The future of HH-60's

[MGlobemaster]

I am currently a Blackhawk crewchief in the Army. My goal all along has been to fly Blackhawks in the Army. However, a colleague recently put the idea into my head to give the Air Force a shot. I already have my degree and the thought of a commissioned slot while flying 60's is tempting.
I am looking to talk with some people "in the know" on what the future of the 60's is looking like with the impending HH-47 on the horizon. Also, what are the yearly flight hours like in an HH unit? I know the Army flies the piss out of our hawks but it looks as if the Air Force hardly does anything with theirs other than clean the windows. Finally, what is the best way to go to get the most flight hours, Guard, Reserve or active?
Any information will be greatly appreciated.

 

[JungleJett]

The -47 is not a done deal and I personally hope it does not happen. While the -60 needs some help and probably should be replaced, the -47 is not what we need..in this Pave Hawk guys opinion.

But to answer your question. You will get plenty of flight time in the -60G. As far as cleaning windows, we keep them clean so we can launch when it gets to dark for the Army to fly theirs. We are NOT slicks...so we do not launch for just anything.

Look into the AF. I spent some time in the Army and there is no way in hell you will ever pry my fingers off the AF. Totally different and for the most part..if not every part, better. Check into the Guard and Reserves. Both are great gigs....



The HH-60's are found here:

Kadena (Japan)
Lakenheath (UK)
Nellis (vegas)
Moody (GA)
Davis Monthan (Tucson) (Active and reserve)
Long Island (Guard)
Patrick (FL) Reserves)
Alaska (Guard)
Portland OR (Reserves)
Moffett (CA) Guard

 

[MGlobemaster]

Is there any chance the air force would look into the new Mike model -60's like what the Army is transitioning to? Also, if they do end up replacing the 60's would they send all -60 pilots to a transition course or would they leave them jobless and alone on an endless quest in search of chaaange?

 

[JungleJett]

Is there any chance the air force would look into the new Mike model -60's like what the Army is transitioning to? Also, if they do end up replacing the 60's would they send all -60 pilots to a transition course or would they leave them jobless and alone on an endless quest in search of chaaange?

I think they want something a little bigger with more power....there are some nice options available. The HH-47 does not even meet the requirement of "medium lift"...not sure why it was picked. The thing is an RPG magnet...but then again..most rotorywing are.

They would send the existing pilots to transition. Flying the helicopter is the "easy" part...it is the mission that is the important aspect...why let some guys go just because you changed airframes....they know the mission...just apply a new helicopter to it.

A lot of our guys are from other branches and I think a few of them flew the -47.

 

[Be 23]

The Air Force will not get another -60 airframe to replace the 60G in combat rescue. The cabin is just too small for the mission.

The replacement for the UH-1N in the mission support role (VIP and missile sites) may end up as a -60 variant. If combat rescue goes with a medium helicopter, then the huey replacement will be a tag on to the buy--cost savings in logistics and training. If rescue sticks with the -47, then they'll buy a medium for the huey replacement.