Mmmmm .... Well does it really matter?
Having been in the Helicopter game since 1974 I wonder!
I initially came through the Australian system pre 1975. After Matriculating from school, did all the necessary exams the hard way (?) i.e. essay type answers did all the flying at much the same time as also becoming a LAME (Licensed Aircraft Engineer) went into commercial ops and learnt the realities!
Had a severe rush of blood to the head and decided to go to obtain a UK ATPL H (vintage 1980) thus did a bunch more essay type exams and had an "Open Walletectomy" performed by a really professional mob called the UK CAA! ..... Ha Ha still managed to get their licence!
Then for work requirements needed the "Yank" equivalent so whilst waiting also got CFII and A&P rating (now that
was relatively easy compared to doing an Engineering apprenticeship ??).
Having then spent years working around the world collecting various type ratings,Instrument ratings experience, knowledge and other various bits of plastic and paper credential I find that helicopter pilot employers tend to have one thing in common .........
THEY ALL TEND TO RATE THEIR PILOTS ONE RANK BELOW THE OFFICE CAT IN STATUS!
Cheers
