Bond (Air Ambulance) pilot roster

[SextanteUK]

Hi everyone,

I know it varies depending on the service/base, but I was wondering if any of you know the roster in the Scottish Air Ambulance. (Glasgow exactly)

It might seem stupid but between all the possible jobs one could get, that's the only one I really want, fly that yellow beauty and living in Edinbrugh. That's my whole dream. It might take years to get there but I'm ok with it.

I'm a spaniard living in the US, and I assume I nead to instruct here until I get to 1000-1500h, and then I'd have a small chance there in UK.


Thanks for your help guys

[Geoffersincornwall]

Good luck with that plan. There is however something you should understand about living in Edinburgh and working in Glasgow. It's called the M8. Check it out if your dream comes true you could be spending a lot of time there. Rail may be a better alternative if you can afford it. First you will need an EASA license then beat the door down at Bond HQ.

Aye

G.

[SextanteUK]

I lived 2 years in Edinbrugh, and got to know a little bit the M8 :ugh: but hey, nothing is perfect lol.
I have EASA ATPL (A) and in the future I'll get my EASA CPL(H)+IR(H), and since I have EASA IR(A) it won't be such a nightmare.

Any idea about the roster with them?:8

[OvertHawk]

There are significant minimum requirements for rotary time that you will need to meet before you will be eligible for that job so you will need to build a good bit of rotary experience first.

As for the roster, i understand that it is 4 days on / 4 days off - two day shifts followed by 2 night shifts ( So in reality it's 3.5 days off in that you finish from a night shift so it's not really a day off).

I also understand that they require you to live within a minimum distance / travelling time of the base so living in Edinburgh for the Glasgow base is not going to be an option.

I stand to be corrected if I'm wrong on any of that - my info may be a bit behind the times. (Don't think it's too far off though).

OH

[SextanteUK]

I'll fly as much as needed before moving back to UK. It's not easy here, but I think it's easier than getting a FI job in Europe.

That roster would me really nice, it's was I was expecting.

Travelling time if I'm not wrong is 45min? or maybe it was 45 miles dist., not sure. And I know Edinburgh is around 60 miles and more like 1h (of course in theory, traffic is there). However, I could imagine some flexibility in this aspect, but again, maybe not. That's not the most important thing right now.

Thanks OH for the information :8

[Bravo73]

BAS are currently advertising for a HEMS position in Inverness. I imagine that the Glasgow requirements would be similar.


A position has arisen for a HEMS pilot based in Inverness.

Qualifications & Experience:

JAA/EASA. CPL(H) & IR, OR ATPL(H).
Either :
a)1000 hours pilot in command of aircraft of which 500 hours is pilot in command on helicopters;

Or

b) 1000 hours as co-pilot in HEMS/ Police operations of which 500 hours is as pilot in command under supervision; and, 100 hours pilot in command of helicopters

500 hours operating experience in turbine helicopters in an operational environment similar to the intended operation.
For pilots engaged in night operations, 20 hours VMC at night as pilot in command.
Fluent English, Driving Licence, Passport, Right to work in the UK.


The successful candidate would be required to reside within 45 minutes/25 miles of the allocated base or make arrangements for accommodation at their own expense.

[Brilliant Stuff]

Sextant, I know of a pilot who set out to fly helicopters with the sole aim to fly the Fairoaks Police machine, it took them 16 years but they did it! So did give up on your dreams!!!

[Tango123]

I can make a tick mark on all of them, even have NVG experience, loads of hours on similar type used in Inverness and willing to relocate. Applied but heard absolute nothing. The minimum requirements advertised by Bond is pro forma.

But as stated:
"Please note if your application is of interest to us we will normally contact you within two weeks of receiving your CV. If you aren’t contacted within this period, please don’t re-submit your CV."

The vacant jobs will more than most likely go to someone they know, or someone that knows someone they know........

[Modtro]

From some of your previous posts I understand you won the green card lottery a few years back, congratulations on that one. If it's your true dream keep pursuing it but keep reality in sight...

I stand to be corrected, but as I see it you have the incredible opportunity to make it happen as long as you stay in the US and are able to gain the required experience. I don't know where you stand now and what you want to do, if instructing there are a few busy schools in the US desperate for spanish speaking CFIs (where you could eventually gain turbine time, night and NVG), do some tours or get into HEMS flying.

Ditto to what Tango said, most of the minimum requirements are pro forma and nothing more. I am on a jobhunt myself with 1600 hrs total and also some longline time, but for now it's like banging my head to a wall because I'm not willing and able to pay for a 412 or AW139 type rating...

To be honest, I would hold onto the green card and go to Edinburgh as a tourist, but that is just me.

Modtro.

[SextanteUK]

Yeah I won it, and right now I'm living in Las Vegas. Lots of helicopters over me in a daily basis lol.

I've been working in solar plants, saving money to "convert" my EASA, but since this one is expired, I just need some flight training (25h or so) to prepare PPL/CPL/IR/ME checkrides. I do have all the hours required, I just need to learn a few different maneuvers and re-gain some skills, that's it. BUT that's talking about airplanes. I just don't want to fly airplanes anymore, at least not with the T&C you see now in the airlines. Having to pay for TR, "flexi" contracts for "X" years, then what.....no thanks. And I've been living in many different places during the last 7 years, and I know I want to live right there, in Edinburgh. So if I wanted to fly airplanes, I'd have to commute, or I'd have to try to join Easyjet no matter what, and then pray every day to get Edinburgh base after who knows how many years...

My pilot friends tell me to stay here in the US, many opportunities, that's true, but my parents are 9.000km away, and they are getting old, and it's not a nice feeling. I want to create a family, european values and being close to them is important to me.

Helicopters. I freaking love them, what can I say. And HEMS operation looks awesome to me, and SAR even more amazing. That's why I'm gonna get my licence while I keep working in boring solar plants, and hopefully as a truck driver in a few weeks.

I know about the MIL contract Bristow Academy has and their necessity for bi-lingual CFI's. Is there any other school needing bi-lingual people?.
Since they're not cheap at all, I was planning on getting CPL/IR here in Vegas, and then CFI/EASA CPL there in Bristow.

[SextanteUK]

16 years is a lot, and I'm already 32 :} but I get the message!, and you're right, thanks!

[SextanteUK]

thanks all for participating :E