a few years laying around, really a shame. Probably, as many of you experienced, after this first lesson I think 'I will never learn this'. It's so difficult but to be honest, it's like a drug. After flying this incredible machine you become instantly addicted! The first 5 lessons I had to change my t-shirt before heading home which in my case was a 2-hour drive. The feeling of your first solo is amazing. Just before Christmas, I took my final and the result was overwhelming. 16 months it took me to do all the theoretic and practical tests. your training platform was very beneficial in repeating over and over again by watching your video's as sort of repetition what learned from my instructors. To be honest, if I knew before how much effort it took I don't know if I had started but now heaving my private licence it motivates me to go far beyond this first step and go for the next rating. In my case a turbine helicopter, after that IFR and perhaps a CPL just for fun. Learning helicopter flying is great and to become one of the few privileged is truly the effort worthwhile :-) Warm greeting from The Netherlands!
John Jansen thank you for sharing!!!
Thanks for sharing Kenny...
Levi M thank you!!!
After my first lesson in a R22 I was addicted, but, then life got in the way. I let myself get distracted, but, thinking of flying few times a month. I wanted to become commerical pilot, but, the cost was astronomical. Looked at the military, said "No. you have too many medical issues" I fell into a slump. Family problems along with other issues, went to the doctor was diagnosed with clinical depression. This was before I knew the consequences of getting diagnosed with clinical depression. Now, Im realizing I should have found a way to start a business or return to college, then, maybe, I could have made enough money to fly without worrying about cost
Thanks for commenting
You can go into the Army and fly helicopters for free right out of high school. Embry Riddle will give you 2 years of equivalent credit towards a 4 year aviation degree. The time you accumulate in helos in the Army will count towards your fixed wing ATP. Not so hard and you will have a blast. The GI bill will pay for the rest of your college or you can use tuition assistance. You will get twin engine turbine time that is tough to come by in the civilian world.
Thanks for sharing
I have been flying helicopters since 1993 and at age 50 I was burnt out and started to hate my life as a Pilot and so decided to retire from flying ( EMS 15 years) and get a job in IT. That was a year and a half ago... well long story short,, I am back flying EMS and loving it as much as I did my first day in a helicopter. I am glad I quit when I did as it made me realize how much flying really meant to me..
We have all heard that the grass seems greener etc,,,, well It truly does look greener but very rarely is. :)
That being said, if you are not an aviator and are tired of your current career path, well then aviation may be the one thing that will lead you to greener pastures.
Yep things change over time! We all want to get away from instructing early on. Now years later, I have way more fun out in the pattern teachings emergencies in a $150,000 trainer, versus flying a 6 million dollar aircraft for a company that is constantly up your rear!
Just what I was looking for. You sir Eurocop123 have answered my question. I thank you greatly.
I hardly ever fly any more. I'm a civilian private pilot, never built a ton of hours, spend every extra penny on training over about 10 years, sometimes flying only 0.3 hours at a time - actually to the point I was getting scolded for it. That was over 10 years ago now and I've only logged a few hours since (in some amazing helicopters). I have no idea how much time / money I spent, but I don't have a single regret about any of it. If you're on a volcano and there's a perfectly good chopper sitting there, you can still save the day for as many passengers as you can *safely* fit onboard... haha, yeah, it's great to have the rating and the option to fly if you want to. Best accomplishment of my life and the proudest moment was getting that license. Also, the aviation community is absolutely amazing. Military and civilian - all a great group of guys and gals
Awesome feedback Sean thanks for taking the time to write a comment!
It is def worth it! I mow my grass now within 15 minutes instead of 2 hours. Only keeping the helicopter stable flying upside down needs a bit of practice but after that you have the best lawnmower around.
CRTukker funny.
@@HelicopterGround Humor, the best thing on the world :-)
Thank You!
In order to land the decent paying jobs, is it inevitable that I’ll have to move and travel?
Very possible.
Kenny I want to learn to fly an helicopter Kim
Sign up at www.helicopterground.com
I watch your videos everytime i'm on the internet. You're such an inspiration buddy...You inspire me alot...Being a Helicopter Pilot has always been my passion and goal...and I believe that no matter what it takes I will make it...
Receive greetings from Nairobi, Kenya!
Tony Mureithi wonderful feedback thank you very much!!!
@@HelicopterGround You're most welcome buddy...keep on keeping on on what you do...
Thank you again!
Can somebody please help where to join for my CHPL. I am Indian but there is no more training in india for the same.
Here is the link for Advanced Pilot that includes Instrument, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor: www.helicopterground.com/advanced-pilot-courses-monthly
Any good instructors in North Carolina?
There are good and bad as in any profession. You will have to do the research to find what your looking for!
Awesome!
Thank you Mick!
I just wanna know how secure the future of being a heli pilot would be... in this age of everything being automated. Helicopters seems pretty expensive and inefficient to fly. Look at what uberair is doing. Makes me wonder if a normally heli pilot can even fly those or is it a new whole new education? Maybe heli pilots can get some shorter, fathered in and transferee into these new aircrafts. Other than uberair tho how long will it be till someone like Elon musk just completely reinvents them? Self flying helicopters and shit. Idk.
Shall be interesting to see! Thanks for commenting!
You’re asking the right questions. I just wish I could find someone answering them lol
Join the military and become a pilot
Thanks for the feedback.
I think you must have done something wrong for it to take you that long!!!!!!
Thank you for the feedback!
I took the High School GED (Graduate Equivalency Diploma). I worked to pay for flying lessons. My friend graduated High School, the guidance counselor sent him on another path. I am happy, he is not.
Thank you Gregory!