Does helicopter multi-engine time count as "multi" time for airline hiring minimums?

I understand the arguement with a single thrust line...vs critical engine, Vmc, etc. I do hold a Comm/Inst. ME ticket, just curious if it is time to buy some block time?

If it is not ME time...would a Cessna 210, F-18, or one of the other multiple center thrustline fixed wing aircraft be considered multi?

Thanks.

 

No, they will not count your helicopter time to meet the multi minimums.

The industry is run by fixed wing guys.

There was a belief that one didn't need strong instrument skills to fly helicopters. Holding on to that silliness and ignoring the skill of modern day helicopters pilots keeps the competition down.

When I left the military in 1998, a major airline chief pilot told a friend "That helicopter time wont hurt him". As a general rule, most companies will consider helicopter time as part of your total time. However, some do not. By meeting the fixed wing multi minimums, I was able to get a start at a regional airline. Once there, the company elected to "junior man" me into the left seat because I had the total time required by their insurance company.

A friend recently left that same regional for a very good corporate job. He was selected over several other qualified candidates specifically because he had once been an H-60 instructor pilot and they had a S-76 in their flight department. He now flies both jets and helicopters.

The skills required to complete military helicopter flight training will serve you well in your civilian career. You have excellent instrument flying skills and you have learned to work together as a team with your flight crew. You understand the requirement for standards and you know how to study and pass check rides. Once you get in the door, these skills will serve you well.

Stay in touch with the guys you meet in the service. You will likely need a recommendation at some point down the road.

How do you get the multi time? I owned an airplane and later, I flew military club aircraft on business trips. An other way is to find someone who needs a commercial pilot to ride along their jet. I recall a fellow applicant for a regional job that had sat in the right seat of the governors Lear jet for 200 hours of "multi" time. The only thing he ever touched was the gear and flap handles and maybe the radio once up at cruise. Apparently, that is more valuable than the experience you gain completing military flight school. Not.

Good luck.