Traveling Careers...

SHLove17 · February 22, 2007

Hello, I am currently a junior in High School so obviously I am not a pilot. However, lately I have seriously considered which careers I would like to persue in the future, and what I should do to achieve my goals. I recently have developed a interest in helicopters, so I have been browsing this forums looking for answers to my questions and learning. I have one question though that I can't find the answer to, so I just thought I should ask.

When I visited this site in the past, on the opening page there was an article about what being a helicopter pilot was like. I remember the article saying there are certain careers where you can travel around the world and see a lot of neat places, which leads me to my question, which helicopter pilot careers are ones where you get to travel a lot? Sorry that this post was very "lengthy", consider it my welcoming post and this question in one. Thanks, -Simon.

February 22, 2007

I beleive the article you speak of is this one:

http://www.verticalreference.com/articles/...rticle_27.shtml

The jobs that are 'stay at home' would be ones such as EMS, ENG, ALE and even CFI if you get hired your or a flight school in the area. Aside from those jobs you will be traveling. Fire fighting, logging, seismic, tours, photo flights (these are an exception because there is a good chance you'll do them as a CFI), GOM, etc..

james28 · February 22, 2007

being a supplemental pilot, meaning you go where the work is, would probably be the job in which you would travel the most. go for a 2 month hitch here and there basically.

while not a supplemental pilot, here's ya a good article.

http://www.careerone.com.au/jobs/job-searc...nsider/pid/1187

by the way, i to am a junior in high school. looks like i'm not the only one. everyone here is ancient for the most part

SHLove17 · February 22, 2007

Thank you guys, quick and informative. Yeah james, after I graduate from highschool I plan on first enlisting into the US Army and then applying for WOFT (although I know it can be difficult to get in with no prior experience). Iv'e kind of toyed with the idea to fly helicopters for the past few months...I am the kind of guy that likes to plan ahead on everything, and I have always thought that it would be amazing to fly.

It seems that the best and most realistic way to make it happen is to get flight training for free in the Army, rack up flight hours, and serve my country in the process.

*Edit*

And yes Rookie, that is the EXACT article I was talking about.

February 22, 2007

everyone here is ancient for the most part

tisk, tisk james28. The numbers are against you on that one , but you knew that

http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/helicopterfor...925&hl=age*

zcat · February 23, 2007

...after I graduate from highschool I plan on first enlisting into the US Army and then applying for WOFT (although I know it can be difficult to get in with no prior experience).

In case you don't know, you don't have to enlist to apply for WOFT. There is what they call the "street to seat" or "high school to flight school" option. Granted, the competition is pretty stiff, but it can be done. Although getting a couple of years of Army life behind you would definitely be a benefit. Just something to think about. Also, as I understand it, the vast majority of people who are accepted to WOFT have little to no prior flight experience.

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crashresidue · February 23, 2007

Cheers,

As one of the "ancient ones" - welcome to the crazy world of helicopters!

In 1966, I did the 'high school to flight school" route - and have never regretted it. Sure, I've lost a sh*t-pot full of friends along the way, but not a one of them EVER said that they were not happy with the "life' and the danger associated with it.

This is not a "die in bed of old age" profession. It's up to YOU as a pilot to guage the risks and decide. This is a decision you'll make every day of your flying career!

I did "stuff" back when I was young - that just scares the sh*t out of me now! When I see, and this reference isn't done to put anyone down - "junior birdmen" getting talked into what I consider a mission that's too dangerous - I get involved - right then. Upset more than one customer and chief pilot, by the way.

I've had pilots listen to me and refuse, and I've had them throw me the "get LOST, old man" look and do it anyway. Most times, those find me at the motel, at the bar - and with HUGH eyes, white knuckles and shaking hand sloshing the beer - say "Damn! I f*cking near KILLED myself trying that!"

I may be old - but I'll bet doughnuts to dollars -I've done stupider things with a helicopter than you ever will try - and the fact that I survived them was NOT P/T - it was blind luck!!! I've "used up" all the "luck" guys - do it smart now.

Gentle winds,

cr

wild_blue · February 25, 2007

by the way, i to am a junior in high school. looks like i'm not the only one. everyone here is ancient for the most part

Hey,I'm not ancient! Lol,I'm a high school senior and BTW shlove17,I plan on enlisting and then applying for WOFT too,having trouble deciding between MOS's though,either its gonna be 15T which is a UH-60 repairer(blackhawk crewchief) or 31B,military police.......?? Can't make up my mind lol.

james28 · February 25, 2007

50% or so are double my age, that's ancient in my eyes. is there no way you can attend a civilian flight school? everyday i read about more and more helos getting shot down over in the middle east. either way i wish you the best, just be careful.

SHLove17 · February 26, 2007

Wild Blue: You're right, picking an MOS is a tough decision. My only problem with being a blackhawk repairer would be that I don't have an interest or aptitude in mechanics, haha. If I did and my goal was to become an aviator, I deffinatley would chose it. I am also intrested in electronic warfare such as a signals intelligence analyst or something of that nature. I already took the ASVAB and I'm waiting for my results.

james28 · February 26, 2007

but if you're going to be an aviator, it's really helpful to know how your helicopter works and how to fix it if you're in a jam. makes you all the better pilot.

SHLove17 · February 26, 2007

I would agree with that, however in the Army's Warrant Officer Flight Training they will teach you everything you need to know in order to be a pilot. The pilot's do not take care of the helicopters maintenece, the mechanics and crewchiefs do. Being a mechanic may help you during WOFT, but overall once you graduate WOFT you will have learned everything that you need to know to pilot your aircraft to the best of your abilities. Also, I have been told numerous times (But I still could be wrong) that being in an air-traffic control, or helicopter repair MOS will NOT increase your chances of being accepted into WOFT. It is more on how WELL you do, opposed to WHAT you do.

Dallas · February 26, 2007

I would agree with that, however in the Army's Warrant Officer Flight Training they will teach you everything you need to know in order to be a pilot. The pilot's do not take care of the helicopters maintenece, the mechanics and crewchiefs do. Being a mechanic may help you during WOFT, but overall once you graduate WOFT you will have learned everything that you need to know to pilot your aircraft to the best of your abilities. Also, I have been told numerous times (But I still could be wrong) that being in an air-traffic control, or helicopter repair MOS will NOT increase your chances of being accepted into WOFT. It is more on how WELL you do, opposed to WHAT you do.

No matter what route you take in the Aviation Community you will for ever be involved in the maintenance aspect of your machine. Im not saying you need to have a engineering mentality, but you definately need to be able to interface with the men on the ground who do have that mentality.

As for choosing your MOS, This is just my experience having been in the Army/Military for the last 8 years, get as much of an education as the military will offer you. If your ultimate goal is to fly helicopters and you have the Aptitude and dedication it will happen. Untill you are ready and feel like you have the experience neccessary to apply to WOFT, your best option is to be as motivated as possible about what your doing at the present time. So choose an MOS that will challenge you and you find fun untill your ready to go to flight school. The Army and Aviation in general is all about "Attitude", if your's is negative then so will be your experience.

You ever have any questions about Aviation or about the Army I am a Civilian Helicopter Pilot as well as a Military Pilot if I dont know the answer Ill find you someone who does.

Good Luck

Dallas Knox

Dallas2881@hotmail.com

wild_blue · February 28, 2007

Wild Blue: You're right, picking an MOS is a tough decision. My only problem with being a blackhawk repairer would be that I don't have an interest or aptitude in mechanics, haha. If I did and my goal was to become an aviator, I deffinatley would chose it. I am also intrested in electronic warfare such as a signals intelligence analyst or something of that nature. I already took the ASVAB and I'm waiting for my results.

Same here,I don't have as much interest in mechanics as I do in law inforcement. I just keep toying around with the idea of being a UH-60 repairer but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna go 31B. I'll be joining sometime next year. Thanks james,I'll be as careful as I can.