Probably a topic that is getting old, but I need some good, first-hand advice!

[CHP_Rotor_King]

Don?t let the name fool you! I will be attending helicopter pilot school in a few months and aspire to fly for the Highway Patrol when I graduate. I already know the minimum requirements, but have a few questions about qualifying for Air Ops that I hoped people with first-hand experience could help me with:

1.) Are the 300 hours of flight time required to be in the exact type of helicopters CHP uses, or can it simply be in any helicopter?

2.) Is there anything I can do to give me a competitive edge over the others I will be competing against (e.g. extra certifications)?

3.) Do pilot positions frequently become available?

Sorry if this topic is getting old for everyone, I am just really excited about getting my education done so I can start my career!

Thanks guys

[16528]

1.) Are the 300 hours of flight time required to be in the exact type of helicopters CHP uses, or can it simply be in any helicopter?

No, just 300 PIC.

2.) Is there anything I can do to give me a competitive edge over the others I will be competing against (e.g. extra certifications)?

You will need a Comm w/ Inst rating but CFII & ATP would help you.

3.) Do pilot positions frequently become available?

The Dept. is hurting for pilots, period!!

What school are you going to??

[CHP_Rotor_King]

Well I am torn between two: Silver State Helicopters in Oakland and HAI (Helicopter Adventures Inc.) in Concord. They both have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it's making my decision that much harder! The time to make a definitive decision is coming up pretty fast so I am probably going to choose HAI. Do you have any recommendations?

[16528]

HAI for sure!!! I've been a student since ummmm 95. Its not cheap!!! Do your self a favor and get an american instructor.. Some of the foreign guys are difficult to understand, thus learn from.. HAI has 300CB's and they're easier to fly than the Robby. You'll be doing solo flights in 15-20 (max) hours in th CB. Call Chuck, he'll hook you up.

Have you taken an intro flight yet???

[CHP_Rotor_King]

haha I was hoping you would recommend HAI! And yes I just took my intro flight a couple days ago (I had John) and wow...what an experience!! I can't wait to start school! I assume you are also going for Air Ops?

[Flying Pig]

They fly the Eurocopter AS350 B3. Youd never be able to afford your flight training in one......IF...and I mean IF...you could even find one to rent, it would cost you about $1200 per hour! Stick with the 300C or R-22.

[not5150]

I don't know how you helicopter students do it. I thought my fixed wing training was expensive, but looking your hourly rental rates makes me dizzy.

My primary flight school, MI Air in Redlands, also offers helicopter training. The chief instructor told me that just hovering in place takes a few hours to master. I've seen students almost tip the bird over during hovering too :smile:

Fixed wing planes are inherently stable, whereas the copters are unstable. I can "relax" a bit when flying the Cessna because I can take my hands off, but you can't do that in a helicopter.

[CHP_Rotor_King]

Yea I'm looking at around 60K JUST to get all my certifications (granted I am getting more than CHP requires just in case I don't get hired) plus whatever amount it will take to get myself up to the BARE minimum 300 required hours:mad: So no, $1200 per hour wouldn't be too economical! I was allowed to hover on my demo flight. We sat in place for a minute, then he had me go back and forth along the runway...and damn, I was scared as hell! I did ok, but understand how hard it really is to fly a helicopter!

Thanks for the input guys

[16528]

I can "relax" a bit when flying the Cessna because I can take my hands off, but you can't do that in a helicopter.

Oh yes you can!!!:badgrin: :badgrin:

[Lucky Seven]

Is your career choice LE or flying? If it is LE then you should focus on that first.

I looked into the flight school and also talked with our Chief Rotor Pilot and made the decision not to go to flight school. (I may still get my private license for fun).

Just because you have all the minimum requirements does not guarantee you a pilot position. The Chief Pilot told me that military pilots have flunked out of their (CHP) program.

The bottom line is: If you can afford the 60k then go for it. If money is an issue or your career choice is LE then get on with a department first and then re-evaluate going to flight school.

[Flying Pig]

Im not a CHP officer/pilot...but I would imagine military pilots would fail out more based on attitude vs. skill? Kinda like the "what are YOU going to teach me" attitude.

[CHP_Rotor_King]

I may sound dumb asking this...but what is LE?

[SB 405]

Law Enforcement