Flight Time per year GOM??

[Ian J]

I'll throw this out there to the helo masses:

Any idea the average flight time per year a GOM flyer gets?

The reason I'm asking is that due to my relatively pathetic amount of helo time (about 800 hours) I realize time building will have to be done before applying for a EMS job.

But I really don't want to live on the gulf coast, I hate the thought of commuting, and I hate the idea of spending every other week away from my wife. BUT... I am willling to suck that up for a little bit in order to get my dream job. I just want an idea of how long I would have to suck that up for.

Oh, and everything I've seen leads me to believe an EMS job could be had at about 2500 helo time. Sound about right?

Thanks.

[RynoB]

Here is a link for Air Evac Lifeteam. They are a large EMS company that covers a large geographic area. They have different time requirements for different states, but they list all of them on their site.

http://careers.lifeteam.net/qualificationtable.htm

If that link doesn't work, try: http://careers.lifeteam.net/aviation.html and half way down the page there is a link for the qualifications table.

PHI also has an EMS division. I guess you could work GOM and maybe transfer to EMS. Their site is http://www.phihelico.com

[redcell38]

Although I am new to helicopters I will say that since I live 5 minutes from the airport that supplies helicopters and crew for GOM, They are booming, Some people are getting jobs with 500 hours as co pilots,
The average starting pay is around 50k, 7 on and 7 off and per diem etc... . Since Katrina they have had to consolidate the work crews and there has been a ton of oilfield work fixing platforms and other rigs, hence they need to get many people out to the rigs fast.
I think you can make up to around 80k for the big sikorskys. If you have 800 hours you should have no problem. I know you will now need an instrument rating.
I have also met a former army pilot who is now an ems pilot makes 50k a year same schedule 7 on 7 off. The offshore jobs I think pay more than the EMS
There is one other thing to consider, the cost of living down here is pretty cheap considering the rest of the country and the people are great.

[RynoB]

I heard just a few months ago that salaries are on the rise in the GOM. I guess they used to be pretty low, but demand for pilots there is on the rise and is a big factor for the increase in pay. Again, that was just second hand information.

[Ian J]

I have been seeing the same trends... it is seriously making me think about getting out of the Army next summer and actually fly for a living. Desk work just ain't cutting it. Even though I flight intruct on the civilian side evenings and weekends, it's just not the same as helicopters.

Very difficult choice to make.

[n57flyguy]

Chinook, Do you read AOPA pilot? there was an artical about EMS helo flying, you should check it out.

[Ian J]

Originally Posted by n57flyguy

Chinook, Do you read AOPA pilot? there was an artical about EMS helo flying, you should check it out.

Yeah, I read that one. It was very good... although the writer made himself sound rather self-important and hero-ish.

But yeah, EMS is my dream job... the challenges and constant changes are the most similiar to military flying that there is.

[n57flyguy]

Originally Posted by ChinookDriver

Yeah, I read that one. It was very good... although the writer made himself sound rather self-important and hero-ish.

But yeah, EMS is my dream job... the challenges and constant changes are the most similiar to military flying that there is.

Looks like a cool job, some sweet helos and a rewarding career. I don't think helos are a good careers choice for me, I think it would be just a fun hobby.

[scottyboy75]

I talk to the EMS guys in the next hangar and they love it. They all say the same thing fly before you come to EMS because you won't flying trauma.

[USMC-SSGT]

Chinook,
Do you have a 4 year degree or are you a WO or both? The reason i ask is because I have a brother in law who flies for the Coast Guard. I definately know that military is not everyones bag but he has been in for 4 years and done 2 in Nassau bahamas and the last two in Miami FL and Pennsacola of course. He flies the Dolphin or Dauphin which IMO is probably the nicest in govt equipment and he averages i think around 70 or so hours per month and flies very similiar weather to EMS. I had thought very seriously about pursuing a helo job because it interest me more than fixed wing but it is discouraging because at 250 an hour for dual it is not very practical for me. Had also considered the Army WO route but i have heard that you can end up with a desk job and not putting many hours in the air...and the 18 mo. deployments. Anyway that is just my oppinion. if you have the degree, want to keep the retirement clock running, fly state of the art helicopters in all weather with a fairly quick upgrade (5 or so years from 0 hours) and NOT deploy than it just might be something to consider.

[Ian J]

Originally Posted by USMC-SGT

Chinook,
Do you have a 4 year degree or are you a WO or both? The reason i ask is because I have a brother in law who flies for the Coast Guard. I definately know that military is not everyones bag but he has been in for 4 years and done 2 in Nassau bahamas and the last two in Miami FL and Pennsacola of course. He flies the Dolphin or Dauphin which IMO is probably the nicest in govt equipment and he averages i think around 70 or so hours per month and flies very similiar weather to EMS. I had thought very seriously about pursuing a helo job because it interest me more than fixed wing but it is discouraging because at 250 an hour for dual it is not very practical for me. Had also considered the Army WO route but i have heard that you can end up with a desk job and not putting many hours in the air...and the 18 mo. deployments. Anyway that is just my oppinion, if you have the degree, want to keep the retirement clock running, fly state of the art helicopters in all weather with a fairly quick upgrade (5 or so years from 0 hours) and NOT deploy than it just might be something to consider.

Oh I have certainly considered it! Unfortunately, I'm too old. Cut off is 30 or 31.

And that's incorrect about WOs at a desk... they are the ones who keep flying. Guys like me (commissioned) are the ones who eventually get banished to a desk.

Thanks for the idea though! Little late for me. Hell, 30 is the new 20 anyway, right?

[USMC-SSGT]

Anytime Chinook, i probably could have figured that you would have known about all of your options though. And yes 30 is the new 20..i think about the cutoffs sometimes too, to keep my options open. My Marine contract will end when i am 25 and that doesnt give me too many more years before the chance is totally gone (not that i want it, but it is nice to know its there)