jet_noseover
9th Jan 2007, 01:22
"It's amazing when you're sitting there on the south lawn, the rotors are stopped, engines online, and you're looking out your window, you see all the press, all the visitors -- then you look over your shoulder, and you see the president walking up to the 'copter," Quigley said. "He gets in, shakes the pilot's hand, gives you the man (slap on the back) slap. Then you suddenly realize you have him on board, and you hope you do it all right!"
The assignment to the squadron lasts four years. Each pilot considered must have at least 1,500 hours flying time and a good service record with no derogatory information that might prevent one from obtaining a top secret security clearance.
During the first year and some of the second year, the new pilots must learn how to fly the two presidential helicopters, the VH-3 and the VH-60. Once the pilot learns those two aircraft, he can receive his co-pilot wings and fly any mission. During the third year the pilot goes back through the training school again, but this time it's much more intense and thorough, as now the pilot is being evaluated to be a White House aircraft commander, which can allow the pilot to command any helicopter flying any mission carrying any VIP up to the vice president, Quigley said.
"During the fourth year, you can progress further if you are selected; you can be a command pilot and Marine One pilot," Quigley said.
There are only five Marine One pilots, including the commanding officer of the squadron.
Now in the middle of his second year, Quigley is currently a mission co-pilot; he will start the White House flight training in the spring.
Much more at:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17682808&BRD=1382&PAG=461&dept_id=161822&rfi=6
The assignment to the squadron lasts four years. Each pilot considered must have at least 1,500 hours flying time and a good service record with no derogatory information that might prevent one from obtaining a top secret security clearance.
During the first year and some of the second year, the new pilots must learn how to fly the two presidential helicopters, the VH-3 and the VH-60. Once the pilot learns those two aircraft, he can receive his co-pilot wings and fly any mission. During the third year the pilot goes back through the training school again, but this time it's much more intense and thorough, as now the pilot is being evaluated to be a White House aircraft commander, which can allow the pilot to command any helicopter flying any mission carrying any VIP up to the vice president, Quigley said.
"During the fourth year, you can progress further if you are selected; you can be a command pilot and Marine One pilot," Quigley said.
There are only five Marine One pilots, including the commanding officer of the squadron.
Now in the middle of his second year, Quigley is currently a mission co-pilot; he will start the White House flight training in the spring.
Much more at:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17682808&BRD=1382&PAG=461&dept_id=161822&rfi=6