low hour cpl

[barton buzzer]

Hi, Just joined pprune. Great site.
Just got my cpl(h) and its's slow getting that first job as you all know - any advice?

And why is it we are possibly about to go to war and the military say they are short on pilots but they won't take on a fully qualified cpl raring to go who's only 31, praps this is for the military site.

Barton Buzza:D

[MightyGem]

Simple really. Are you a fully trained soldier? Are you able to fly your helicopter at speeds up to 120 knts, below 50 feet and fight a battle at the same time? Can you direct artillery fire or talk in fast jets to attack a target? etc, etc, etc.

If you'd joined the military 10 years ago then you could probably say yes to the above and be on your way. As you didn't...c'est la vie.:)

[handyandyuk]

Hey Gem,

I can answer yes to all that, having had over 17 years Brit Army experience.... however talking to the Teeny Weeny Airways guys in Bosnia, I was informed even though I am ex Army and already a pilot, I couldn't even join the TA as a pilot. Despite any lack of pilots, MoD won't even say hello unless you've completed min 1 tour as a mil. pilot. Pity... wouldn't do my pension any harm.:cool:

And a conversion to something in a fetching green and grey paintjob wouldn't hurt their budget.

[MightyGem]

Hmmm...last time I checked the AAC's orbat, there was a distinct lack of R22s.:D

[Helibloke]

Dont the Americans have Civvie Helo pilots as Army Reserve Helo Pilots/crew.
They must manage to get through all that hard stuff like, FAC training, Daring low level manouvers and the GEMS that make the military Pilots so Great!
Mate its like everything get a joker who can fly a Helicopter and TRAIN him/her to fight with it. That is how you guys all learned.
I think there is room in the TA for Civilian Helo pilots who can be trained to use the machine as a weapons/command and control platform.
Not really having a go here, I just think if the guys can be trained then why not give it a go. Might help with this pilot shortage we are always hearing about.
Just my opinion

[What-ho Squiffy!]

Why won't they take on a 31 year old? Surely if you pass all the testing etc, off you go to basic training and pilot's course. Barton, if you don't get a job over there, come down to Australia, where the upper age limit is (around) 47! Sit the testing and interviews, then off you go.

It's not rocket science :}

[handyandyuk]

Interesting idea though Gem..... R22 with say a couple of 94mm strapped to the skids.... give the passenger an SMG.... might be just what AAC needs till someone sorts out Longbow.

Darn sight cheaper too...:D

[ClearBlueWater]

What-ho Squiffy, are you sure about the upper age limit for Aus Military pilots being up in the 40s? A mate of mine who spent 5 years in the RN as a fish head is now a PPL (H) and he looked into the Aus Army option but was told that as he's 32 he's too old to start.

We all know its a load of crap but we aren't going to change the way the Forces work.

Anyway, who in their right mind would want to be involved in attacking Iraq? There might be a link here - maybe they don't want older pilots because older folk are liable to think a little more about what they're doing... INCOMING!!!

[SLBAGAGE]

As a 29 year old Aust CPL (H) with 8 years ARES experience. Instrument time, twin rating SAR/EMS etc etc I applied for the Aust Army as a pilot, only to be told I was to old and would not be upto the rigours of army life, and that I may have to many bad habits already from my civie flying training!
Go figure. You can teach a monkey to fly, but you can't teach a old dog new tricks!
;)