Originally Posted by
gipsymagpie
So don't worry about the ATPL exams. For the purpose of issuing an ATPL you only need to maintain a type rating on any helicopter to keep them valid (this is different to fixed wing). The IR part is as you have already said - you need to do your IR within 3 years and then you have 7 years after holding a valid IR to redo some of the exams (just the IR ones). So don't sweat it. Do your ME/IR then get a job (co-pilots HEMS perhaps - although very bad for hours building).
As for having an ATPL making a difference for jobs - the answer is it depends. For any single pilot onshore job it makes no difference. For an onshore co-pilot job it makes no difference. For an onshore multipilot onshore job you need one. But you also need over a 1000 hrs so you won't be there for a while. You also likely need to pass a command course Basically don't worry about it at the moment.
For Police and HEMS you need hours (it should be you need experience but that's not actually how it is). You need to find a role to get you those hours (instructing, charter, offshore). You will naturally keep your IR and ATPL theory credit ticking over in most jobs. Note you don't need an IR for the police so actually you could just do instructing then go police when you have the hours - not a recommended route though.
So, focus on your ME/IR, consider what you want to do (and enjoy) then start talking to people who can help you get there .
Originally Posted by
Hot_LZ
You’ve mentioned that you want to get into HEMS/Police etc and that’s a commendable route. But I think you’ve already hit the nail on the head with regard to offshore experience.
As boring as offshore is it has plenty of benefits. You’ll accrue ME & MP time quickly. You’ll have the hours for an ATPL after about 2 years but most importantly it provides a safe & structured environment for you to learn the basics. You’ll come away a very good IF pilot which will serve you for the rest of your career and the training structure will teach you a lot that you can also take forward.
LZ
Originally Posted by
Aucky
Technically, only as commander of an SK92 (or other MPH only certified helicopter), or where the regs otherwise mandate two pilots (I.e. MOSPC >19 pax, or >9 pax IR). Otherwise you can do this with a CPL onshore. EASA have already made this regulation, and the UK will follow, with current exemptions already available subject to meeting minimum hours requirements.
Thank you for answering my main concern, I shouldn't have to do the IR exams again unless it takes me a further 2 years to do my IR which I hope isn't the case!
I haven't totally written off offshore as such althought being a southerner I am slightly reluctant to relocate to Aberdeen for at least 3 years due to the bond period especially as I have no interest in that sector. I interviewed with an operator who has more or less given more a job if I want pending completion of my IR, they have told me I have "passed all the interview and screening stages". I do see however it would be potentially a huge risk to throw away an offshore job and the hours that come with it.
In your opinion would you say I'd be looked at more favourably when applying for HEMS/NPAS/onshore work if I had offshore experience compared to say having PIC onshore experience having done tours/instructing or onshore P2 hours? I'm aware the standardisation and regulation of training offshore will likely be much better than what I'd get say flying tours onshore.