Helicopter Forum Vertical Reference Helicopter Topics http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com Tue, 21 May 2013 04:55:43 +0000 10 Helicopter Forum http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/helicopterforum/style_images/1/logo4.gif http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com OH-58 VS. UH-60 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/15913-oh-58-vs-uh-60/ Ok big discussion here and I wanna hear it from the real pilots. OH-58 vs UH-60 readdyyy go... Tue, 21 May 2013 04:55:43 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/15913-oh-58-vs-uh-60/ Robbies and LTE http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16828-robbies-and-lte/ There's a new Robinson Safety Notice about UNANTICIPATED YAW.  It mentiones that "Tail rotors on Robinson helicopters are designed to have more authority than many other helicopters and are unlikely to experience LTE."

 

From my limited experience I've seen that Robbies do have better tail rotor authority than some others (especially the Schweizer), but it seems rather boasty to claim that they're unlikely to experience LTE?

 

Thoughts?

]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 04:26:00 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16828-robbies-and-lte/ Mechanical hard landing Honolulu http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16788-mechanical-hard-landing-honolulu/ http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/20130508_Helicopter_crashes_in_downtown_Honolulu.html

]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 03:59:26 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16788-mechanical-hard-landing-honolulu/ Time til orders are cut? http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16825-time-til-orders-are-cut/ I was wondering if any of the active duty selectees could tell me how soon they received there actual WOCS date/Orders after the board and how long after their selection board did they report to WOCS (closer to 4 or 6 months)?

]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 03:18:00 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16825-time-til-orders-are-cut/ Chief warrant officer promotion 2013 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16824-chief-warrant-officer-promotion-2013/
Thanks!]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 03:07:38 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16824-chief-warrant-officer-promotion-2013/ <![CDATA[I'll answer your WOCS questions]]> http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16667-ill-answer-your-wocs-questions/ Alright everyone I just recently graduated from WOCS and will try to answer any questions you may have about everything up to this point (Packet, arrival, Rucker, WOCS, etc). I did the 5 week course seeing how I am a former NCO but I know a bit about the 7 week course too.

 

The old saying that the course is always changing is very true. The place is controlled chaos to the point that what we were allowed to do in my class the candidates across the street weren't allowed to do and vice versa. So many of the answers to your questions will be along the lines of "it depends on your class" but I will try to give the best answer that I can. 

 

Fire away.

 

]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 03:00:16 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16667-ill-answer-your-wocs-questions/ The Move to Rucker http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16560-the-move-to-rucker/
I will already be there, but my wife and kids will need to move down. Does the Army move all of our stuff and vehicles, and then my family just flies down? Do I fly back home and then fly with them? Or are we supposed to drive to Rucker? I'm sure all of this will be answered for me at some point, but we just want to get everything sorted out.]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 02:21:02 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16560-the-move-to-rucker/ Approach Technique and The Vortex Ring State http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16804-approach-technique-and-the-vortex-ring-state/ I'm fond of technique #1, but A LOT of CFIs I've flown with say I'm playing with VRS, and prefer technique #2.

 

Thoughts?

]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 01:41:38 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16804-approach-technique-and-the-vortex-ring-state/ Time building on pipeline patrol, $150/hr. http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16069-time-building-on-pipeline-patrol-150hr/ Tue, 21 May 2013 00:35:58 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16069-time-building-on-pipeline-patrol-150hr/ <![CDATA[Seriously. What's the Deal with all the Helo incidents in Australia lately?]]> http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16772-seriously-whats-the-deal-with-all-the-helo-incidents-in-australia-lately/ http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/Attempt-to-close-open-door-led-to-fatal-R44-crash#.UYQP1ZWhD8s

 

 

712177142733708.jpg

]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 00:04:54 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16772-seriously-whats-the-deal-with-all-the-helo-incidents-in-australia-lately/ Prior SOF http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16812-prior-sof/ Is there anyone that was prior SOF that has made the switch? If so, I was wondering how being a pilot compares, any regrets and basic pros and cons. I am contemplating dropping a WOFT packet but want to make an educated decision. Thank you in advance. Mon, 20 May 2013 23:54:12 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16812-prior-sof/ Sept 2013 Civilian WOFT Board http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16827-sept-2013-civilian-woft-board/
That being said (and since the May selection board thread is now past it's climax) I hereby initiate the September 2013 Civie Board thread.

I'm blaming the doctor at MEPS for my hold up, and hoping that at least I have more time to square things away. Anyone who unwillingly finds themselves hopping out of the July boat and into this one... I know how you feel. But at least we are still in it.

Anyone hoping to make this Board cause they just started: Good Luck!


**returns to making strongly worded calls to recruiter about physical SNAFUs**]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 23:48:26 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16827-sept-2013-civilian-woft-board/ Important WOCS question! http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16776-important-wocs-question/
Side note. I just got to Ft. Rucker if anyone wants to meet up for lunch or something let me know! I had no idea how small Rucker and the surrounding area was!]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 23:28:01 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16776-important-wocs-question/ WARRANT OFFICER FLIGHT TRAINING http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/13468-warrant-officer-flight-training/ I posted this awhile back, and apparently many people have found it to be helpful, so I am making a new thread, and will "bump" it every so often so it does not get lost in the shuffle. Maybe someone can ask a moderator to make it a "sticky" if people think that's a good idea.

I've been typing up a "guide" for WOFT applicants, since the lack of information (and the information that is available is so scattered) about this program is ridiculous. Apologies, it is very long, and some of it is incomplete. Here it is:

Disclaimer: I am merely another civilian trying to get picked up for WOFT. All the information posted below is what I have found through countless hours of research, talking to knowledgeable people, and by going through the process myself. Take everything with a grain, or two, or three, of salt. Double-check everything. If you read something below that doesn't sound right, ASK. Hopefully someone more qualified can pitch in with a better answer, or I will try to do more research and find a regulation that clears it up.

--------------------------------------------------------------

UNITED STATES ARMY – WARRANT OFFICER FLIGHT TRAINING
Flying for the U.S. Army is rather unique: all new aviators fly rotary-wing aircraft. While the Army does have several fixed-wing aircraft in its inventory, these are limited to seasoned and experienced aviators. Secondly, the Army is unique because Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) contains a program casually called “street-to-seat” or “high-school-to-flight-school.” Civilians (college degree not required) may apply for this program. If selected, you sign a contract. If not selected, you have no obligation to the Army and are still a civilian. Sound easy? It’s not.
The WOFT Application Process works to eliminate those without the motivation to follow through. It is stressful, there are many components, and if flying for the Army is not something you really want to do, this is probably the time when you’ll figure that out…unless somehow everything works out perfectly for you. If so, I’m jealous.

As a civilian, the WOFT Packet consists of the following components:
ASVAB: Minimum 110 GT Score required. I used the ARCO book and got a 99 AFQT/139 GT Score, but apparently ASVAB for Dummies is highly recommended by many. Seriously.
AFAST: Minimum score of 90 required. Use the ARCO book, not the Barron’s book to study. Barron’s has entirely too many incorrect answers.
MEPS Physical: Your recruiter will schedule this for you, most likely in conjunction with your ASVAB test. Try to get this done as early into your application process as possible, so that you know if you are disqualified for something like color-blindness, which is non-waiverable for potential aviators.
Class 1A Flight Physical: While it is easier for your recruiter to schedule this, it is possible for you as a civilian to do it. If you have a lazy recruiter, track down the number of the local Army flight surgeon that would perform the flight physical. Note: this is NOT the same physical given by FAA-certified flight physicians (read: the civilian version will not replace the Army physical).
APFT: You must pass, but to be competitive, you must score very well.
Letters of Recommendation: For civilian applicants, a minimum of three and a maximum of six are required. The general rule is to select a combination of people who know you very well and can speak to your maturity, responsibility, and leadership abilities, and people who are in a high position of relevant authority. Ideally, these people would be one and the same, i.e. an Army Colonel you have known for 10 years. However, if you are like me and did not know anyone like that, do not be afraid to get into contact with an Army Aviator and ask them politely if they would be willing to interview you and perhaps write a Letter of Recommendation. Quite a few applicants do this; just make sure that not all of your Letters of Recommendation are of this nature.
Resume: This is your chance to shine and list your accomplishments without appearing like you are bragging. The resume is something you can start early and simply add to as you progress throughout high school and/or college. Take advantage of this time and do some unique and worthwhile things; they will help your resume stand out from the rest.
“Why I Want to be an Army Aviator” Essay: Straightforward: answer the question. 1 page. Write it early and simply edit it as time goes by.
¾ Length Photo: Don’t worry about this until the end of the application process. Ask your recruiter for details.
Educational Transcripts: The board will want official transcripts from high school through your most recent education level (i.e. Bachelors, etc). Obtain these ASAP so you don’t have to worry about it. This is also a hint that the board will look at your GPA, so be prepared to explain a low GPA, or you could always just focus on getting a solid one.
Professional Certificates/Flight Log (if applicable): If you have your Private Pilot’s License, are EMT-B certified, or something similar, include copies of your certificates. If you have logged significant flight time, make crisp and clear copies of your flight log.
SF-86 Form / Interim Secret Security Clearance: Your recruiter will have you fill out the computerized SF-86 form sometime during the process. This form asks you of your past history, and requires you list a lot of contacts/references as well as addresses of places you have lived and worked. Make it easier by printing out a copy of the SF-86 (easily available online) early on in the process and filling it out ahead of time, so you aren’t stressing out in the recruiter’s office because you can’t remember the address of a place you worked at five years ago.
Battalion Board Interview: This is the last major step in the process. Once your packet is completed, you will go before a “local” battalion board and they will interview you. Be prepared to answer standard interview questions (strengths and weaknesses, etc) as well as Army-specific questions (i.e. why do you want to be a Warrant Officer, what is your favorite Army value and why). The board will then rate you on a scale of 25 (some of which is based on appearance, apparent confidence level you exude, posture, etc), and send that rating along with the rest of your packet to Warrant Officer Recruiting Headquarters, who evaluates packets once every other month and makes the final decision. If you are selected, congratulations! Your recruiter will schedule you another visit to MEPS where you will find your dates and sign your contract. If you are not selected, you will be classified as either FQ/NS (Fully-qualified/Non-select, meaning your packet was complete but you were just not selected) or NQ/NS (Not-qualified/not-select, which usually means there was an issue with your packet). If FQ/NS, the board will automatically look at your packet again the next month. Again, if selected this time around, congratulations! If not selected, you are a twice non-select and must wait 6 months to reapply. Take that time to either examine other options if you cannot afford to wait six months, or build up your packet and resume if you are set on this path.

Some potential hurdles:
Eyesight: if your vision is worse than 20/50 in either eye or is not correctable to 20/20, you will be medically “disqualified.” There are waivers, so not all hope is lost, but the waivers will not extend to those who have extremely poor vision. If you fall into that latter category (your vision is utterly terrible, as mine was), you have two options: PRK or LASIK eye surgery. I will not tell you which one to pursue, only that in general, the military “prefers” PRK (though the Army accepts both), and that I chose LASIK with incredible results. Research each on your own (and very thoroughly), and if possible consult with an Army flight surgeon to ensure that the surgery you choose is acceptable. Also, make sure you obtain all paperwork required by the Army, as your civilian surgeon will need to fill them out regarding your pre-operative refraction, and post-operative results. This paperwork is required for the eyesight waiver you will put in. You must wait three months after surgery before you are allowed to schedule your Flight Physical.
Color-blindness: Sorry, if you are color blind then you are out of luck. MEPS will determine if this is the case.
Height: Look it up. I can't remember the regs, but they are out there if you look hard enough.

Incorrect/Incomplete packets will either get kicked back, or will be looked upon badly. It is up to YOU, not your recruiter, to ensure everything is in proper order.

Some other routes for getting to WOFT are:
Enlisting and then applying from within
ROTC
OCS (Officer Candidate School): While it is generally easier to get accepted to OCS than to WOFT as a civilian, there are very few (and I mean very, typically one to three at most per OCS class) Aviation slots in OCS, and there is no way to guarantee it. If you choose to go this route, you must be VERY prepared to serve in another capacity/branch of the Army. Do not go this route if you only want to fly. Strongly consider this route if your desire to serve in the United States Army as a Commissioned Officer is paramount to everything else. Keep in mind, however, that Warrant Officer Aviators can always choose to commission later in their careers.
USMA (West Point)


--------------------------------------------------------------

Hope this helps. Feel free to add/change/question things.]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 23:27:52 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/13468-warrant-officer-flight-training/ What Are My Chances? Check Out the Stats of Selected Members HERE. http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16159-what-are-my-chances-check-out-the-stats-of-selected-members-here/
I thought it would be helpful to have a thread that has the stats of everyone who has been selected on the forum. That way, it will help answer the question, “Here are my stats, what are my chances of being selected?”

So, if you get selected, add your stats here for others to see!

To start, I’ve compiled a list of the members I know that have been selected in the past year or so. There’s probably some I missed. If I missed you, I’m sorry. You can post and add your stats, or you can message me, and I will input them (so as to keep it in somewhat chronological order).

Posts should only be adding stats about selection. Please DO NOT use this thread to comment about a member’s stats or ask questions. PM the member, post in another thread, or start a new thread.

To keep everything uniform, and easy to decipher, try to keep this format:
AGE:
ASVAB AFQT/GT:
AFAST:
APFT:
EDUCATION:
FLIGHT:
BOARD:
LORS:
OTHER INFO:
SELECTED:

NOTE: I got all this information from other threads in the forum. If it’s incorrect, please PM me to let me know, and I’ll fix it. If you do not want your info posted in this thread, PM me and I’ll delete it.]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 19:24:38 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16159-what-are-my-chances-check-out-the-stats-of-selected-members-here/ Time building in a NEW R44 Raven II for only $225 per hour. http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16769-time-building-in-a-new-r44-raven-ii-for-only-225-per-hour/ I am offering R44 time building while doing real world commercial flying. This is in a new ship and you will be flying with an experienced pilot with over 6000 hours of flight time. You will need to be a rated rotorcraft pilot and have your SFAR in the R44. For CFI's needing to get your hours in an R44 this is a very good opportunity for you. If you can get to Gulfport, MS, San Antonio, TX, or Midland, TX I can pick you up in the helicopter and I might be able to assist you with your lodging while you are flying. This is not pattern work, it is low level work inspecting pipelines. My number is 325-642-2498. You will fly 6-7 hours every day...Booking NOW.

]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 19:17:07 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16769-time-building-in-a-new-r44-raven-ii-for-only-225-per-hour/ Roll call - BCT at Ft Sill 7/15 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16811-roll-call-bct-at-ft-sill-715/
Anything I really need to worry about other than bringing what's on the packing list?

From what I've been able to read, my gf should wait until I finish wocs until she comes down? Ill have them move my stuff...but in regards to the weight limit, I should probably wait until I get promoted to wo1 because the weight limit is double e4. Will that happen immediately at wocs graduation?

We've got 3 large dogs, so when she/we move, it'll have to happen fairly quickly. Will I have time between wocs and the beginning of flight school to help get things settled?

More questions to come...gettin' antsy!

Tyler]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 19:08:09 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16811-roll-call-bct-at-ft-sill-715/ July 2013 Civilian WOFT Board http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16781-july-2013-civilian-woft-board/ Let's try this again.

 

Age: 31
ASVAB: 79 AFQT, 124 GT
SIFT: 70
APFT: TBD
College: BA from University of Virginia, 3.27 GPA

Military Experience: 14 years in Marine Corps Reserves as a CH-46E Mechanic, Crewchief and Aerial Gunner/Observer.  Current rank of SSgt.
Flight Time: CH-46E, 710 hours (227 Combat Hours)
LoRs: HMM CO (Marine LtCol Aviator),  Marine CWO2 (Former Crewchief), Army CW4 Aviator, DoD Senior Executive Service,  Army LTC, USAF Col Aviator
Other: Extensive Leadership experience in combat aviation setting.  Proficient in Aviation Combat Assualt support. 200+ NVG hours. Awarded Combat Aircrew Wings and Air Medal with Strike/Flight Numeral 4.

]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 18:43:20 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16781-july-2013-civilian-woft-board/ May 2013 WOFT Board - ACTIVE DUTY ONLY http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16610-may-2013-woft-board-active-duty-only/
Age: 27
ASVAB: 117 GT
SIFT: 70
APFT: 300
College: M.A. in Diplomacy, 3.7 GPA; B.A. in International Relations, 3.5 GPA. Graduated with honors, nominated to both national and international scholastic honor societies for international relations.
LOR: CW5 from 160th SOAR(A); My Marine Corps Battalion Commander (Lt Col); My Marine Corps Company Commander (Captain).
Flight Experience: FAA Commercial License w/ Instrument Rating, 800 hours ASEL (125 hours which are volunteer rescue flight hours).
Military Experience: 8 years active duty U.S. Marine Corps, MOS 0211, multiple OIF and OEF combat deployments.]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 12:53:25 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16610-may-2013-woft-board-active-duty-only/ Ditchings and groundings http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16826-ditchings-and-groundings/ As reported by Vertical Magazine the two ditchings of EC225s Super Puma in the North Sea caused significant losses to Eurocopter financial results. A bad situation

 

http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/23920#.UZng2bWGHzy

 

 

 

Eurocopter parent company EADS announced disappointing first-quarter financial results for the helicopter division, driven in part by technical problems with the offshore Super Puma fleet.
 
Although EADS’ Q1 2013 revenues were up overall — reflecting higher aircraft deliveries at Airbus Commercial — Q1 revenues at Eurocopter fell by 13 percent to € 1,038 million (compared to € 1,199 million in Q1 2012) with deliveries of 58 helicopters (down from 72 in Q1 2012). The Division’s EBIT declined by 69 percent to € 20 million (Q1 2012: € 64 million).
 
EADS noted that Eurocopter’s strong performance in sales and EBIT in Q1 2012 benefited from a strong delivery performance, in particular for the Super Puma. Later in 2012, however, two ditchings of EC225 LP Super Puma helicopters in the North Sea prompted offshore operators in the region to ground their Super Puma fleets. 
 
“Eurocopter has faced some revenue and EBIT pressure arising from the technical problems with the Super Puma fleet,” EADS stated in a press release. “Flight restrictions have impacted both the delivery schedule and the service revenues generated by helicopter operations.”
 
On a positive note, the release said, “A recovery is expected later in 2013 as Eurocopter has now identified the root cause for the technical issues and validation with the regulators is ongoing."
 
In the first three months of 2013, Eurocopter booked 51 net orders (Q1 2012: 93 net orders). At the end of March 2013, the Division’s order book was worth € 12.7 billion (year-end 2012: € 12.9 billion), comprising 1,063 helicopters (year-end 2012: 1,070 helicopters).
 
Also in the quarter, Eurocopter signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the German government reducing the overall number of helicopters to be delivered but with some rebalancing between types on the NH90 from TTH to naval NFH versions. Other discussions with key customers are ongoing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 08:45:28 +0000 http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/16826-ditchings-and-groundings/