Helicopter Job Market

[Please Hire Me]

Still considering Army aviation. What would the helicopter job market be like after I get out? Easy to find jobs? Pay? Details from those that know please!

Thanks in advance!!!!!!!!!!

 

[earlthesquirrel]

Dear Please Hire Me;

Go Army and Don't look back. Sure you may be killed, burned, maimed, but think of all the flight time. Yes you will be gone about 300 days a year, more than likely living in a GP medium using your left hand to wipe your lice infested keester but think of all the flight time. Don't worry about the job market when you get out because you ain't getting out with this war on terror. Ever hear of "stop-loss???"

If you go Army do it for the right reasons, not for flight time. Do it to serve your country when we need you. It isn't for the weak. I spent 8 years living in tents, flying Uh-1's in dust storms, and burying my Army brothers.

Good luck

Earl

 

[Please Hire Me]

Serving my country has always been #1 to me. I spent 6 years in the Marine Infantry, so I know all about living out of a hole in the ground. I am currently trying to get into the Air Guard which has proven to be pretty difficult. I would rather go reserve/guard than go active duty again (family reasons). Thats why I'm not going Marine Aviation.

I recently pondered the thought of flying helicopters in the Army Reserve or Guard. I'm just wondering what life would be like as a helicopter pilot after the Army. Will all the helicopter time do any good with getting a fixed wing job???

 

[PilotoHalcon]

Geez, I have no idea where to start. Except that I went to Army Flight school in 82. Did my first tour in Korea flying the H1. Then DA asked me what I wanted to fly and where I wanted to do it upon my Korea tour. I said Washington State flying H1’s and they said no, SAV flying the 60. I will not bore you with the details but I left the Active Army in 89. Had a great time. The typical “what you make out of it” experience. Been Guard ever since. Currently in Kuwait flying the C12(Until this Saturday, YESS) Would I do it all again? Yes with out a doubt I would. I enjoyed my time and the life was good to me. But do not do it mainly for the flight time as previously mentioned. But once you get the helicopter “stigma” it is hard to get out. I went to USCS for the airplane time, then airlines, furloughed and now here. And still 2/3’s of my time is helicopters. Overall the starting pay for helicopter pilots is higher then the fixed with counterpart. But after a year or two (overall) the fixed with guy will get paid more. Looking at the market now there is a lot of helicopter openings out there. Especially if you are willing to go over seas. Get dual rated and have a blast. I hope this helps some.
j

 

[kiowa58d]

Looking for info........

Iwould say that if you already don't know about it, visit the forum on www.justhelicopters.com. A few folks on that board can respond with wise cracks to questions at times, but you should find some good info. In addition, I have heard rumors from guys in my unit who are leaving the Army right now that the job market should be good for army aviators. All your flight time will be turbine, and employers (such as in the gulf) are having difficulty getting applicants with quality turbine time. Most rotary wing job applicants are low time civilian guys with R22, R44 time. (I would never be able to afford civilian rotary wing ratings) It seems like there are also many EMS openings. EMS pays low, lots of risk, and can be very boring sitting around waiting for something to do all day.

You could also ask the guys on www. APTAP.org.

Good luck!