chamerican Posted November 12, 2007 Report Share Posted November 12, 2007 Here's a few preliminary questions I was hoping to get answered...anyone have some advice? I'm an Army pilot getting ready to make the move to the real world in about 8 months. Just a little background on me...I'm rated in the B206, OH-58, and the UH-60A/L. I'm on track to break 2000TT, 100N, and I have about 350 NVG hrs and 1200 PIC. I've got my Commercial Instrument Rating but am curious as to the benefits of getting my ATP at this point- or at least taking the written. As far as employment is concerned, my desire is to eventually find an IFR PIC position on either the EMS or corporate/charter side of the house. I understand I'm not going to transition into the job I want right away but I'm interested in finding out how to make myself more marketable as a helicopter pilot? Another question I have is that I've noticed through friends in similar situations that many companies seem less willing to hire we military pilots without 135 experience or experience in type. Is the best way to overcome this by taking that less than desirable job to get my foot in the door or is there any other way? I'm willing to make sacrifices as I know I'm a newcomer to the industry. What I'm looking for in all this is some possible guidance from those of you that may have been in my position at one time or another. I appreciate any feedback or direction you might be able to provide. Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gomer Pylot Posted November 13, 2007 Report Share Posted November 13, 2007 (edited) Get the ATP. It's worth money. Many companies pay extra for having it. Some companies are somewhat reluctant to hire ex-military pilots because these days they have no clue about power management. They're used to flying UH60/AH64 with loads of power, and when they get into the civilian world where power is always limited they tend to overtorque/overtemp aircraft, and hover around at 20'. A few of those goes a long way toward convincing chief pilots to pass on military guys. Those of us who came out of UH1/OH58A models have always been used to hovering on the edge, as are most of the chief pilots of large companies. That doesn't mean they won't hire ex-military pilots, because pilots with lots of turbine time, or lots of time in general, are hard to find. It just means you need to have a humble attitude when you interview and/or undergo training. Many of the check pilots have been flying longer than you've been alive, maybe longer than your mama has been alive, and don't suffer young egos gladly. You don't have a lot of time, just about the minimum for most companies, so take what you can get and learn how things are done in the civilian world, keep your eyes open for other jobs, and you should be fine. There are very few IFR EMS jobs around - most EMS is single pilot VFR. There is some corporate IFR, but if you want to fly IFR big ships, head for south Louisiana. That's where the majority of them are. It ain't fun, the conditions are less than desirable, and you'll put a lot of miles on a soon-to-be rusted out car, but it's a job, and pays fairly well for being a helicopter pilot. Edited November 13, 2007 by Gomer Pylot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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chamerican Posted November 14, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2007 Thanks Gomer. I'm new to posting here...this is the second response I've posted...thought the moderators were supposed to tackle that...anyway I hear what you're saying about lot's of power. That was all fine and good in the states. Here in Afghanistan power management has become the main focus for all of us. I'm actually glad- you're right about that. Back in the states I could pull the guts out of the bird- even full of pax. Here I've found my self doing a one wheel, roof-top insertion at max GW OGE- watching my TGT hit the limiter and hoping RPMR would hold on for one more minute. It's been a great learning experience and it's made me a much more power-conscious pilot. Also, I've talked to many pilots (most of whom made the military to civilian transition) who have given me the same advice as you have in regard to one's attitude. It's great advice and I think that I should have no problem. I'm stepping into an arena where I have a lot to learn a will gladly eat a huge piece of humble pie. If I could pass any knowledge, I will- but if I can help it, I'll just be a sponge. As far as the IFR jobs, it's not the end of the world if I don't get one. My biggest concern is quality of life, a job I look forward to going to each day and the ability to support my wife and future kid(s). Although I know that I will have to put my time in crawling up a new ladder- but I'm not willing to start at the bottom. NOT COMPLAINING, but I'm done spending years and the majority of my life away from family- is this unrealistic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chamerican Posted November 14, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2007 The power management issue is something I can definitely see being an issue for some military pilots- except for those of us in Afghanistan. The days of excessive power margins are few over here. Power management is a way of life in this environment. As more pilots cycle through here things will change. It wasn't uncommon to find 7500' LZ's to be at 35C+. Couple that with mountainous terrain and pinnacle/ridge-line landings of which most require OGE power- you become a faithful follower of power management. The only other option is to take a sled ride down a 3000' face. Not fun! However, I understand what you're saying and I see their point of view. I Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingseapig Posted November 14, 2007 Report Share Posted November 14, 2007 I just made the leap myself and left the military after 12 years to fly for a PT 135 company and am loving it and have no regrets! I took my written ATP examination and put the passing grade on my resume. I still have yet taken the practical in the aircraft yet. But the company I work for is willing to let me use their aircraft for my ATP practical test when I am ready, and since I am in a PT 135 PIC training program the ATP exam will not expire after 12 months as it is supposed to and it will remain valid as long as I am employed with a pt 135 operator. Also as previously stated some companies do offer bonuses or extra pay for the ATP. Good luck and I am sure you will enjoy the life on the outside, it is a lot better life with a family then staying in the military! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chamerican Posted November 15, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 15, 2007 I just made the leap myself and left the military after 12 years to fly for a PT 135 company and am loving it and have no regrets! I took my written ATP examination and put the passing grade on my resume. I still have yet taken the practical in the aircraft yet. But the company I work for is willing to let me use their aircraft for my ATP practical test when I am ready, and since I am in a PT 135 PIC training program the ATP exam will not expire after 12 months as it is supposed to and it will remain valid as long as I am employed with a pt 135 operator. Also as previously stated some companies do offer bonuses or extra pay for the ATP. Good luck and I am sure you will enjoy the life on the outside, it is a lot better life with a family then staying in the military! Thanks. It's pretty nerve wracking at this point but I'm pretty stoked. It's good to hear your liking it so much. Believe me, I also will have no regrets- and so will my wife. I ordered the ASA ATP '08 Test Prep and a few other aids to start while I can. I look forward to hopefully being in your position (well not literally) in about 8 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wally Posted November 15, 2007 Report Share Posted November 15, 2007 Here's a few preliminary questions I was hoping to get answered...anyone have some advice? I'm an Army pilot getting ready to make the move to the real world in about 8 months. Just a little background on me...I'm rated in the B206, OH-58, and the UH-60A/L. I'm on track to break 2000TT, 100N, and I have about 350 NVG hrs and 1200 PIC. I've got my Commercial Instrument Rating but am curious as to the benefits of getting my ATP at this point- or at least taking the written. As far as employment is concerned, my desire is to eventually find an IFR PIC position on either the EMS or corporate/charter side of the house. I understand I'm not going to transition into the job I want right away but I'm interested in finding out how to make myself more marketable as a helicopter pilot? Another question I have is that I've noticed through friends in similar situations that many companies seem less willing to hire we military pilots without 135 experience or experience in type. Is the best way to overcome this by taking that less than desirable job to get my foot in the door or is there any other way? I'm willing to make sacrifices as I know I'm a newcomer to the industry. What I'm looking for in all this is some possible guidance from those of you that may have been in my position at one time or another. I appreciate any feedback or direction you might be able to provide. Thanks again Everybody (4 pilots) at my EMS base is at least military trained. My recollection from the 6 years here and maybe a dozen pilots, is that all but 2 were ex-military. A fair few are still doin' the Guard/Reserve thing with occasional deployments, so I don't think your military background is a handicap- at least not here.If you're in a position to complete the ATP without selling a kidney, do so. It's a little extra each check, but a significant differentiator on a resume, especially if you're skinny with flight hours, as you would be for a seat here with the numbers stated. At various times, all the pilots based here had ATPs. Having completed the written is a lesser advantage, but still worth doing.If you're seriously considering EMS, start by picking where you want to be, and contact programs in that area for particulars. You might be better off than you think. "Gomer Pylot" is correct when he says most EMS is VFR, but there are IFR programs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Murphy Posted November 16, 2007 Report Share Posted November 16, 2007 As far as power goes, I'm kind of spoiled flying the A119. We are single pilot VFR and use NVG's for night flying. If you can, get some documentation in order for all of your NVG time. I think these days it's all in your log book but it is becoming a valuable asset for EMS work. Our Chief Pilot is ex-Navy, I'm ex-Navy, and we have quite a few ex-Army guys so I think the prior military thing is neutral. We don't require ATP's or pay a differential for having one...that will vary from company to company. Learn the aircraft, learn the mission and avoid the "Well this is how we did it in the Army" type stuff unless you're talking to another former military guy. With the 7/7 schedule commuting is usually an option but the closer to home the better for the family life. Good luck with the transition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gomer Pylot Posted November 16, 2007 Report Share Posted November 16, 2007 chamerican, you always start at the bottom in aviation, every time you change jobs. That's just the way it works. You earn starting pay, and usually do entry-level jobs, every time you go to a new job. It may not be right, but that's the way it is. Wally is right, there are IFR EMS jobs, but the competition for them seems to be fierce, and you need lots of time, both total and IMC, and lots of EMS time to get them, in most cases. Knowing the people in the program is also a huge asset, often essential. Not trying to discourage you, just telling you how it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawkdriver Posted November 16, 2007 Report Share Posted November 16, 2007 Picture book, pictures of your mother........... You'll miss doing things like flying with "residual effects" on the way back from Autec if you get out. If Chamerican isn't Dan then disregard all of the above Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Murphy Posted November 16, 2007 Report Share Posted November 16, 2007 AUTEC, what a great place....at least the parts I can remember Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chamerican Posted November 17, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2007 Picture book, pictures of your mother...........You'll miss doing things like flying with "residual effects" on the way back from Autec if you get out.If Chamerican isn't Dan then disregard all of the above Residual effects is right, DAVE. AUTEC, hmmm. I miss those days. Did you hear a private contractor took over our work down there! I feel robbed. Shouldn't you be sticking to fixed-wing forums now!? By the way how's that going? Get out? Already done, brotha. My paperwork is in and I declined my promotion. I know, I know...I'm going to miss the "high-speed" flying we do in this business but I'm ready to NOT spend my younger days gone quite this much! Shoot me an email, man....and no I'm not a Canadian-yet (unless I find work in Vancouver!) Gomer, I get what you're saying and I fully expect and am willing to start at the bottom. I have do delusions about that. I'm just happy to not have to be in a worse-off position Wally, I've been trying to narrow down where I want to be and that's proving more difficult to satisfy since one place in particular (Ca) requires 3000TT. I'm getting to the point that I'm willing to consider other places that I wouldn't mind at least trying out. My sister lives in Dallas and I wouldn't mind heading that way- I just have to find a position. Mike, the good thing about AUTEC was the cheap beer at the PX, haha. Good times Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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