Intrested in becoming a helicopter pilot

[ericny1]

I have a BA and about 30 hrs of flight time. However i have the opportunity to take helicopter lessons will that improve my chances and also are helicopter pilots recieve an easier road to exceptance?

 

[farkle84]

if you have the opportunity you might as well take it. shoot i would. plus if you havent applied for OCS yet then while you are waiting to get accepted you can get some helo time which will also boost your chances to get accepted. good luck

 

[46Driver]

If you already have an aviation contract, don't waste your money - helicopter lessons are EXPENSIVE. Once you finish TBS and if there is a wait (there almost always is) you can ask for TAD orders to a Marine Reserve helicopter squadron. Likewise, if there is a wait between primary and advanced helos, you can also go TAD to a Marine Reserve helo squadron. There you will get some stick time for free in 53's, 46's or skids instead of a little Robinson R-22 - and the Majors and LtCols love having 2nd Lt's around - you will have a lot of fun.
Good Luck.

 

[webmaster]

Originally posted by 46Driver
the Majors and LtCols love having 2nd Lt's around

Yeah, I am SURE they do... nothing like a few more fresh bodies to random task... lol...

 

[46Driver]

Actually, there is not that much tasking in a reserve squadron. The Majors and the LtCols show up only on drill weekends and sporadically throughout the rest of the month - and are almost always in good humor because they are getting ready to go have some fun with the helo. Paperwork??? The few active duty pilots there (generally only about 5 or 6) need another body in the cockpit for test flights and such - its a good deal.