500 minimum where?

[Pietrantonio]

I haven't seen any 500 hour mins for any of the offshore operators such as PHI and ERA. PHI states a minimum of 1000hrs, and ERA was stating a minimum of 1250hrs. Just wondering where 500 hours has come up? I know i've heard it before, numerous times, but everywhere I search, I come up empty haned with the whole 500hrs minimum time.

Thanks!

[Ian J]

Contract work in Alaska or firefighting out west maybe? Or what about Vegas tours?

[scottyboy75]

It was floating around for awhile. I don't think it is true though. If it were there would be a vacum of CFI's. Some operators will look at you for SIC spots in the bigger ships but I only know of one person who did that and he ended up in Vegas flying tours. He said that during training he had a hard time stabilizing the load at the end of the line and threw in the towel.
Shane

[Pietrantonio]

Thanks for the input on the minimums. One other thing, that I was thinking of. What about jumpseats on airlines to get to/from the bases for companies such as PHI, ERA, etc...? Does anyone know what airlines offer this service? I live in NC right now, but in a year or two, a move back to Port Charlotte, FL (West Coast) might take place. It's right off the gulf, but still not close enough to a main base. Any ideas, or anything is greatly appreciated.

[scottyboy75]

Air Log has a jumpseat with Continental. PHI does not have any. Those are the only two I know for sure. Some of the company websites have the benifits listed. There is a website ran by Brian Hudson that has more info.

[Pietrantonio]

Anyone have any idea what the housing looks like? Is it a big dorm kind of area, or apartments?

[scottyboy75]

Trailers bro trailers. Right on the edge of the swamp. A buddy of mine has pics of the crews hand feeding gators on weather days.
Shane

[Ian J]

Why I went fixed wing - at least one of the reasons.

[Pietrantonio]

I always knew you had to start somewhere, but living in a trailer on the edge of the swamp for 7 or 14 days on...I'll sleep in the helo.

I've been looking into this offshore flying simply because of the turbine transition training they will provide. I have no idea on average how many hours a pilot can accumulate flying offshore. I know a lot depends on weather. I'm sure you won't get the night time hours either, since most are day VFR operators. I don't know if its unrealistic, but I was thinking that maybe a year flying offshore would land me a better civilian job. Also, I can imagine that flying SIC is something that a pilot really doesnt want. After all, most companies are requiring x amount of hours PIC time. Hmmm...I love helos, and just got approved to start training. I'm sure as with most aviation positions, the QOL will improve as time accumulates, etc.

[Pietrantonio]

What are you stats scottyboy75? What's your philosophy and ideas on how to really move up and progress to other types of helicopter jobs. My main career goal is EMS. Once I start training, I will have Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, CFII. I've checked out justhelicopters.com and they've got some decent jobs with little hours. Most of it flying R44, which is still sweet, but then again, theres no turbine time in that. I guess I'm just still really new to the helo side of aviation, so I have a million questions. Whats your outlook?

[scottyboy75]

I am a CFII at a school in Utah. I do have some airplane time but no fixed wing ratings. I think that night time is gold. I try to score as much as possible when I can. You won't get much night at the Gulf but you are right the turbin is nice. I am looking at Air Log when I hit the magic number as I have a ton of friends there. A lot of it is just paying dues. I am looking at getting the required time to fly tours in Vegas where you can build night time. So it just depends on where the wind blows I guess.
Shane

[bumflip]

I know that this has gone a little cold, but Scenic Helicopter Tours in Sevierville, TN will hire you with 500. Flew there for about a year and earned almost 1200 hours! And They will transition you into the 206 if your a hard worker and worthy. Talk to Dan Haynes...Oh yeah, they want about 25-50 hours 44 time though...Good Luck!

[scottyboy75]

Is the pay enough to put food on the table? I might be interested in the next couple of months. As of now I have about 75 hrs of 44 time. TT is only about 350 though. It has been a slow winter.
Shane

[bumflip]

Yes. I think the starting pay is somewhere around 12.50 to 15.00 per clock hour. Starting about now, your getting 8-10 hours per day, and in the summer 10-12 hours per day. Tn does not pay overtime to pilots. Also you get tips. I would still try calling and getting contact made. Also if you are a CFI, that will really help you out! Let me know how it goes.

Oh, and don't wait, they are starting to hire now!

[ppragman]

Originally Posted by Ian J

Contract work in Alaska or firefighting out west maybe? Or what about Vegas tours?

Definately not up here, insurance won't allow it.

[LAFF]

Originally Posted by Pietrantonio

I haven't seen any 500 hour mins for any of the offshore operators such as PHI and ERA. PHI states a minimum of 1000hrs, and ERA was stating a minimum of 1250hrs. Just wondering where 500 hours has come up? I know i've heard it before, numerous times, but everywhere I search, I come up empty haned with the whole 500hrs minimum time.

Thanks!

PHI will interview you at 800 hours and even hire you if you do well. I know one of their training pilots (family) and my father flew for PHI for 24 years.

If you have any questions about PHI, GoM, the south Louisiana area ask away...

You can make a good living and have time to start / own / a side business. My parents did the Subway thing and had 11 Subway stores in south Louisiana.

-LAFF

[scottyboy75]

Typing the resume and making the call on Mon. Thanks for the heads up.
Shane

[LAFF]

Sorry about this....


As of 2/25/08 PHI raised their mins to 1500 TT.

-LAFF

[MFT1Air]

Maybe these guys know. . .

http://www.hothelicopters.com/offshore.htm