jjstakem

I am trying to figure out with the new regulations for air carriers if a prior Marine Corps Helicopter Pilot can make the transition into a regional carrier without too much pain.

I have a little over 1600TT, almost all of which is in helicopters. I have my Single Engine FW commercial, CFI, CFII. I have been looking around the regional websites and most of them want about 50 engine multi-engine time as a minimum, which isn't a lot, but I don't know if I want to finance it. Maybe if there was some way to guarantee a position.

I am not dead set on a airline career, but if I can make the transition in the current hiring climate to a regional I would consider it.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

JBird

Try this site. Geared for Army, but there are probably a lot of guys who advise you.

APTAP ? APTAP XXI Forum

paintyourjet

I think that you are "guaranteed" if you go into a regional interview meeting the requirements and don't screw up the sim evaluation, etc. However, I imagine that it's a bit tough for someone to offer you a class if you don't meet the requirements, even if its a small thing.

Toonces

I'm doing the same thing. Navy helicopter pilot with the same quals as you, looking for the same route to the regionals so I can eat ramen for a few years while building a crap ton of time.

Here's my current plan, it will probably work for you:
-I'm using the GI Bill to pay for a Airplane Multi-Engine Land add-on rating. It will end up being about half the yearly allotment. Then, I'll use the rest to get my MEI add-on. I can build ME time using my MEI, and I also have a bunch of money saved so I can build hours on my own dime.
-I have plenty of PIC time, but only 12 PIC hours in airplanes. The ATP rules specifically require 250 hours of PIC in airplanes (not helicopters) in order to count toward your ATP minimums. This is a hiring requirement at all 121 carriers. I'm going to use my CFII card for a couple months while enjoying being home every night and building enough time to check the block.
-You'll probably meet the rest of the ATP requirements. X/C, night, instrument, etc. just from helicopter flying.

Good luck, keep reading the boards, PM me for any other specifics.

porqueno

get your multi engine and apply to piedmont-airlines.com they're not the best, but they will hire you

mexipilot84

Does the military 750 rule also apply the 250hrs as well? Not sure what the new rule spelled out for it.

rickair7777

Gents,

Better do some more research. The FAA allows most of your 1500 TT for the ATP to come from RW.

But airlines have often required that ALL of their minimum required total time be FW. There are several exceptions (SKW is one) which give partial credit for a significant block of helo time but you will probably still need a large amount FW to round out the total.

Airlines may not even be thinking about helo time...If an airline's web site does not SPECIFICALLY address helo time, then better assume that they require FW time across the board. You can always call them for clarification, and I would do that before planning your next moves. You'll want to identify those regionals which will hire you, and how much FW they'll actually require.

Here's SKWs formula as an example...

SkyWest Airlines recognizes the skills common to helicopter and glider flying. SkyWest will accept up to one hour of flight time for every two hours helo time; not to exceed 250 hours of helicopter time. Example:
1,250 hours fixed wing
500 hours helo
500/2 = 250
1,250 (fixed) + 250 (helo) = 1,500 hours total time

rickair7777

Yes, the military rule should have all the same requirements except total time is only 750.

Toonces

True statement. Mesa and Expressjet give full credit for helicopter time. Not sure about some others. Atlas Air actually gives partial ME credit if you flew in a ME helicopter. Some Part 135 operators give full credit for helo time too.

Yes. Basically, the military 750 rule merely lowers the total time requirement. The specific number of hours breakdown (PIC,night,instrument,etc) as outlined in Part 61 still applies within the 750. Soooooo, you (and I) need 250 hrs PIC in airplanes.

VERTREPMaster

Jjstakem, any luck finding out any info on the army pilot to airlines forum? I'm a half HELO half FW guy (2250 TT), looking at the airline career too, but it have a little bit of time left on AD.