Hell_Kat Posted May 2, 2007 Report Share Posted May 2, 2007 Good evening folks, I have been fighting fires for the Forest Service for 9 years now, and I have been interested in Helicopters ever since my first trip in 1999. I joined the Marine Corps Reserves in 2004 to gain more knowledge as a landing support specialist. What is the best route to take to become a wildland fire helicopter pilot? I'm in good shape, consider myself as a smart individual, but I don't have $80,000 sitting in the bank. I am serious about becoming a pilot, but I want to know the best route to take... that is a lot of $ for an education and I want to spend it the right way. Please educate me... Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSPFI Posted May 2, 2007 Report Share Posted May 2, 2007 My name is Kevin G. I'm the Helicopter Ops Dir for a 6 soon to be 7 helicopter company. I'm prior service Marine with 8 years service. Send me an email and i'll try to help you out.kghelopilot@bellsouth.net Good evening folks, I have been fighting fires for the Forest Service for 9 years now, and I have been interested in Helicopters ever since my first trip in 1999. I joined the Marine Corps Reserves in 2004 to gain more knowledge as a landing support specialist. What is the best route to take to become a wildland fire helicopter pilot? I'm in good shape, consider myself as a smart individual, but I don't have $80,000 sitting in the bank. I am serious about becoming a pilot, but I want to know the best route to take... that is a lot of $ for an education and I want to spend it the right way. Please educate me... Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Autorotator Posted May 2, 2007 Report Share Posted May 2, 2007 If you have a G.I. Bill than that will assist your education. From what I understand you would have to pay %100 of you private license, then they will pay %60 and you would pay %40 there on out until the G.I. Bill is exhausted. There are requirements though. The G.I. Bill will only be available if you attend a part 141 school, so keep that in mind when searching for a school. There are many part 141 schools in the US. If you want to PM me and tell me the area you are in I would have a better idea of some schools near by. If you post your location on this thread, you will get many responses of schools close to your area. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firepilot Posted May 3, 2007 Report Share Posted May 3, 2007 Hey Kat, I'm pretty sure we met last summer at the helibase there in Winthrop. Dominoes and UNO? I was flying the red A-star. If you need any info, send me an email firepilot@hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLHooker Posted May 4, 2007 Report Share Posted May 4, 2007 I'm an advocate of the National Guard. I see you are currently enlisted, which is one of the requirements to be a pilot in the Guard. Army Flight School teaches you all about confined area ops, etc. Eh, just my 2 cents and thoughts. There are more threads in the Military Section of this forum if you want to research more, or PM with questions if you are interested. Either way, good luck! CHAD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hell_Kat Posted May 25, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2007 Thank you for everyone's input. I think I will be going to Inland Helicopters in Spokane this winter...Is getting a private liscense in the winter months just crazy or can it be done? I am hoping to get as much done while I am laid off from firefighting. I am excited about persuing my dream but a bit hesitant about leaving the career that I have done for 9 years... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brushfire21 Posted May 25, 2007 Report Share Posted May 25, 2007 I am going that route that you mentioned above. I did my PPL(H) starting in December last year right after fire season ended in NorCal, and I am planning on hitting the CPL hard this next winter. I have mixed emotions about a good fire season, make lots of money on one hand, but usually at the expense of peoples homes and property damage. Be safe this year and good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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