I’m celebrating 10 years in aviation. I can’t believe it.
Back in 1997 I started helicopter training. In the summer of 1998 I was a licensed commercial helicopter pilot and left a secure, well paying career in software development for an uncertain (and financially crippling) future.
It was a struggle to survive for the first 5 years but things got better. Heck, if I didn’t have so much debt, I’d be doing pretty good… not that I don’t think I shouldn’t be making more doing what I’m doing.
I’ve been pretty lucky though. I’ve had my share of scares, mostly in the mountains in shitty weather, and, like every pilot (although not all will admit it) I’ve scared myself doing something I either shouldn’t have been doing or didn’t know any better. None-the-less, I’m older and wiser from the experiences and I’ve had alot of great days along with the not-so-great.
I’ve also been pretty lucky in finding a great woman who is extremely supportive and understanding, dealing with my being away for the better part of 2/3 of the year (although I happen to know she loves sprawling across the bed when I’m not home). Without her support, I’d probably have gone through hundreds of women in an unsatisfying cycle of one-night stands leaving me feeling empty and my liver a little worse for wear.
Thanks babe.
So what’s next?
I’m glad you asked.
I’m due for a change. I’ve been flying the same 30 year old aircraft for too long, doing the same old shit. I need a change… something to re-ignite my enjoyment of flying… not to mention make more money and have a better schedule.
To that end, I’m starting my IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) rating. This basically allows me to fly larger, multi-engine helicopters in a 2 crew environment and can fly in bad weather and at night. IFR helicopters are needed for EMS and off-shore primarily, but more and more IFR rated helicopters are being used on-shore by the major oil companies for safety reasons.
I’m hoping to wrap training up by spring and we’ll see where it goes from there.
But until then, I’m going to be spending the next 4 months or more rotating a month on / month off in Ft. Simpson… so I’ll have plenty of time to study.
15 Comments
Congratulations Sweetheart! …and while I do love sprawling across the bed when you are not home I love when you are home more. Happy Studying!
Congrats. Fly safe.
Congrats for taking the leap, Roger. I have all the Culhane manuals if you need to borrow any. Give me a call and I can send them off to you. Part of me is jealous but its pretty nice flying a 407 around thats for sure.
Wow… I can’t believe I’ve known you for half of your career!
Very well done! Good luck with the IFR stuff, I’m sure you’ll do fine.
Thanks Jean.
Good chatting with you Ryan. Thanks for sending the manuals!
Thanks Cole!
Congratulations Roger, chase that cheese.
Good luck.
“…probably have gone through hundreds of women…”
now come on…
Thanks Dan.
Shnewt, don’t hate me ‘cuz I’m beautiful.
Yeah, I had a white shirt once but I wore it to work and got it dirty! Seriously all the best to you Roger I’m sure you will enjoy the aircraft and the flying. Fly safe and have fun.
Todd, it’s mostly the schedule I seek. Working half a year is pretty appealing.
Working half a year sounds great, I hope to achieve that when I retire. Other than my helicopter licence I have worked full time since my last day of High School. No complaints just a fact. I do however hope by around 50-55 I can take more time to do the fun things in life.
Not sure if you are a UFC fan or not but Danielle and I are going to UFC 92 on Dec. 27th in Vegas (she’s a fan to, I’m not dragging her along). A great fight card and our first time to Vegas. I got great seats (although I paid the price) no use going all that way to sit in the nose bleed section. Hunter will stay with my folks and entertain them for a few days. Have a good tour and if it works out I will be coming to HAC in Vancouver at the end of March so we should get together so I can meet your better half and have a beer or two. Cheers
The Freedom 55 plan sounds like a good idea.
Not much into UFC but it sounds like you’ll have a great time! Blow some money for me!
By all means if I’m around in March we will get together for a beer… or six.
Well son I can hardly believe it’s been 10 years also. Congratulations. I’m very proud of you. I’m glad your starting your course for night flying. I know you will do just fine. (something else for Dad to worry about – night flying – Yes you are a very lucky man to have such a fine lady to keep you in line. Best wishes and best of luck.
Congrats on sticking it out. That awesome. I’m so glad you and T have done so well, despite you being away so much.
We must get together soon! I miss you guys.
Thanks dad! Thanks T!