What's the Magic Number Of Hours

[Chopper Tom]

I was wondering if some of you can tell me what a 1000 hrs of helicopter time really means. I am currently in law enforcement and have 1008 hrs of Helicopter. I am trying to get out of this profession after 11 yrs. Employers tell me I need to build more time. I have been told by pilots if you have 1000 hrs your golden. What is a good number of hours in which to get employed. I would appreciate any info or advice.

 

Thanks

[Gomer Pylot]

The magic number changes, depending on the employer, the job, and the conditions at the time. So in truth, there is no magic number, just what that employer wants for that job on that day, and it also can vary depending on who is applying, and what other qualifications they have. Every job is different, every day.

[Mikemv]

Chopper Tom, if you tell us what Certificates you hold and a break down of PIC time by various models and recent flight experience, factory schools, etc., maybe we can steer you to a receptive employer. Mike

[Chopper Tom]

Chopper Tom, if you tell us what Certificates you hold and a break down of PIC time by various models and recent flight experience, factory schools, etc., maybe we can steer you to a receptive employer. Mike

 

Mike

 

I have a commercial rotorcraft + privite fixedwing with instrument rating. Robinson Helicopter Safty Course 2006. Instrument 135 requirments complete except rotorcraft instrument which I am currently working on.

1248 TT

1166 TT PIC

959 Rotorcraft PIC

586 R22 PIC

351 R44 PIC

4 Bell 204 PIC

18 Rotorway PIC

203 Fixedwing PIC

653 Cross Country

152 TT Night

75 TT Instrument

389 TT Last 12 Mounths

 

Flight time consists of powerline patrol, aerial photography, air rides, and deer counts.

 

Thanks

[AV8]

Chopper Tom, if you tell us what Certificates you hold and a break down of PIC time by various models and recent flight experience, factory schools, etc., maybe we can steer you to a receptive employer. Mike

 

 

If this helps

You get your ratings to include CFI gain 300hrs and instruct till you reach 1000hr. You now have 1000 hrs so from there you have a few more options, but the main two are flying tours in the grand canyon, Alaska ect.. or flying in GOM out to the oil plat forms, (oh and one more is possible if you jump on it right now is CBP AIR). Now I have heard of a few rare occassion where someone in the right place at the right time getting a job in: law enforcement, and news copters but not many. Most pilots then build their time to 2000-3000 hrs where you can apply for other fields like: EMS, Dept fire, Dept Forestry, Heavy lift, Power line patrol, ENG, corprate you name it you can apply.

 

Hope this helps

[ADRidge]

Well, from what I've seen, the magic number seems to steadily creep upwards for that first turbine job. My primary CFII just got a job offshore and he needed 1250 to get hired.