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Old 4th Jun 2012, 01:27
  #5 (permalink)  
Arm out the window
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: North Queensland, Australia
Posts: 2,980
Received 14 Likes on 7 Posts
With about 200 hrs turbine helicopter you should be able to get a CPL relatively easily, shouldn't you? I think it's about 105 hrs all up in Australia to get one, along with the appropriate subject passes. Sling and winch would have been included in your Army flying, I'd expect? Low flying as well, of course.

Get on to your flying regulator (CAA for you guys? Not sure) and see what you're entitled to as far as recognition of prior experience goes. See a reputable flying school and get the CFI to work out a transition plan of some sort to get you up to speed and get your licences and ratings good to go.

Then you can look into getting jobs. Over here you need about 1000 hrs to get a turbine job (insurance issues for the employer) but again, see what's about. As part of your CPL transition to the civil world, maybe you can get Robbie R22 and R44 endorsements to give you an entry into those job avenues.

Things like a dangerous goods handling certificate are often a requirement, but are easy to get. You probably have HUET already? A lot of employers want that.

Anyway, obviously get a CPL if you want to fly for money. Good luck to you.
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