Fixed wing to Rotor

[johnnypick]

Sorry, but I'd like to ask a few questions in one go!!

1. Can anyone tell me what ATPL theory exams need to be taken in addition to the14 I've already passed for the fixed wing ATP's.

2. What is needed to covert from CPL(A) to (H). Would consider going via the FAA route first as I've an FAA CPL aswell.

3. Do most Rotor jobs require an IR.

4. Is the job market as bad as the fixed wing one.

Cheers

Johnny

[puntosaurus]

Assuming you're talking UK/JAA LASORS (http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?categoryid=33&pagetype=65&applicationid=11&mode=list&type=subcat&id=8) Should always be your first port of call for these licensing questions. If so, your first question is answered in the note at the end of section J JAR-FCL Theoretical Knowledge Requirements.

Similarly, until such time as the aforementioned interim
arrangement for helicopter theoretical knowledge
ceases, a candidate with valid JAR ATPL(A) theory
credit who wishes to obtain JAR ATPL(H) theory credit
through an approved training provider currently using
the nterim arrangement, will be awarded a credit for
those subjects in which the equivalent ATPL(A)
examinations are sat. Important: a candidate who
qualifies for one or more exam credits should note that
for the purposes of JAR-FCL 2.490, the validity of JAR
ATPL(H) theory credit will be calculated as 36 months
from the date of gaining a pass in the JAR ATPL(A)
theory examinations, NOT from the date of completing
the ATPL(H) bridging requirements.

For practical purposes this means that you should only need to do the Helicopter Principles of Flight paper, assuming you're still current on the others. If not current there are Bridge exam requirements quoted also in Section J.

Your second question is answered in section D4.2(C) JAR-FCL CPL (Helicopter)

D4.2(C) JAR-FCL CPL(H) Modular Course
Flying Training/Experience
Requirements
Holders of a PPL(H) issued in accordance with ICAO
Annex 1, with the minimum flying experience detailed
below, may commence an Approved JAR CPL(H)
Modular Course of training:
• 155 hours flight time as pilot of helicopters,
including 50 hours as PIC of helicopters of which
10 hours shall be cross-country, or
• 135 hours as pilot of helicopters if holder of a
PPL(A), including 30 hours as PIC of helicopters;
or
• 105 hours as pilot of helicopters if holder of a
CPL(A).
• have complied with JAR-FCL 2.225 and 2.240 if a
multi-engine helicopter is to be used on the skill
test.
• Applicants with a valid Instrument Rating (H) shall
be given at least 20 hours dual visual flight
instruction and shall be fully credited towards the
dual instrument instruction time. The same credit
may be given to applicants who have completed
an IR(H) modular course of training and passed
the IR(H) skill test but have not applied for the
IR(H) licence endorsement providing that the
IR(H) course and JAR CPL(H) modular course are
conducted totally separately from each other, and
that there is no training overlap between the two
courses.
• Applicants with a valid Instrument Rating (A) shall
be given at least 20 hours dual visual flight
instruction and 5 hours helicopter dual instrument
training or a QSP(A) with Green Instrument Rating
.
• Applicants without a Night Qualification
(Helicopter) shall additionally complete a minimum
of 5 hours night flight instruction.
• Applicants with a valid non-JAA CPL(H) may have
the training reduced at the discretion of the
Authority on the basis of a recommendation from
the FTO.
The Modular Course consists of 30 hours dual
instruction time, up to 20 hours visual instruction may
include 5 hours in a helicopter FNPT II/III or FS, and 10
hours instrument instruction, which may include 5 hours
in at least an aeroplane FNPT I or helicopter FNPT I or
an aeroplane. Flying completed on the course may be
counted towards meeting the flying experience
requirements for licence issue as detailed below.
An applicant for a JAR-FCL CPL(H) must have
completed a minimum of 185 hours of flight time (see
D4.2(C) Notes). This must include the particular
requirements specified in D4.2(c) a, b and c below as
pilot of helicopters:-
(a) 50 hours as Pilot-in-Command, or 35 hours as
Pilot-in-Command if completed during a
course of integrated flying training;
10 hours of cross-country flight time as
Pilot-in-Command, including a cross-country
flight totalling at least 185 km (100 nm) in the
course of which full-stop landings at two
aerodromes different from the aerodromes of
departure shall be made.
(b) 10 hours of instrument dual instruction time
(for applicants without an IR), of which not
more than 5 hours is to be instrument ground
time (in a FNPT I or II or a Flight Simulator).
(c) 5 hours Night flying (for applicants without a
PPL(H) NQ) comprising of at least 3 hours of
dual instruction, including at least 1 hour of
cross-country navigation, and 5 solo take-offs
and full-stop landings, each to include one
circuit.

Others are probably better qualified to answer your last two questions, but my understanding is that the IR is a pre-requisite for offshore work, and useful but not essential onshore. My impression is that the helicopter job market is much more fragmented and informal than fixed wing, largely because the market for scheduled helicopter operators/services is undeveloped by comparison with fixed wing.