NewsMonkey wrote in message t...
Hello All,

I was hoping I might be able to get some feedback/advice from people who
have experience in the commercial aviation field. I am trying to make a
decision on whether pursuing a career, as a commercial helicopter pilot
is realistic.

First a little (I promise) bit of background. I am a 34 y/o man in
good health and I currently work as a software engineer. My education is
*Snip*


I'm in the same boat.. errr plane.... I'm 37, have about 500 hours of
fixed wing (Commercial with Multi) time and looking for a change. I
also work in the computer field as a contractor (ie, all the work with
no benefits or security) and even though it pays well, I'm wanting
somthing more satisifying. I'm also married but we don't have any
kids. My wife is very supportive and is willing to move to let me
follow my dreams. So want am I doing about it? Well, I'm still
working my good paying job but working on expanding my flying
experience and hours.

I would LOVE to find a way to marry my love of computer and flying.
However I haven't found a niche for this (yet). I feel that I have a
good chance of making the switch. I have a good attitude and willing
to co-pilot for someone many years younger. I accept the fact that I
will be starting on the lowest level of the flying ladder but know
with proper training and hard work I will be able to succeed. Also,
with a CFI/II rating you will have a lot of advantages working in your
professional/computer field. I know I have a large pool of highly
paid engineers/programmers that want to learn to fly. So my advice
would be to learn to fly but keep working your day job. Get your
CFI/II rating and lobby your friends at work to take lessons. You get
paid to fly and you also have your good paying job till you have
enough flight time to get that flying job.

Once last thing, I think the most improtant part of getting a flying
job is attitude. Be positive, learn from your peers and respect the
younger pilots that have more hours.