Helicopter Type Rating???

Question

Hey there I'm currently flying Second in command in a Sikorsky S-61. I'm wondering what getting a Type rating entails, how hard it is, and if it's worth it for me to stick to this company for a type rating... advice helpful..

The reason I ask is I"m debating whether or not to go try and get a job pilot in command somwhere or stick to the second in command seat... I have low hours...that's my problem... Thanks!

Answer 1

My short answer to your question is that I don't know. I have never been around anything big enough to need a type rating. I'll give what thoughts I can though.

As far as the type rating itself is concerned, ask those guys you fly with but I think its just an additional checkride. You do some training, get an endorsement, fill out an 8710, and then fly with a check pilot, who will often be affiliated with the company you're working for and approved by the FAA to give checkrides in that type.

All experience is useful and advantageous. However, I wouldn't hang around a company just to get a type rating if a better opportunity is out there. I mean, how many people fly S-61's anyway? In other words, don't stay there just to get a type rating. Stay there for the hours, experiences, opportunity to advance within the company, and contacts you will make. That's my take, but do get the opinions of people with more experience in that part of the industry.

I'm guessing that you are working as the proverbial sandbag (Croman?). My suggestion would be to embrace that job fully. Learn everything you can about the aircraft, the operation, and the pilots. Be as outgoing and inquisitive as you can without being annoying. I like this discussion thread from Just Helicopters:

http://www.justhelicopters.com/topics/de...

There are a lot of perspectives there that are relevant to where you are right now.

As far as looking for another job, I would definitely try it. There's no harm in looking. Keep what you have for now, but always keep your eyes open for something better.

My next thought would be to consider instructing. From one of your other questions it looks like SSH blew up before you finished it. If you can afford it somehow, it's at least worth some thought. I understand the dilemma and it's tough. You would probably like to instruct, but you may not have the cash to finish it and you're drowning in debt. You might be willing to spend the cash, but then there's no guarantee that you'll find a CFI job so you may end up right back where you are. You want PIC hours, but your total time is low. You have a job, but it's SIC time. The tradeoffs are a *****, aren't they?

When weighing the jobs, I would consider the following when comparing the opportunities available:

PIC time is better than SIC time.

Turbine time is better than piston time.

Flying time is better than sandbag time.

More time (per week/month/year etc.) is better than less.

Certainty is better than uncertainty.

Any time is better than no time.

You're in that situation now where you're weighing a SIC/turbine/sandbag/certain job against a PIC/piston/flying/uncertain job. There really isn't a right or wrong answer. Each path has risks and obstacles. The good news is that eventually and with enough persistence, you will get to where you want to be. It may seem like it sucks now, but each experience contributes to your own unique career path. Every hour you log makes you a more experienced and more employable pilot. Just keep pushing and you will make it. There have been a lot of other folks who got their start right where you are and ended up with a great career, so persevere.

Remember also that you are in a somewhat unique corner of the industry. If you can get your foot in the door, it may turn into a great opportunity.

If you aren't familiar with the forums, I highly recommend them. Yes, there is a lot of c**p on there, but it is the best way to get multiple perspectives from other helicopter pilots.

http://www.justhelicopters.com/home/jhfo...

http://www.verticalreference.com/

I'm sorry I don't have the answer for you, but maybe it at least helps the thought process. Get as many other perspectives as you can. Take care and good luck!